IF YOUR CHIMNEY IS CRYING OUT FOR HELP, CALL US!
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If you’ve built fires in the past, you may have heard that it’s best to use only seasoned firewood. Many have been told this fact, but know little about why it is recommended. Well, wood naturally contains a good amount of water. If you use fresh wood, your fire will have to burn through all of that moisture before it can get to the wood itself.
While this may not seem like a huge deal, it can wind up causing a lot more damage than you think. All of that acidic water ends up in your chimney, causing decay and creosote accumulation, and you’ll waste a ton of energy, as well. On top of this, you’ll notice less heat distributed into your home, and it makes the whole overall process of building and maintaining a fire much less efficient.
Purchase seasoned wood or store your own so that you get better results every time. Wood that has been adequately dried out will show a much lower moisture content and will be a whole lot easier to burn. You’ll see less smoke, less buildup, and you’ll have a much easier time building and maintaining fires throughout your burning season.
If you’re storing your own wood, there are some surefire methods to ensuring your fuel dries out properly. First off, you’ll want to store your wood for 6 months to a year (at least) before use. Split the ends for better results, and be sure to store the pile off of the ground and in a spot where it will get exposed to lots of sunshine.
If you’re purchasing wood, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting the best logs. Seasoned wood will be lightweight, dark in color, split at the ends, and will make a hollow, clunking noise when smacked together. Fresher wood will be heavier, lighter in color, and will sound more “thud”-like when you hit it.
If you have been ignoring the rule of burning seasoned wood, worry not. It’s never too late to switch up old habits. Once you start investing in better quality fuel, we know you’ll be much happier with your end results.
Annual inspections are vital for maintaining chimney health and, if you’ve been burning unseasoned wood, you would be wise to schedule an extra one, just in case. When it comes to the safety and health of your home and family, every extra step is well worth it!
If you’re worried about the state of your fireplace and/or chimney, give us a call. Our CSIA-certified staff can get you taken care of in no time! Should you need a sweeping, we can handle that, too. We are more than qualified to take on any chimney repairs that we spot along the way.
For chimney care in Tullahoma, there’s nowhere better to turn. Give us a call today!
