Does Your Service Include Outdoor Firewood?

When you're wondering if you should cover your firewood outside, you're likely aiming to keep it dry and protected. After all, damp firewood can be challenging to light and releases less heat when burning. So, let's explore the best practices for storing and protecting firewood outdoors.

The simple answer to your question is: yes, you should cover your firewood, but there's more to it than just throwing a tarp over it. Proper protection involves understanding the specific needs of firewood and how to ensure it stays dry and ready for use.

Understanding Firewood Storage Requirements

Firewood should be stored in a way that allows for proper airflow and prevents direct contact with the ground. This helps to keep it dry and prevents pests from infesting your woodpile. Let's delve into the details of what this entails.

First, it's crucial to understand that firewood shouldn't be stored in an airtight structure. Although covering the wood may seem like a good way to keep rain out, it can also trap moisture, leading to damp and moldy firewood. Thus, a balance must be struck between protection and breathability.

Off the Ground and with Airflow

Firewood should be stacked on pallets or racks that elevate it off the ground. This prevents moisture from the ground from seeping into the wood. Moreover, the stack should be loose enough to allow for airflow, keeping the interior of the stack dry. A proper stack might look like a parallelogram from the side, with the tiers stepping back slightly as you go up.

Proper stacking also helps to keep the firewood organized and makes it easier to access. It's essential to have a tidy woodpile, not only for safety reasons but also to make the most of your firewood. Efficiently stored firewood is easier to manage and use, saving you time and effort.

Providing Shelter from the Elements

While firewood needs airflow, it also needs protection from excessive rain and snow. This is where covering your firewood comes into play. However, instead of covering the entire stack like a roof, which can trap moisture, consider using a tarp or other cover in a specific way.

A tarp should be placed loosely over the firewood, creating a shelter that keeps off the heaviest rain and snow. The tarp should be large enough to overhang the pile on all sides, but not so tight that it pressing against the wood. A good rule of thumb is to have an inch or two of space between the tarp and the top of the stack. This helps to keep the tarp from collecting water and dripping it back onto the firewood.

Choosing the Right Firewood Cover

Using the right material to cover your firewood is as important as how you use it. The ideal cover is water-resistant, durable, and allows for some breathability. Let's look at some of the best options:

1. **Plastic Tarp**: Tarps made of heavy-duty polyethylene plastic are a popular choice for covering firewood. They are waterproof, durable, and relatively inexpensive. However, they can degrade in the sun over time, so it's a good idea to replace them every few years.

2. ** \(+\) Cord or Burlap**: These natural fibers breathe well but are not waterproof. They are best used in combination with a waterproof tarp. The tarp can be placed loosely over the wood, with the cord or burlap draped over it, providing an additional layer of protection.

Other Materials to Consider

Certain materials should be avoided when covering firewood. For instance, tents made of canvas or other fabrics can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew. Similarly, metal covers can rust and may rust if they come into contact with the wood.

In some climates, a simple roof overhang or a shed may be sufficient to protect firewood from the elements. However, in areas with significant rainfall or snowfall, a tarp may be necessary to provide adequate protection.

In the end, keeping your firewood dry is crucial for efficient burning and safety. By understanding the specific needs of firewood storage and providing adequate protection, you can ensure a steady supply of dry, burn-ready firewood. So, go ahead and cover that firewood, but do it right!