Heating the firewood to keep ourselves warm is common in our homes. Most people still prefer traditional fireplaces instead of electric ones because of their no electricity bills and their vintage appeal. However, woods that are wet or not properly seasoned can lead to increased smoke, low efficiency, and even sudden chimney fires. Therefore, proper firewood storage is crucial to avoid these problems.
One of the most important methods for storing firewood is to know its moisture content and season it accordingly. You must be thinking about what is the moisture content. Well, in this blog, we will discuss the ideal moisture content, how to determine it, and tips for storing firewood properly.
Why Understanding the Moisture Content is Important?
The moisture content of firewood means the amount of water present within the wood due to certain weather conditions or poor ventilation. When you burn firewood, the water particles evaporate before producing heat.
Wood with high moisture content leads to unclean burning with less efficiency because the fire's energy is used for evaporating water rather than generating heat. It creates unnecessary amounts of smoke that can have harmful effects on the lungs. Therefore, having proper information about moisture content is crucial for firewood storage.
What is the Ideal Moisture Content?
The ideal moisture content for firewood storage should be around 10 to 20% (10-15% for best burning and 15-20% acceptable). Wood logs with this moisture level burn more efficiently and produce less smoke. They also ignite easily and burn evenly, providing a better fire experience.
How to Find Moisture Content?
There are a few simple ways to find out the moisture content of your firewood:
1. Visual Inspection
Woods that are freshly chopped have a high moisture content and will feel heavier than seasoned wood. Look for signs of seasoning such as cracks or splits on the ends of the logs, which shows that moisture has been drying out.
2. Moisture Meter
A moisture meter is a super handy tool that is used to measure the moisture content of wood. Just insert the meter's probes into the wood, and it will show you an accurate reading of the moisture level. An easy way to determine the moisture content for better firewood storage.
The Woodhaven® Moisture Meter quickly produces an accurate moisture reading with years of reliable service. It has a wide measuring range from 3-40% and comes with a 9V battery and carrying case.
3. Sound Test
Seasoned firewood tends to make a clear hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together, while green or wet wood will produce a dull thud. It shows that some amount of moisture is still present in them.
Tips for Efficient Firewood Storage
Follow these easy yet effective tips to make your firewood stay properly dry and seasoned:
1. Invest in Firewood Racks with a Cover
Keep your firewood above the ground on a firewood rack or pallet to prevent moisture from seeping in from the ground. Sometimes, we keep the wood logs in the garden, the water content present in the grass can make them wet. Always remember to cover the top of the stack with a waterproof firewood cover to protect it from rain and snow.
A Few Recommended Firewood Racks:
- The Woodhaven 2ft Firewood Rack: You can try this 2 Ft Firewood Rack, made from durable square 16 gauge steel material, a better alternative to wooden racks. It has a sturdy frame and a textured powder-coat finish to last longer.
- The Winter Workman: This workman firewood rack is crafted from durable steel with a distinctive curved design, adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor area.
- The Woodhaven 16ft Firewood Rack: This 16ft firewood rack stores a large amount of firewood, making it suitable for commercial areas such as hotels.
2. Allow for Air Circulation
Leave some gaps while stacking the firewood as it allows air to circulate. This promotes drying and reduces the risk of mold and rot.
3. Choose a Well-Ventilated Location
Store your firewood in a location that has proper ventilation, such as an open shed or woodshed. Avoid storing it in a tightly enclosed space, as this can trap moisture and affect the seasoning. Do not store it in the attic as it may turn the wood moldy.
Conclusion
Now you have understood the desirable moisture content and why it is important to find it. Paying attention to the moisture content and following these tips for proper firewood storage ensure an enjoyable and efficient fire-burning experience.
At Woodhaven, you can find a high-quality range of firewood racks and covers along with accessories needed for firewood storage. Don't forget to explore our website.