Covering your firewood is essential for ensuring dry, efficient burns all season long. By protecting your woodpile from the elements, you'll not only enjoy easier fire starting but also get more heat output from each log.
Key Takeaways:
- Protect firewood from the elements for dry, efficient burning.
- Proper stacking and ventilation prevent moisture buildup and rot.
- Select a durable, weather-resistant cover.
- Ensure your cover is tightly secured but allows for some airflow.
Table of Contents
- Why Cover Firewood? The Benefits of Protecting Your Stack
- How to Cover Firewood Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why Cover Firewood? The Benefits of Protecting Your Stack
Covering your firewood is a crucial practice that offers a range of benefits, impacting everything from ease of lighting to the longevity of your wood supply. Here's why protecting your firewood stack is a must:
Dryness is Key
The primary reason to cover firewood is to keep it dry. Rain, snow, and even morning dew can saturate exposed wood, raising its moisture content.
Damp firewood:
- is difficult to ignite
- requires more kindling
- produces more smoke
- gives less heat
A proper cover acts as a barrier against precipitation, preserving the wood's dryness.
Prevent Rot and Decay
Excess moisture is the enemy of firewood. Consistent dampness leads to the growth of mold, mildew, and eventually rot. This deteriorates the wood's structure, reducing its BTU content and rendering it virtually useless for burning.
By keeping your firewood dry with a proper cover, you prevent rot and extend the lifespan of your fuel supply.
Maintain BTU Content
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measure of heat energy. Dry firewood has a higher BTU content than wet firewood, meaning it produces more heat when burned.
By protecting your wood from moisture, you ensure maximum heat output and get the most value from your fuel. This translates to a warmer home and less wood consumed overall.
Ease of Lighting and Burning
Dry firewood ignites much more easily than damp wood. You'll need less kindling and experience a quicker, cleaner start to your fire. Moreover, dry wood burns more consistently and produces less smoke.
How to Cover Firewood Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide
Covering firewood isn't as simple as tossing a tarp over a pile of logs. Proper technique involves strategic placement, stacking, and cover selection to maximize dryness and airflow. Follow these steps to ensure your firewood is properly protected:
Choosing the Right Location
Before you even start stacking, consider the location of your woodpile.
- It should be close to your home for convenient access but not directly against any walls.
- Good air circulation is crucial for drying, so choose a spot that isn't completely enclosed.
- Elevate the woodpile off the ground using pallets, concrete blocks, or a firewood rack to prevent moisture absorption from the soil.
Stacking Methods for Optimal Airflow
How you stack your firewood significantly impacts drying and airflow. Avoid simply piling logs haphazardly. Instead, opt for structured stacking methods:
- Crisscross (Jenga Style): Stacking rows perpendicular to each other creates air channels for better drying.
- Holzhausen (Wood House): This circular stacking method creates a self-supporting structure with excellent airflow.
Choose the method that best suits your space and wood quantity, prioritizing air circulation regardless of the chosen style.
Selecting the Right Cover Material
The cover itself is the primary defense against the elements. Here are a few common options:
Tarp
Tarps are cost-effective and readily available.
- Opt for heavy-duty, UV-resistant tarps for maximum durability.
- Ensure the tarp is large enough to cover the entire pile with some overhang.
Con: Tarps can trap moisture if not ventilated properly.
Firewood Rack with Cover
These purpose-built structures offer convenience and often come with integrated covers. They provide excellent airflow and keep wood off the ground.
Con: Can be more expensive than DIY solutions.
DIY Cover Options
Build a simple lean-to structure using pallets and salvaged roofing materials like corrugated metal or plywood. This allows for customization and can be a budget-friendly option.
Con: Requires some construction skills and time.
Securing the Cover
A flapping cover is ineffective. Secure your chosen cover tightly using ropes, bungee cords, or weights (like bricks or sandbags) to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. Ensure the cover remains taut to shed water effectively.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
While protecting your firewood from rain is crucial, completely sealing the woodpile can trap moisture and promote mold growth. Leave gaps at the top or sides of the cover to allow for some air circulation.
This balance between protection and ventilation is key to properly seasoned firewood.
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