Tips on Selecting and Storing Firewood for Fall

When it comes to being prepared for the burning season, a little planning goes a long way. Selecting and properly storing your firewood this summer allows it several months to dry out or "season" for safe and efficient burning this fall. Here are some timely tips from the pros at Admiralty Chimney.

1. Choose hardwood for better heating. For safe, efficient, and steady heating, choose hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch. Hardwoods are denser than softwoods (e.g., pine, spruce, and fir) and burn more efficiently, which means less creosote buildup in your chimney.

2. Look for seasoned wood or plan enough time to dry it out yourself. If you're buying firewood in the summer, you might find some that’s already partially seasoned. That’s great, but even green wood (freshly cut) can be a smart (and more affordable) option if you give it the rest of the summer to dry out.

3. Only buy by the cord and be wary of “deals.” A true cord of wood measures four feet high by four feet wide by eight feet long. To ensure you’re getting what you pay for, avoid buying wood from suppliers who use vague measuring terms like “truckload” or “face cord.”

Storing Your Firewood:

Proper storage is crucial to ensuring your firewood remains dry and seasons properly throughout the summer months.

1. Select a sunny, breezy spot.

Firewood seasons best when it gets plenty of sun and airflow. Choose an open area away from buildings and shaded tree cover.

2. Store your firewood away from your home.

Don’t stack wood right against your house. Insects, mice, and other pests love a good woodpile--and you don’t want them finding their way inside your home.

3. Keep it off the ground. Wood that comes into contact with moist soil or grass is susceptible to mold growth, rot, and insect infestations. Use pallets, a wood rack, or even a few bricks to keep your wood stack off the damp ground.

4. Don't stack your firewood too tightly. Stack your firewood in rows with the bark side up, leaving some space between each piece to ensure proper air circulation.

5. Only cover the top of your wood stack. Use a tarp, metal roof, or specially designed firewood cover to protect the top of your wood stack from rain, but leave the sides open. Trapping moisture under a full tarp can slow down the seasoning process and lead to mildew growth.

How do you know if your firewood is properly seasoned? 

Check for moisture clues. Seasoned wood usually has:

• Cracked ends

• A lighter weight

• A hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together

For an accurate measure of your wood’s moisture, use a moisture meter. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, wood burns best at a moisture level of 15 to 20%.

Chimney Cleanings, Inspections, and Repair in Southern NH and Northern MA

We hope you have found these tips on selecting and storing firewood for fall helpful. Here's one last tip: Be sure to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning before the fall rush. If it’s been a while since your last chimney inspection, please call us at (603) 594-0400 or visit our website for more information.

Caring for Your Chimney in the Off-Season

During the warm summer months, you're probably not giving much thought about your chimney.  However, now is the perfect time to give your chimney the attention it needs. At Admiralty Chimney, we encourage homeowners to take advantage of the off-season to inspect, maintain, and prepare their chimneys before the busy fall rush.

Here are some tips on caring for your chimney in the off-season and why you should address your chimney's maintenance before the cold weather returns.

1. Check your chimney masonry. 

Now is a great time to do a visual inspection of your chimney’s masonry. Look for:

• Cracked or Missing Bricks

• Crumbling Mortar Joints

• Discoloration or Staining

• Leaning or Tilting

If you notice any of these signs, contact us to schedule a chimney inspection.

2. Look for water damage.

Did you know that the biggest threat to your chimney system is moisture? Here’s what you need to look for:

• Rust on metal components (damper, flashing, firebox)

• A musty smell in the fireplace

• White staining (efflorescence) on bricks

• Interior wall or ceiling stains near the chimney

  
  

>RELATED ARTICLE:  How to Waterproof Your Chimney

3. Schedule a cleaning before the busy season.

You don’t need to wait until the cold weather returns to schedule a chimney cleaning. Summer is an ideal time to:

• Remove creosote and soot buildup.

• Prevent strong odors caused by moisture mixing with residue.

• Avoid the fall scheduling rush.

REMINDER: Annual cleanings are crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

4. Look for signs of unwanted visitors.

Birds, squirrels, and other critters often nest in chimneys during the spring. If your chimney cap is missing or damaged, it’s an open invitation to unwanted guests. Watch for:

• Droppings or Nesting Debris

• Strange Noises

• Draft Issues From Blockages

PRO TIP: The best way to keep animals, debris, and rain out of your chimney year-round is to install a chimney cap.

5. Schedule a professional inspection.

Even if everything looks fine on the outside, hidden issues can still develop inside your chimney. A professional chimney inspection during the off-season can detect:

• Flue Liner Damage

• Blockages or Creosote Buildup

• Draft Problems or Safety Hazards

At Admiralty Chimney, our certified technicians utilize video scanning and detailed inspections to ensure your chimney is safe, clean, and ready for the next season. 

>Learn more about CHIMNEY INSPECTIONS and how to schedule one.

Chimney Cleanings and Inspections in Southern NH & Northern MA

Admiralty Chimney is your trusted local expert for chimney inspections, cleanings, maintenance, and repairs.  Schedule an appointment today so you’ll be ready for the burning season!

Keeping Critters Out of Your Chimney

The Importance of a Chimney Cap

Ahhh springtime. The trees are budding, the bees are buzzing, and all of our favorite backyard critters are back for another season. While our furry and feathered friends seek out their summer homes, you'll want to make sure your chimney is “off the market” by installing a chimney cap.

What is a Chimney Cap?

A chimney cap is a protective covering that sits at the very top of your chimney. Usually made of stainless steel or copper, a chimney cap keeps out snow, ice, and debris during the burning season. It also contains chimney sparks to reduce the risk of a roof fire. In the off-season, a chimney cap prevents birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats from building nests or taking shelter. 

Chimney Critter Problems

Once inside, these “seasonal guests” can cause serious problems:

• Blockages from nests or debris that prevent proper ventilation during the burning season (and the risk of carbon monoxide build-up)

• Odors from nesting materials, droppings, or deceased animals

• Health hazards from bacteria and parasites

• Structural damage from scratching, chewing, or acidic droppings

A properly installed chimney cap acts as a barrier, preventing animals from entering in the first place.

Now is the Time to Install a Chimney Cap

Spring or summer is the perfect time to install a chimney cap and take care of any other necessary maintenance. The weather is more reliable, and maintaining your chimney now ensures it will operate safely and efficiently during the burning season.

Chimney Cap Installations in Merrimack, NH

At Admiralty Chimney, we offer professional chimney cap installation services in Merrimack and neighboring towns in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Whether you need a new cap installed or want to replace an old one, contact our experienced technicians. We will make sure your chimney is secure and ready for whatever Mother Nature throws its way. 

>Related Chimney Topics:  

CHIMNEY WATERPROOFING

CHIMNEY MASONRY REPAIR

CHIMNEY CLEANINGS

END-OF-SEASON CHIMNEY CARE