Properly Selecting, Storing, and Burning Firewood
The days are getting shorter and the nights are feeling colder. The burning season is just around the corner. Are you ready? In this month’s blog, Admiralty Chimney shares tips on selecting, storing, and burning firewood—just in time for the cold weather months.
Select Seasoned Wood
If you’re buying wood to be used this burning season, be certain it’s seasoned, or dry. Unseasoned or green wood burns inefficiently, causing excess smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney. If you’re buying green firewood to season for next year, allow six to nine months for proper drying.
When buying your wood:
Decide what type of wood you want to burn: The denser and drier the firewood, the more efficient it will burn and the more heat it can produce. Because of this, hardwoods are optimal for fireplaces or woodstoves.
Buy local: Wood that is not native to your community can harbor invasive pests that can cause plants and trees on your property to become diseased and die.
Order what you need: A full cord is a unit of cut wood that measures 128 cubic feet. You may be tempted to buy in bulk to last for several years, but be mindful to order only what you need, as stored wood starts to decay after four years.
Verify how much wood was delivered: Ask the vendor to stack the logs so that you can confirm the amount of wood that was delivered before the truck drives away.
Stack Wood for Seasoning and Safety
After you’ve ordered your wood, protect your investment by stacking and storing it properly. Preserve your wood for the winter by following these tips:
Stack wood in sunlight and off the ground to keep moisture at bay. This will promote good airflow beneath the wood. Use a firewood rack or a pair of parallel 2x4s to elevate the wood.
Leave a few inches between stacks for airflow. If stacking near a fence or wall, allow a few inches between the wood and structure for air circulation.
For safety reasons, build your rows no higher than 4 feet.
Pro Tip: If you have firewood that isn’t fully seasoned, stack it bark-side down so moisture can evaporate. If your firewood has already aged, stack them bark-side up to shield from wet weather.
Store Wood Outside
Because firewood lasts for several months, make sure your chosen location doesn’t interfere with yard access. Choose a site that is at least five feet away from your house, yet accessible for grabbing firewood. Check local building and fire codes, which may require a certain distance between woodpiles and structures.
Keeping Your Home and Family Safe
To keep your home and family safe during the burning season, be sure to get your chimney cleaned and inspected before you light your first fire. No matter how seasoned your wood is, burning it causes creosote buildup in your chimney over time, increasing your risk of fire.
Never burn wood that has been manufactured or treated with pesticides or insecticides, as they can all release toxic gases into your home.
Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in NH and MA
Your fireplace and chimney need proper maintenance before the long burning season. Contact us to schedule your cleaning and inspection. Our CCP-certified chimney professionals will ensure your chimney is working safely and efficiently all season long.
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