See if this sounds familiar: It’s a cold winter night, so you decide to light a fire – but keeping it lit takes way too long. Or it goes out quickly and you have to start over. Or, even worse, you light those logs but the fire doesn’t last long enough.
It could be an issue with how you’re storing and caring for your firewood. Here are some tips:
Allow Adequate Seasoning Time
Ask about the age of the wood when looking for firewood for sale in Lincolnwood, IL. Fresh cut wood contains quite a bit of moisture, which hampers combustion. “Seasoning” means allowing logs to air dry for six to 12 months (depending on type). When stacking the wood outside, aim for a sunny, breezy area that’s off the ground during that seasoning process. This helps reduce the moisture. Remember, well-seasoned wood is easier to ignite and provides more heat.
How Are You Stacking Your Wood?
Stack your logs in a single row to avoid crowding. This enables airflow around each piece. Next, try to avoid stacking directly against structures, which can cause moisture to form. Finally, make sure you cover the top of the stack to protect from precipitation while leaving the sides uncovered for max ventilation.
Choose a Convenient, Pest-Free Area
You know who loves that stack of wood? Pests. Find a level, dry spot for storing that gets lots of sun and a light breeze. Then situate your firewood far enough from your home to keep the unwanted critters away from your house.
Use a Purpose-Built Rack for Organization
A customized rack is a great way to keep things organized and off the ground. Look for a sturdy rack appropriately sized for your needs that fits the storage area.
Inspect and Rotate Inventory
Again, back to those pests. You need to check the wood from time to time excess moisture, mold and, of course, pests. And always use older logs first, rotating newer ones to the stack’s rear. This guarantees you’ll burn only the most seasoned, driest wood.
Exercise Safety Precautions
Finally, don’t forget to wear heavy gloves if you want to avoid splinters. And, before you bring them inside, knock each piece firmly to remove debris (and unseen creatures). Only burn untreated wood in a safe fireplace/pit, and never leave a live fire unattended.
