Properly seasoned and dry firewood is a fundamental component of efficient wood-burning stoves. Whether you use wood for heating, cooking, or ambiance, it’s crucial to ensure your firewood remains dry, even when stored outside. In this article, we’ll provide clear and concise guidance on how to keep firewood dry when it’s exposed to the elements.
1. Choose the Right Location
Selecting an appropriate location for your outdoor firewood storage is the first step in keeping it dry. Here’s what to consider:
Elevated Platform: Place your firewood on an elevated platform, like a pallet or gravel bed. This prevents direct ground contact and minimizes moisture absorption from the earth.
Ventilation: Ensure there’s adequate airflow around the woodpile. Proper ventilation helps moisture evaporate and reduces the chance of mold or mildew growth.
Avoid Shaded Areas: While some shade is acceptable, avoid storing wood in heavily shaded areas, as it slows down the drying process.
Protection from Rain: If possible, place the woodpile under a roof, awning, or a well-ventilated outdoor shed to shield it from rain.
2. Use Proper Wood Stacking Techniques
The way you stack your firewood can significantly impact its exposure to moisture. Follow these stacking guidelines:
Stack Firewood Tightly: Stack logs tightly together, ensuring minimal gaps between the pieces. This reduces the surface area exposed to rain.
Use an Open Design: Create a stack design that allows air to flow through. Stacking firewood in a crisscross pattern or using log cradles can be effective.
Elevate the Top Layer: Elevate the top layer of your woodpile slightly to protect the rest of the stack from rainwater runoff.
Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp or firewood cover to shield it from direct rainfall while still allowing for ventilation.
3. Allow for Seasoning
Freshly cut wood typically contains a high moisture content that must be reduced through seasoning. Seasoning wood means letting it dry naturally. Here’s how:
Plan Ahead: Ideally, cut and split firewood at least 6-12 months before you intend to use it. This allows it to dry properly.
Stack for Seasoning: When initially stacking wood, ensure it’s exposed to direct sunlight and prevailing winds. These factors expedite the drying process.
Cover Unseasoned Wood: If you have newly cut wood in your stack, consider covering it separately and allowing it more time to season.
4. Use a Quality Firewood Cover
Investing in a quality firewood cover is a smart move to protect your supply. Look for a cover that is:
Waterproof: Ensure the cover is made from waterproof material to effectively repel rain.
Well-Ventilated: Opt for a cover with ventilation to prevent condensation and encourage airflow.
Properly Sized: Select a cover that fits your woodpile adequately, allowing it to be securely fastened.
Securely Tied: Secure the cover tightly over the stack to prevent it from blowing off in strong winds.
5. Regularly Inspect and Maintain
Frequent inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure your firewood stays dry. Keep these practices in mind:
Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect your firewood cover for any signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Replace it as needed.
Move Excess Moisture: If you notice any moisture buildup within the stack, consider shifting the wood to allow it to dry more evenly.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can keep your firewood dry even when stored outside, ensuring a consistent and efficient source of heat for your wood-burning stove. Properly dried firewood not only burns more efficiently but also contributes to a cleaner and safer wood-burning experience.