Should I cover my wood pile with a tarp?

Should you cover a woodpile? Above: If a wood stack is out in the open then it can be protected from rain with a tarpaulin or some other cover but this should never come down over the side of the pile because it would trap moisture, as well as potentially causing mold and rot.

Should you cover your wood pile?

To Cover or Not to Cover

Ideally, firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried, but this is not practical when rain, snow and ice can quickly coat winter firewood. A good cover over the top of your woodpile will protect it, and be sure the cover is slanted to shed moisture away from the pile's base.

Should you put a tarp on a wood pile?

You are precisely correct: the tarps don't allow the moisture to escape. Humidity cannot be managed - rain can. If your wood is outside, just cover the top of the stacks and let the rain and wind, etc. in from the sides.

Should I cover my wood pile in summer?

A tarp or another similar cover should be loosely kept over the firewood, but should not be tightly wrapped around it or extended all the way to the ground. The idea is to protect the firewood from direct moisture and the weather elements, while still allowing proper air circulation.

How do you keep wood pile dry?

The higher center row of wood helps ensure that water drains to the sides of the pile. I then cover the wood with a fiberglass tarp; the top is covered and the tarp extends partially down the sides. I try to keep the ends of the rows uncovered as much as possible to promote ventilation.

#146 - Covering Firewood - Why You Should!

What can I use to cover wood piles?

Covering. If you want to cover your woodpile outdoors, a simple tar paper covering will do fine. It's essential not to cover the pile entirely. You will need to give it enough airflow to let it be dry.

Is it OK for firewood to get rained on?

Once wood has properly seasoned, does it matter whether rain gets on seasoned firewood? Seasoned firewood should be stored out of the rain to help prolong how well it keeps for. If seasoned firewood gets rained on it can dry out within a few days, but constant contact with moisture will lead to the wood going bad.

Do I need to cover firewood outside?

To protect your firewood from snow or rain, you can use a firewood cover. Make sure to leave the front and back of the stack fully open until it's aged so the ends of the wood can breathe.

Should you cover firewood in winter?

Keep it Covered

Make sure you cover the wood to protect it from harsh rain, snow or ice throughout the winter. This can be done by storing your wood in an open storage shed that allows wind flow through opposite sides, covering the wood with a tarp or purchasing a firewood rack cover large enough to fit the pile.

What is the best way to store firewood outside?

Firewood is best stored outside. It should be stored neatly, with the outside of the wood exposed to the air. If possible, you should place the wood on top of plastic sheeting or in a wooden log store. Avoid tree cover if possible and don't leave the logs in a heap.

Will firewood dry in a pile?

If stacked correctly with all pieces of firewood stacked horizontally, the completed pile will stand as long as the wood can endure. Within a three-month period, the stack will shrink from 10 feet to eight, as the wood quickly dries.

How long will firewood last if covered?

Firewood can be stored for approximately four years without any issues. Burning slightly older wood is better because green, freshly cut firewood does not burn as well. To get the most of your firewood over time, store the wood raised off the bare ground in a sheltered location.

Can wood get too old to burn?

As long as firewood is left to sit in the right conditions and free from moisture it won't go bad for many years. Once firewood has been seasoned for the right amount of time it should be stored off the ground, under a form of cover and open to the atmosphere to ensure that it doesn't rot.

Does burning wet wood cause creosote?

Creosote buildup is a primary cause of chimney fires. Burning wet wood can generate significantly more creosote than burning dry wood, increasing your home's fire risk.

Can you season wood under a tarpaulin?

Seasoning your logs

If it's very rainy, you can cover them with a tarpaulin. However, be aware that this stops the air getting to the wood and can create condensation. If you choose to cover them, do it loosely and not all the way to the ground – laying a cover just over the top should suffice.

Should you stack firewood against the house?

At most, the Purdue Extension Department of Entomology says, you can store enough for a day or two. Otherwise, all firewood should actually be stored "at least five feet or more away from the foundation of the home," advises Orkin Pest Control. Stack it off the ground (pallets allow for drainage), and away from trees.

Can firewood be left outside?

Overall, firewood should be kept on an elevated rack that is covered yet slightly ventilated to allow airflow. Also, firewood should be stored a short distance from the home from your building's exterior. This ensures that any pests don't enter your home.

How do you keep logs dry outside?

Can I store firewood on a tarp?

If firewood is seasoned, dry and ready to burn, then it should have a tarp over the top of the stack to protect it from the elements. However, do not cover the sides of the stack with a tarp, or the wood may rot. Even after the wood is dry, the stack needs good air circulation to keep moisture out.

What can I use to weigh down a tarp?

If you need larger and heavier weights, try a larger number of small sandbags or water-filled bladders to hold down the tarp without concentrating too much weight in any one spot.

How can you tell if wood is seasoned?

Seasoned wood will be darker in color than green wood, and may be cracking at the ends. Seasoned wood can also lighter in weight and the bark can be peeled off more easily than unseasoned wood. A moisture meter will be able to provide an accurate reading of whether firewood is fully seasoned or not.