What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know?

Choosing Logs For Your Wood Burner

Before you purchase before you buy, it is essential to know a few important things about selecting the right logs for wood log burner burners. The first is that fully prepared to burn logs generate more heat than un-seasoned timber.

Larch is a fast-growing, coniferous plant that produces heat. However, it is possible to be afflicted by Phytophthora Ramorum and should not be mixed with other species.

Kiln Dried

If you own a modern Ecodesign wood-burning stove or multifuel log burners (try here) burner, you should select logs that have been kiln-dried. They burn hotter and generate more heat (4-5KW/kg) than logs that haven't been kiln dried. They also burn longer and be easier to light. They will produce a lot less particulates, which could cause blackening of the stove glass or tar/soot in the chimney flue.

The kiln drying process is a method of removing the moisture out of the wood. It can take anything from 60 to more than a week, but once it's done, the logs are ready to use. This kind of wood can be used for open fires indoor wood burners, pizza ovens, in addition to outdoor log burning BBQs and firepits.

It is important that you choose a supplier who is HETAS or Woodsure certified by HETAS or Woodsure. This will ensure that the logs you purchase meet high standards for quality. It is also a great idea to select logs kiln-dried with the FSC certification. This means they were harvested and processed in a legal manner.

One of the main advantages of Kiln dried logs is that they're ready to use right on delivery. They will have a low moisture content of about 20% and will be easy to light, which means you will spend more time relaxing by the fire and less time tinkering with it.

Kiln dried logs are the best option for your wood burning stove, however you can use seasoned wood that have not been treated. This can reduce the amount of creosote in your chimney. This will reduce the risk of a fire and also the need to pay for expensive chimney cleaning services.

One of the most well-known kinds of kiln dried logs is hornbeam. This is a dense kind of wood that is hardy and has high ember retention. It can produce a great flame and is perfect for those who are tired of having to refuel their stoves or wood burners.

Air Dried

There are two options to consider when buying logs for your wood stove: air-dried or kiln-dried. Both types of logs require a low level of moisture to ensure that they burn effectively. They must also be seasoned and split before you can use them. This process is a long and slow one that can be the difference between high-quality firewood and the kind that does not emit much heat at all.

Kiln dried logs tend to be more expensive than air dried logs. This is because it is more expensive to purchase and run a kiln than it does to dry logs naturally in an open air environment. Kiln drying allows for the production of firewood that is of the highest quality and has been thoroughly dry.

The lower levels of moisture in Kiln-dried logs also means that they light easily and burn hot for long periods with little creosote build-up. This reduces the risk of chimney fires, as well as the need to clean the chimney frequently.

Air dried logs are typically placed in crates or some other cover over them. It could take a long time for these logs to dry to the proper moisture level, with every species of tree having a distinct time-frame to accomplish this. As an example Ash will dry fast however oak could take as long as two years to be ready to be used on the stove made of logs.

During the drying process, the sun and wind are allowed to traverse the slatted crates. This causes the logs to slowly dry down in an efficient way. This means that the logs will attain an equilibrium moisture level, which means that they won't lose or absorb any more water, and they'll be ready night briquettes for log burners use.

Another benefit of dried logs that are air-dried is that they will usually have a lower checking (or natural cracking) than kiln-dried logs which makes them ideal for those who want their log burners to appear nicer. However, they may require a bit more care when burning, as they will need to be split before being put back together to allow them to dry evenly.

Seasoned

You probably already know that seasoned firewood is more effective than damp or green wood to use as a log heater. This is because damp wood burns more slowly than drier logs, and can produce more smoke and soot.

Green wood usually has a moisture content of around 50 percent, however when it is properly seasoned it can be reduced to less than 20%, which means that it is able to burn more efficiently. The wood that is seasoned is also more able to light, and also produces less creosote.

You can actually season your own logs with a simple process of stacking them in a well-ventilated space for a certain amount of time. If you want to ensure that your logs are dried and you're buying them ready-made, it's worth paying slightly more for dried in kilns. The logs are artificially dried in a huge controlled temperature and humidity kiln. The kiln process is much more efficient than the normal air drying process, and also assists in ensuring that the logs have a consistent low moisture content throughout.

While kiln-dried logs can be more expensive than those that have been seasoned, they do tend to be more affordable in the long run because you can get more heat output per cost. This is due to the fact that the energy required to evaporate the remaining moisture in the logs is considerably smaller, meaning that the majority of that energy can be directed towards burning the logs themselves.

Another benefit of kiln dried logs is that they will not be damaged by rain. The process of kiln drying eliminates moisture from the logs and leaves them in a protective environment. This means that you can store your logs outside in the event you want to, without them becoming waterlogged and inaccessible. If you choose to store logs outdoors ensure that you keep them away from the elements and in a covered area when feasible. This will prevent them from getting damaged due to prolonged exposure to snow, rain or ice.

Split

If you're looking to keep your log burner running correctly, nothing beats a supply of seasoned wood. Pre-split firewood can be expensive. If you want to save money while enjoying a warm fire on cold winter nights, why not DIY?

Splitting your own wood for the fire is a wonderful way to have better and more powerful fires while channelling your inner lumberjack. Splitting your own wood decreases the carbon footprint of your home, since you don't rely on a third party supplier or transport. It is also an excellent way to build and tone your arms. And if you're lucky enough to have an axe in your shed, a bit of practice will help you improve your skill, giving you the confidence to tackle even bigger logs.

Start by choosing an area that is open to the elements where there is plenty of space to swing the axe. Make sure you're wearing sturdy work boots, as you don't want to injure yourself while using the axe. You should also keep a first aid kit in your bag in case you need it. It's important to work at a pace that's comfortable for you, and it's always recommended to take an occasional break. In the event of fatigue, it can affect your reaction speed and increase the chance of making mistakes or injuring yourself.

If you're starting with a complete log, look for cracks that radiate out from the middle of the log to allow for an easier cut. You can then insert one of the wedges inside the crack and hammer using the sledge. The force of the sledge will push the wedge deeper into the crack and break the log into two pieces. Repeat this process until all of the log has been split into wedges.

After your logs have been split into pieces, they'll need drying out completely before burning in your Arada stove. The drying process could be slow if you store the logs in a pile uncovered, as the bark acts like a moisture barrier and stops water from evaporate. If you're storing your logs on an appropriately designed firewood rack, this will speed up the drying process significantly.