There’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying the warmth that the fireplace provides during a cold day. To fully maximize it, you must have enough firewood to get you through the fall and winter months. Apart from choosing the right kind that can catch fire easily and burn evenly, the firewood must be properly stored so they remain dry and ready whenever you need them.
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when storing firewood for the winter months.
Do Store Them At a Safe Distance
When storing firewood, it should be at a place that’s around 5 to 20 feet away from your main home. If you’re going to stack the wood next to a structure, the wood must be a few inches away to ensure airflow. Having pieces of them stacked too close to your home makes them a fire hazard. They can also attract pests and rodents looking for shelter from the cold.
Don’t Cover Your Firewood
As a chimney masonry repair and maintenance professional, we advise keeping your firewood covered. Ideally, it must remain uncovered to facilitate proper drying, but only if it is going to be stored indoors. If you decide to place piles of wood outdoors, make sure to invest in a tarp or any sturdy covering to protect them from rain, ice and snow. Leave the sides open to facilitate airflow.
Do Use the Old Wood First
If you’ve never heard of the rule “first in, first out”, you must be aware that it also applies to firewood storage. When storing your firewood, put the newest ones on the bottom and the oldest ones on top. This method helps mitigate pests and prevent infestations that may otherwise affect wood that has been sitting for too long.
Don’t Store Them Directly on the Ground
Firewood should always be stored off the ground for proper ventilation. Consider stacking them on a wooden pallet or gravel that’s no more than four feet high. This is to ensure the moisture from the ground doesn’t seep into the wood.
When it comes to top-notch chimney relining, the team behind Chimney Doctors is your best choice for the job! Call us today at (518) 882-5009 to schedule an appointment. You can also fill out our convenient contact form to get started! We serve residents in Saratoga Springs and the neighboring areas.
