Our Firewood has been kiln dried to remove moisture. In that process, all insects and mold are killed. Our process exceeds USDA standards for heat treating firewood and results in firewood with less than 16% moisture. As a result of our drying process, our firewood comes out of the kiln and is ready to burn, easy to light, burns hotter and more efficiently there by creating less smoke and creosote, than wood that is fresh cut, green or wet.
Fresh cut or green firewood can have up to 60% moisture. To remove the moisture firewood is traditionally “Seasoned”.
"Seasoned firewood" is generally defined, as having <20% moisture. Unfortunately, within the firewood industry, the term “Seasoned Firewood” means different things to different firewood suppliers. “Seasoned Firewood” may or may not have been put through an extensive drying process. To properly “season” wood in the traditional manner, it must be stacked in rows to allow free air flow around the stack and may take up to 1½ to 2 years to season properly depending on the type of wood and the size of splits. The thicker the piece of wood the longer it takes to dry. Weather conditions also can be a factor in the traditional seasoning of firewood.
The use of a kiln speeds up the drying process by elevating the temperature of the wood. Our kiln operates at 265 °F. The internal temperature of the wood increases to over 220 °F over the approximate 36-hour heating cycle. At this temperature, water is turned into steam and leaves the wood.
To properly season wood in the traditional manner, it must be stacked in rows to all air flow around the wood. Wood does not properly season when stacked in huge piles. Only the firewood on the surface of the stack becomes dry. The wood in the center of the pile retains or even can increase in moisture content and can even become moldy. The only true way to determine if firewood has been properly seasoned is with the use of a moisture meter. The measurement should be taken on the inside of the firewood by splitting a piece of wood and measuring the freshly exposed surface.
When wood is not properly dried, it is hard to light and produces more smoke. Condensation of this smoke is called creosote. When creosote collects in a chimney flue, it’s a fire hazard, and requires routine chimney cleaning. The main cause of creosote buildup is burning green or unseasoned wood. An accumulation as little as 1/8″ to 1/4″ can cause a significant creosote chimney fire. Kiln drying minimizes creosote formation by removing moisture from the firewood.
By buying kiln dried firewood from 1st Class Firewood, you can rest assured you will receive premium quality firewood that is ready to burn, lights easily and burns efficiently.
We are confident that you’ll love our kiln dried firewood and the service you receive! If you are not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right or refund your money!
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