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You just want to shed the rain off the stack but still allow the firewood to breathe and expel moisture. The best result you can achieve is if the wood pile faces the sun for a few hours each day. The sun is great at drying the wood but also perfect for keeping mould away and also a lot of pests.
How do you keep firewood from getting wet?
Use a tarp to protect your firewood from moisture. You can buy a tarp at any hardware store. Simply lay the tarp over the firewood and tie it down to secure it. You can also weigh the tarp down with something like bricks. It’s important to allow for some air circulation, as you don’t want your firewood to get too dry.
Should firewood be covered?
Ideally, firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried, but this is not practical when rain, snow and ice can quickly coat winter firewood. A good cover over the top of your woodpile will protect it, and be sure the cover is slanted to shed moisture away from the pile’s base.
Is it OK for firewood to get wet?
Seasoned firewood should be stored out of the rain to help prolong how well it keeps for. If seasoned firewood gets rained on it can dry out within a few days, but constant contact with moisture will lead to the wood going bad.
How do you store firewood to dry?
Wood should be stacked in rows no more than four feet high. You can either use a log rack or pallets and posts. If the firewood isn’t fully seasoned yet, stack it bark-side down so the moisture can continue to easily evaporate from the wood.
How do you store firewood for cheap?
There are endless ways to store firewood. But when money is tight and you need dry firewood stored outdoors, something simple such as inexpensive tar paper and a fiberglass tarp can do the trick. Many years ago, a retired engineer taught me how to stack firewood so it air-dries quickly.
Will firewood dry in a pile?
If stacked correctly with all pieces of firewood stacked horizontally, the completed pile will stand as long as the wood can endure. Within a three-month period, the stack will shrink from 10 feet to eight, as the wood quickly dries.
Does firewood dry under tarp?
Tarp. The easiest way to cover your firewood is to use a tarp. After you’ve stacked the wood, place the tarp on the top of the stack. Do not cover the sides of the stack, since you’ll need airflow to dry the wood out.
Should I cover firewood with tarp?
If firewood is seasoned, dry and ready to burn, then it should have a tarp over the top of the stack to protect it from the elements. However, do not cover the sides of the stack with a tarp, or the wood may rot. Even after the wood is dry, the stack needs good air circulation to keep moisture out.
Should you remove bark from firewood?
One precaution includes removing the bark from the firewood. Bark has creosote, which can build up in the chimney and cause a chimney fire. Removing bark will also help you avoid insect infestations in firewood.
Will a fan help dry firewood?
Using a fan can help dry firewood, so long as the environment is free of humidity along with being warm and dry. As a matter of fact, if done right, a fan can speed up the seasoning process, bringing the time down to only a matter of weeks versus several months.
Can wood be too old to burn?
Some sources suggest firewood will still burn if it is aged, but it will not put off as much heat or be as long-lasting as seasoned wood. Other sources advised too old wood will not burn at all. Put plainly, use your best judgment with older wood, and seasoned wood is always a better option if available.
What is the best way to store firewood?
Overall, firewood should be kept on an elevated rack that is covered yet slightly ventilated to allow airflow. Also, firewood should be stored a short distance from the home from your building’s exterior. This ensures that any pests don’t enter your home.
Can I store firewood in my garage?
Firewood is meant for burning, so the last thing you want to do is store it in a section of your garage where there’s a chance that it can catch fire. Storing your firewood inside will help keep it from getting wet and will make it easier to access when needed.
What is the best way to stack firewood?
The best way to stack firewood is on top of a dry platform or raised off the ground, with the cut ends of the logs facing outwards and open to the atmosphere, while ensuring that the logs aren’t packed together too tightly and have sufficient cover if the stack will be subject to rain or snow.
Can you stack firewood on gravel?
Keep your firewood elevated off the ground or on gravel for proper drainage. Moisture can also seep into the bottom layer of wood from the ground via capillary action. Stack firewood with sufficient gaps for air to flow around each log. Do not stack your firewood against your house or other structure.
How long does it take to season firewood?
It can take 3-12 months or longer to season firewood. On average, it usually takes around 6-months to dry out the cut-firewood that you purchased from a store or supplier. Depending on the original timber’s moisture content, it can take more or less time to season.
