Maya Ellison
Firewood should be covered to protect it from the elements, but covering firewood is not always the right thing to do. Covering firewood will keep it dry for burning and help in the firewood seasoning process. However, covering firewood can also cause condensation, which can lead to mould and rot. The type of covering, the amount of airflow, and the climate will all impact whether firewood should be covered or left uncovered.
Should you cover firewood with plastic?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventing moisture | Covering firewood with plastic can prevent moisture from accumulating on the wood. |
| Drying firewood | Covering firewood can help it dry quicker, but some sources argue that leaving it uncovered helps it dry faster. |
| Firewood seasoning | Covering firewood can aid the seasoning process, but it may also cause condensation and increase overall drying time. |
| Protection from elements | Plastic covers can protect firewood from rain and snow, but they may also trap moisture and cause rot if not properly ventilated. |
| Pest prevention | Covering firewood can help prevent insect infestations, but it's important to ensure proper airflow to avoid termite and ant infestations. |
| Fire risk | Covered firewood should be kept at least 20 feet away from homes to avoid increased fire risks. |
| Durability | Plastic covers may not be durable in harsh weather and can be prone to weather damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Advantages of covering firewood with plastic
There are several advantages to covering firewood with plastic or a tarp. Firstly, it keeps the wood dry by protecting it from rain and snow, which is essential for firewood to burn effectively. Covering firewood can also help speed up the firewood seasoning process. A cover also protects the wood from the elements, preventing wood rot and deterioration, and extending the lifespan of the firewood. This is especially important for those who live in harsher climates with a lot of rain or snow.
Another advantage of using a cover is that it can make your woodpile look more aesthetically pleasing. Firewood covers come in various shapes and sizes, and some covers can even be custom-built to fit your specific needs. For example, a simple and inexpensive cover can be made using a tarp and bungee cords, while a more durable option might be a firewood cover frame with a metal roof.
Additionally, covering firewood can help prevent insect infestations by keeping the wood off the ground. It is recommended to stack the wood neatly and use a cover that fits snugly over the top and edges of the stack without covering the sides, as covering the sides can trap moisture and cause the wood to rot.
Overall, covering firewood with plastic or a tarp can help to protect the wood from moisture and the elements, resulting in dry and seasoned firewood that is optimal for burning.
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Disadvantages of covering firewood with plastic
Covering firewood with plastic or a tarp is a common practice to protect the wood from the elements and keep it dry for burning. However, there are several disadvantages to consider before covering your firewood with plastic:
Plastic traps moisture
Covering firewood with plastic can create condensation, trapping moisture underneath. This can cause the wood to become damp, leading to issues such as mould and rot. One user on a forum shared their experience of storing wood in a greenhouse, which created a lot of humidity, causing the wood to mould and even sprout mushrooms.
Inadequate airflow
Completely covering a wood stack with plastic or a tarp can restrict airflow, hindering the drying process. Firewood, especially when fresh, requires adequate airflow to dry effectively. Covering only the top of the stack is recommended to balance protection and ventilation.
Pest infestation
Inadequate airflow and trapped moisture can attract pests such as termites and ants. Elevating the wood off the ground and ensuring proper ventilation are crucial to preventing pest infestations.
Fire risk
Storing firewood too close to your home, especially when covered with flammable materials like plastic, can increase the risk of fire hazards. It is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 20 feet between your firewood stack and your house.
Environmental impact
Using plastic for covering firewood may not be environmentally friendly. Tarps designed for outdoor use are more suitable as they can withstand weather conditions without allowing moisture to seep through.
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Best types of firewood cover
Firewood covers are necessary to protect your wood from the elements. While covering firewood can help keep it dry and aid the seasoning process, leaving firewood uncovered can also help dry it out. This is because, when it rains or snows, the wood will suck the moisture out of the logs as it dries.
The best type of firewood cover depends on your individual needs. If you're looking for an inexpensive and easily accessible option, a tarp and bungee cord cover can be put together in minutes with just a few supplies from your local hardware store. Tarps are designed to withstand weather and natural environments without letting moisture seep in. However, they are not very durable and may only last one or two seasons.
For a more durable option, metal roofing is a good choice. It can be used to cover the top of a firewood pile, or sections of it can be used to cover full rows. Metal roofing offers excellent durability and protection but can be costly.
Another option is to use a Cordwood Cover, which is designed for firewood stacked in the Holz Hausen method (a circle). This provides good protection from the weather and is aesthetically pleasing.
If you're looking for a free option, you can use remnant pieces of rubber roofing or the wrap from lifts of lumber. Plastic trim board covers made from the same material as lumber traps can also be effective at shedding rainwater.
When covering firewood, it's important to leave some sides uncovered to allow for airflow. Covering the entire pile can trap moisture and limit air circulation, creating an environment where mold and rot can thrive. Elevating the firewood off the ground is also recommended to prevent damage from ants and termites.
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How to cover firewood with plastic
Covering firewood with plastic or a tarp can help keep it dry and protect it from the elements. However, it's important to ensure that there is adequate airflow to prevent mould and rot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cover firewood with plastic:
- Choose an appropriate location: Select a dry, breezy, and easily accessible area to store your firewood. Ensure it is not placed too close to your home to avoid pest infestations and fire risks.
- Stack the firewood: Arrange the firewood in single, well-spaced rows to expose it to sunlight and wind for drying. Allow for proper airflow between the rows.
- Elevate the firewood: Place the firewood on pallets or criss-cross piles to keep it off the ground. This prevents moisture from attacking the wood from below and allows for better air circulation.
- Cover the top: Use a plastic sheet or a tarp to cover the top of the firewood stack. Ensure that the cover is secure and will not blow away in strong winds.
- Leave the sides partially open: Do not completely enclose the firewood stack with plastic. Leaving the sides partially open allows for airflow and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and rot.
- Monitor and adjust: Regularly check your firewood stack to ensure that it remains dry and free from pests. Adjust the covering as needed, especially during periods of heavy rain or snow.
It is important to note that opinions vary on whether to cover firewood or leave it uncovered. Some people believe that keeping it uncovered helps dry the wood faster, as rain and snow can remove moisture from the wood. However, covering the firewood can be beneficial in regions with high rainfall or snow, as it prevents the wood from getting soaked and potentially developing mould.
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How to store firewood without covering it with plastic
When storing firewood, it is essential to keep it dry and safe from pests. While covering firewood in plastic or a tarp can help keep it dry, it can also trap moisture and cause the wood to rot or become mouldy. Here are some tips on how to store firewood without covering it in plastic:
Firstly, choose a suitable location to store your firewood. A dry, breezy, and sunny area with adequate airflow is ideal. Ensure the firewood is not placed directly on the ground, as this can lead to moisture absorption and provide easy access for insects and termites. Instead, use a firewood rack or elevate the wood slightly using cinder blocks, wood, or other materials to allow air circulation around the firewood.
Secondly, stack the firewood neatly in the same direction to further enhance airflow. Facing the woodpile towards the sun for a few hours each day can help keep it dry and expose it to sunlight, which can naturally kill pests. Avoid stacking wood against a building's wall, and maintain a distance of at least 20 feet (or 5 feet, according to some sources) from your home to prevent pest infestations and fire risks.
Thirdly, while covering the firewood is recommended in some cases, avoid using plastic sheeting or tarps that directly cover the entire woodpile. Instead, opt for a cover that protects the top of the stack while leaving the sides uncovered. This could include using plywood, roofing materials, or a tarp draped over the top with the sides exposed. This approach allows the firewood to breathe and expel moisture while shedding rain or snow from the top.
Lastly, consider the climate and weather conditions in your region. In dry climates, it may not be necessary to cover the firewood at all, as the natural environment can facilitate the drying process. Conversely, in rainy or snowy conditions, a cover may be necessary to protect the firewood from excessive moisture. Always check the dryness of your firewood before use, regardless of the storage method.
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Frequently asked questions
Covering firewood with plastic or a tarp will keep it dry and protect it from the elements. However, it is best to only cover the top of the stack, as covering the sides can cause the wood to rot.
Covering the sides of a firewood stack can prevent air circulation, causing the wood to rot.
You can use a tarp, tin, or a metal roof to cover the top of your firewood stack.
It is recommended to keep fresh-cut firewood uncovered to allow it to dry completely before burning. Covering fresh wood can cause condensation and lead to mould and rot.
Covering firewood can protect it from rain, snow, and other weather conditions, keeping it dry and extending its lifespan.
