Are You Using Seasoned Firewood? American Chimney Sweep and Masonry Has Tips for White Oak Fireplace Owners
Burning seasoned firewood not only produces more heat and minimizes smoke output… It also reduces chimney buildup and makes your system safer for use. We’ve got firewood tips for homeowners in Cincinnati, Colerain, Mason, Montgomery, Monfort Heights, Colerain Heights, Fox Acres, Galaxy Acres, Dornbusch, Mount Airy, Skyline Acres, and more.
If you have a fireplace, then you likely know that you’re not supposed to throw trash, unseasoned logs, treated wood, cardboard, or pretty much anything other than seasoned firewood into your fires. But do you know why?
Burning these items can cause toxic fumes and smoke to cling to the inner walls of your chimney, which then encourages creosote buildup and increases your risk of experiencing chimney fires. Along with this, more smoke tends to form with unseasoned wood, and your fires won’t burn as hot, either – both of which affect your fireplace experience.
Needless to say, burning only seasoned wood is vital to keeping your chimney in good health.
Tips for Seasoning Your Own Firewood
Looking to season your own firewood? Here are some tips to help you along:
- Cut your wood into a variety of sizes but no wider than a 6″ inch wedge.
- The pieces should be cut short to allow the logs to dry out faster.
- Stack your wood away from your home to avoid pest infestation in your living areas.
- Put your wood pile on pallets or in a shed with a raised floor and open sides.
- Cover the wood with a tarp or a reliable roof – but keep the sides exposed.
- Give the wood enough time to dry. (Softer woods take about 6 months, harder woods take about a year.)
If the wood is cracking on the end, this generally means that it’s dry enough to burn. It should look weathered, sound hollow when smacked against another piece, and be lightweight. Or, if you want the most accurate reading, use a moisture meter. These affordable devices quickly tell you the water content in a piece of wood. It should be between 15% and 25%.
Whether you’re needing tips for seasoning firewood, chimney repair services, a new chimney cap, an inspection, or just some fireplace questions answered, we’re here for you. If you live on Gaines Road, Sheed Road, Jessup Road, Clearidge Lane, Squirrel Run, Nickview Drive, Evelyn Road, Banning Road, Cheviot Road, Blue Rock Road, Pippin Road, Allet Avenue, Jonrose Avenue, Acre Drive, Hanley Road, Desertgold Drive, Vegas Drive, Rocker Drive, or anywhere else nearby, don’t hesitate to give our quality techs a call.
We’re Family-Owned, Experienced & Our Services Cover It All
Our techs are experienced, certified based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and we would love to be the team you trust in for the following quality services:
Interested in a New Appliance?
If you’re ready to upgrade or update your appliance, we’ve got some great products for you. Ask about our wood/gas stoves, fireplace inserts, direct vent gas fireplaces, gas logs, and electric fireplaces.
It’s Time to Call Our Techs
If you’ve been putting your chimney and fireplace needs on the back burner, it’s time to stop. A quality fireplace can lower energy bills, increase your home’s value, and create an aesthetic you and your family can enjoy for years to come.
If you live in or in a city close to West Chester, Fort Mitchell, Oakdale, Chesswood Acres, Autumn Acres, Groesbeck, White Oak Meadows, Crestwood Acres, or Barnesburg book with us online or call 513-662-4600 now.
We’re proud to include Blue Ash/Montgomery as one of our service communities.