Is Your Firewood Properly Seasoned?

Owning a wood-burning fireplace is every homeowner’s dream. The smell, the crackling wood, and the cozy atmosphere they offer create the perfect ambiance (especially on cooler days). With the holidays coming up quickly, you’ll want to ensure your fireplace is ready to go!

What can you do to make sure you’re all set? Scheduling an inspection is an obvious must. The qualified staff at SirVent Chimney can look things over and assess whether you need repairs or a sweeping.

Once homeowners schedule this, they often think they’re good to go, but what about your firewood? Firewood that hasn’t been seasoned correctly or for a long enough period of time can turn any cozy fire into a disaster. Smoke will build-up, more creosote will accumulate, and your fire will waste a lot of energy trying to burn out all of the excess water in the logs. This result is less heat for your home and more work for you!

Learn more about storing and buying firewood below. Then, call us in to check out your system, so you know you’re ready for the holiday season ahead!

Storing Firewood

If you’re storing your own firewood, there are a few important steps you must take to ensure your wood seasons properly. First of all, keep in mind that you’ll want to store your wood for at least six months (preferably longer) to allow as much moisture as possible to escape. Next, you’ll need to cut your wood to a shorter length. This gives the water an easier way out and more of it will evaporate at a faster pace. It also helps to split the ends of each log.

Next, you need to find the best spot to store it. Keep it off the ground and in an area where it will get plenty of sun. If you have a shed that has a roof with open sides, this is ideal! The wood will be protected from rain and moisture, but still has the air space necessary to dry out quicker. If this isn’t an option for you, then it’s okay to store it in an uncovered space. Again, just keep the pile off the ground, and make sure you cover it with a tarp in bad weather.

Buying Seasoned Wood

If you’re not able to store firewood, you can purchase it. In this case, there are some things you should keep in mind to make sure you get the best pieces available. Seasoned wood will be lightweight, smaller in size, split, and dark at the ends, and it will make a hollow clunking noise when stacked together. Avoid heavier, fresher-looking wood, as it will contain a lot more water and wind up causing you more problems.

If you have already burned unseasoned wood in your fireplace, it’s advised to invest in more maintenance throughout the year. Scheduling an extra inspection or sweeping will ensure that any extra creosote buildup is removed and that your home and family remain as safe as possible.

Call us today, so we can set you upright!

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