THE BEST TIPS FOR DRYING WOOD
Heating with firewood is becoming increasingly popular due to rising gas and oil prices. In addition, an open fireplace creates an incredibly cozy atmosphere, which can provide perfect relaxation during the cold season. That’s why more and more people are discovering the advantages of wood as a heating medium to create a warm home even on the coldest days. However, moisture in the wood can be a big challenge, so here are the best tips for drying wood.
WHY DOES WOOD ACTUALLY HAVE TO DRY?
Moisture plays an incredibly important role in firewood, because the higher the water content, the higher the emissions when it is burned. That is why there is even a legal guideline that stipulates a wood moisture content of less than 25% for firewood. Only then can wood burn properly and the formation of environmentally harmful substances be avoided.
If firewood contains too much water, then, among other things, significantly higher levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and dust particles are produced. But not only does the environment suffer when burning damp firewood, but also your fireplace at home. This creates large amounts of acetic acid and other harmful substances that can seriously damage the fireplace and chimney. Furthermore, there is also a significantly higher formation of soot, which can clog the chimney and thus even become a danger.
Ultimately, however, reasons of efficiency also play an important role. Properly dried wood has a much higher efficiency than moist wood. Although the legal requirement is 25% moisture, the best results are achieved at a value of around 15%. These are also the reasons why it is so important to dry the wood before burning it.
WHAT TYPES OF DRYING ARE THERE?
There are essentially two common ways of drying firewood, which are used both in the private and in the industrial sector. Private individuals usually use air drying, i.e. storing wood outdoors. The air removes the wood moisture from the wood over a longer period of time, which works a little better in the dry seasons.
The wood should not lie directly on the ground to avoid unwanted moisture absorption, especially in the case of rain. Of course, it is also important to protect the wood from falling rain, otherwise the drying process can hardly progress. Drying wood in rooms (e.g. in the basement) is not advisable due to the increased risk of mold growth. When drying, firewood benefits much more from good circulation with fresh air, which can be guaranteed much better outside.
Second, there is the thermal drying process, which is used specifically in the commercial sector. Commercial firewood usually goes through this faster process in a drying chamber specially provided for this purpose. This is why firewood from the specialist trade often has a moisture content of less than 15% and can be used immediately for burning or heating. However, it can also be worth buying cheaper wet firewood and then drying it yourself.
Note: Piled wood dries faster than neatly stacked wood because the air gaps are larger and the air can circulate better. On the other hand, the space requirement is higher.
WHAT TYPES OF DRYING ARE THERE?
The drying time for wood depends on many different factors. It dries faster in low humidity, high temperatures and many hours of sunshine. Under such conditions, the wood moisture in the firewood can evaporate more quickly.
There are a few other factors as well:
- Type of wood: Harder hardwood takes longer than softer softwood.
- Thickness of logs: The thicker the logs, the longer it takes to dry.
- Initial moisture: How high the wood moisture is at the beginning of the process.
- Start time: Drying over the summer is quicker than over the winter.
- Storage Conditions: Good air circulation, sun exposure and rain protection.
There can be incredibly large differences in how long drying ultimately takes. Under optimal conditions, this can be achieved within a few months. On the other hand, if the conditions are bad, the process can be extended to several years. A wood moisture meter can be used to check the moisture.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU IDENTIFY DRY WOOD?
On the other hand, if you do not want to buy a measuring device, you can also tell from a few features whether the firewood is dry enough. As a rule, it is comparatively light because the loss of moisture also reduces the weight. The bark should also be relatively soft and easy to peel off. Visible cracks often appear during the drying process, which can serve as a good indicator.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE FIREWOOD?
Once the firewood is dry, it needs to be stored properly . Otherwise it can gain moisture again and cannot be used directly if necessary. Ideally, the same conditions prevail as when drying wood, but these are then no longer quite as strict. Sun exposure, good air circulation and protection fm rorain are also beneficial for storage.
The south-facing house wall can be ideal for long-term storage if you stack the logs neatly and with a small distance to the wall, for example on a Euro pallet. This means that the air circulation, which is so important, works better. In addition, the roof can possibly partially protect the firewood from the weather, provided the overhang is large enough. Otherwise, you should use a breathable tarpaulin if necessary (caution: ordinary plastic tarpaulins are not suitable, as they encourage moisture to collect).
Unlike damp firewood, wood that has already dried can be stored indoors. Because due to the low moisture content of the wood, there is hardly any risk of mold forming, even if the ventilation is no longer optimal. A shed or garage can also be used for storage in an emergency.
HOW TO PROPERLY STACK WOOD
Even when stacking, you can pay attention to a few points so that the firewood dries faster or is stored more securely. In the best case, the narrow side of the stack faces west, as this so-called “weather side” offers the best protection against the elements. But the stacking process itself can also benefit from a few practical measures.
With chopped wood, the side with the bark should always be on the bottom because it is more resistant to mold. In the case of a wall stack, the ends can be very easily stabilized by stacking a few logs crosswise and crosswise. If the storage location does not have any side supports that can protect the wooden tower from falling over, then a maximum height of two to three meters is recommended. This is not only easier to handle, but also much safer for all participants.
Other than that, there aren’t really any other restrictions, and woodpiles can have different shapes and sizes. There are both classic wall stacks and round, circular stacks. As long as you observe the following tips for your wood stack, there should be no problems with drying and storage.
TIPS FOR DRYING WOOD
We have already touched on the essential information in the article, but at the end we would like to give you the practical tips for better drying of wood. After that, there should really be no more misunderstandings.
START DRYING BEFORE SUMMER
In most cases, the time from spring to winter is sufficient for you to have enough dried firewood available for the cold winter season . Temperatures are high and humidity is low throughout the summer. In addition, there are many hours of sunshine, which can contribute to faster evaporation. Place the firewood where it gets the most sun.
PROTECT THE FIREWOOD FROM RAIN AND WEATHER
Rain and humidity can slow down the drying process or completely reverse it. Therefore, the wood must of course also be protected from rain and weather. Covered storage locations that are not enclosed spaces or breathable tarpaulins that can protect against rain without trapping moisture are suitable for this.
ENSURE OPTIMAL AIR CIRCULATION
Multi-directional ventilation is an important factor when drying wood. In the best case, fresh air comes to the firewood from all sides and helps to absorb and transport moisture away. It is also important to ensure that the firewood does not lie directly on the floor, so that a good draft can also develop under the wood. This is exactly what Euro pallets are ideal for.
CONCLUSION – DRY THE WOOD PERFECTLY WITH OUR TIPS
Firewood has always been a popular alternative to heating with gas or oil. It is comparatively cheap and creates a wonderful atmosphere in your own home. However, for reasons of environmental protection and your own safety, damp wood must not be burned, but must be dried beforehand. The legal guideline stipulates a moisture content of less than 25%.
That is why it is so important to know the right tips for drying wood. Start at the right time of year, protect the firewood from rain and moisture and ensure good air circulation. Then you will definitely succeed in drying!
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