Firewood is an essential part of heating a home during the colder months. However, storing firewood is not as simple as stacking it up. One important aspect of firewood storage that is often overlooked is covering it. Properly covering your firewood can help ensure its longevity and quality. In this article, we will discuss the best materials for firewood covers and the ones you should avoid.
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Material
When choosing a material to cover your firewood, it is essential to consider several factors. The ideal material should be waterproof or water repellent, durable, and breathable. It should keep your wood dry and protected from the elements while allowing proper ventilation. A good cover should last at least six months to protect your wood through the colder seasons. However, choosing a more durable material that can last for a few years is even better.
Waterproof, Water Repellant, and Water-Resistant Materials
Waterproof materials are the longest-lasting, as they can withstand high amounts of pressure before leaking. They are impenetrable to water, to an extent, and have sealed seams. Water-repellant materials are difficult for water to penetrate, and it is typically the coating that provides this property, rather than the material itself. Water-resistant materials resist moisture but only offer minimal protection and won’t hold up in anything harsher than light rain.
Materials To Use and Avoid
Polyethylene is a durable and waterproof material, making it the most popular material for tarps. It also traps and holds heat well. Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) features a polyester fabric with a plastic backing and is waterproof, breathable, durable, and flexible. Gore-tex® is made from stretched Teflon, making it waterproof, incredibly durable, and breathable. Polyester is lightweight and dries quickly, but it is only water-resistant. Vinyl and nylon are water-resistant and very strong, but vinyl may not hold up well to heat.
Building materials like shingles or tin are also effective in covering and protecting your firewood. These materials are easily found at your local hardware store or online.
Conversely, there are materials that you should avoid. Oilcloth, though effective, is better applied to smaller projects like tablecloths and purses. Laminated cotton, though ideal for clothing, won’t hold up well when exposed to the elements 24/7. Wool is naturally water repellent, but it is best reserved for clothing and not covering firewood.
In conclusion, covering your firewood is crucial in preparing it for use later on. To do this, you must use the right covering materials and methods. Choosing the right material is key to ensuring that your firewood remains dry and protected from the elements while allowing proper ventilation. By selecting the right materials for your firewood cover, you can ensure that your firewood stays dry and ready for use.