Nothing beats the warmth and cozy ambiance from a crackling fire in your fireplace on a chilly evening. As a homeowner with a well-inspected fireplace, you’ll need a steady supply of dry firewood to keep those flames going. However, storing firewood can be challenging, especially if you want to keep it dry and pest-free. Chimney Champions shares five wood-storing tips to help you keep your firewood in excellent condition and ready for use every time.
1. Keep Firewood off the Ground
Stacking firewood directly on the ground can cause it to absorb moisture from the soil, leading to rot, mold, and pest infestation. Instead, store your firewood on a raised platform or use pallets to keep it off the ground. This will help prevent moisture buildup and allow for proper airflow, which will help keep your firewood dry.
2. Keep the Pile Covered
Exposure to rain and snow can quickly ruin firewood, making it difficult to burn and attracting pests like termites and carpenter ants. To keep your firewood dry and pest-free, cover it with a waterproof tarp or heavy-duty plastic sheeting. Be sure to secure the cover tightly so it doesn’t blow off in high winds.
3. Stack Firewood Away from the House
Storing firewood next to your house may seem convenient, but it can attract pests like rodents, ants, and spiders into your home. Keeping your firewood at least 20 feet away from your house will help prevent these pests from migrating indoors.
4. Keep Things Ventilated
Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup and ensures that your firewood stays dry. Ideally, your firewood storage area should have open sides or be located in a breezy spot. If you store your firewood indoors, keep a window or door open for proper ventilation.
5. Stack Your Firewood Properly
Proper stacking is not only visually appealing, but it can also help your firewood dry faster and prevent it from falling over. Stack your firewood in a criss-cross pattern to create stable layers, and leave plenty of space between the layers to allow for proper airflow. Avoid stacking your firewood too high, making it difficult to access and move.
Keep the Fire Going
Storing firewood properly is essential to ensuring you have a steady supply of dry, pest-free wood for your fireplace. But is your fireplace and chimney ready for use? If this is a question, it’s time to call Chimney Champions in Jacksonville, FL, for an inspection and chimney sweep. We can also make any repairs you may need to ensure you can use your fireplace safely and keep the fire going no matter when you need it. Book your appointment today by calling (904) 268-7200.