The way you stack and store your firewood can either cause you problems or save you from them. This is especially true if you have a wood-burning stove or wood-burning fire pit. It’s crucial to store your firewood properly. Incorrect firewood storage can lead to infestations, mold growth and other issues.
Keep reading as Batts’ Chimney Services discusses some practices you should and should not do when storing firewood.
Do’s
Use Firewood Racks
A firewood rack is high enough to keep all the firewood off the ground and keep it safe from moisture and pests. It comes with a ventilated, waterproof cover to keep the rain out.
Keep Your Firewood Dry
Make sure your firewood is completely dry to avoid mold and rot. While you need to cover it against rain, you should also protect the wood against moisture from the ground. Effective methods to keep the ground free from excess moisture include putting a vapor barrier underneath your firewood rack, creating a concrete slab foundation and placing a few large patio stones under your firewood rack.
Don’ts
Store Firewood Inside Your House
Insects and rodents are attracted to wood, so storing firewood anywhere inside your property is not a good idea. Always keep your firewood at least 5 feet away from your home. The only time you should bring in wood is when you need it for your fireplace.
Follow the First In, First Out Rule
When stacking wood, put the newest seasoned wood on the bottom and the oldest on top. This method will help you determine which ones to use first and prevent infestations due to wood sitting too long in a stack.
Let our experts at Batts’ Chimney Services help you with your firewood storage needs. To request a consultation, call us at (205) 956-8207 (Greater Birmingham Area) or (256) 660-1338 (Northern Alabama). You can also complete our contact form to reach us.
