It’s the middle of winter, and you’ve just gone out to the store to pick up some firewood for your fireplace. You get home, start to unload the wood, and notice that one of the pieces is starting to rot. Now you need to know how to tell if firewood is rotten, so you can decide whether to keep using it or not.
Firewood is a valuable commodity for homeowners who like to spend time outdoors around a campfire or fireplace. But before you purchase or start using firewood, it’s important to know how to tell if it’s rotten. In this article, we’ll outline five different ways to determine whether firewood is rotten.
1. Check for any visible signs of rot
It’s important to check for any visible signs of rot when determining whether firewood is rotten. If you see any signs of decay, such as mushrooms growing on the wood, it’s best to discard the piece and find a new source of firewood.
Signs of rot to look for
- Mushrooms or other fungi growing on the wood
- Discoloration of the wood
- Cracks in the wood
- Sawdust coming from the wood when it’s cut
What to do if you see signs of rot
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the piece of wood. You don’t want to risk using rotten firewood, as it can release harmful toxins into the air when burned.
2. Smell the firewood – if it smells musty, it’s likely rotten
One of the best ways to tell if firewood is rotten is by smelling it. If it smells musty, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and needs to be discarded.
Rotten wood is vulnerable to insects, mold, and decay. It can be discolored, cracked, or crumbly. Rotten wood will also have a musty smell.
How to smell firewood
If you’re not sure how to smell firewood, here’s a quick guide:
- Cut off a small piece of the wood
- Hold the piece up to your nose
- Take a deep breath in through your nose
- If the wood smells musty, it’s likely rotten and should be discarded.
What to do if the firewood smells bad
If the firewood smells musty, it’s best to discard it. Musty firewood is a sure sign that the wood is rotten and shouldn’t be used.
What to do if you can’t smell the firewood
If you’re unsure whether the firewood smells musty or not, here’s a quick test you can do:
- Cut off a small piece of the wood
- Place the piece in a bowl of water
- After 15 minutes, smell the water
- If the water smells musty, chances are the firewood is rotten and should be discarded.
3. Check the moisture content of the wood – if it’s wetter than 20%, it’s probably rotten
One of the best ways to tell if firewood is rotten is by checking its moisture content. If the wood is wetter than 20%, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and should be discarded.
How to check the moisture content of firewood
There are a few different ways to check the moisture content of firewood:
- Use a moisture meter: This is the most accurate way to check the moisture content of firewood.
- Split the wood: If you split the wood, you’ll be able to see if there’s any water inside. If there is, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and should be discarded.
- Check for bugs: If you see any bugs or larvae in the wood, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and should be discarded.
What to do if the moisture content is too high
If the moisture content of the wood is too high, it’s best to discard it. High moisture content is a sure sign that the wood is rotten and shouldn’t be used.
4. Split a piece of wood and look for insects or larvae inside
If you’re unsure whether firewood is rotten or not, it’s a good idea to split a piece of wood and look for insects or larvae inside. If you see any bugs or larvae, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and should be discarded.
Insects or larvae in firewood
If you see any insects or larvae inside the wood, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and should be discarded. These bugs can cause harm to people and animals if they’re burned, so it’s best to be safe and discard the wood.
How to tell if insects or larvae are in firewood
If you’re unsure whether there are insects or larvae in the wood, here’s a quick test you can do:
- Cut off a small piece of the wood
- Place the piece in a bowl of water
- After 15 minutes, check for any bugs or larvae in the water
- If you see any bugs or larvae, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and should be discarded.
5. Tap the wood on the ground – if it sounds hollow, it’s likely rotten
One of the best ways to tell if firewood is rotten is by tapping it on the ground. Pick up a piece of firewood, tap the end of the piece on the ground and listen for a hollow sound. If you hear a hollow sound, it’s likely that the wood is rotten and should be discarded.
Why does firewood rot?
There are a few different reasons why firewood can rot:
- The wood is too wet: If the wood is too wet, it’s susceptible to mold and decay.
- The wood is old: Over time, the cellulose and lignin in the wood break down and the wood starts to rot.
- The wood is stored in an unsuitable location: If the wood is stored in an area that’s too damp or humid, the wood doesn’t have the ability to season well, and it’s likely to rot.
- The wood is not stacked properly: If the wood is not stacked properly, air can’t circulate and the wood is more likely to rot.
How to prevent firewood from rotting
There are a few things you can do to prevent firewood from rotting:
- Make sure the wood is dry before stacking it inside – if it’s wet, it’s more likely to rot.
- Use a moisture meter to check the moisture content of the wood before using it.
- Store the wood in a dry, well-ventilated area after it has been seasoned properly.
- Check the wood regularly for signs of rot, and if you see any, discard the affected pieces.
Conclusion
Firewood is a valuable commodity for homeowners who like to spend time outdoors around a campfire or fireplace. But before you purchase or start using firewood, it’s important to know how to tell if it’s rotten. In this article, we’ve outlined five different ways to determine whether firewood is rotten. We’ve also provided tips on what to do if you’re unsure whether the firewood is rotten or not. By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re using safe, clean firewood that will give you many hours of enjoyment.
FAQ
How can I tell if firewood is rotten?
There are a few different ways to tell if firewood is rotten. You can check the moisture content of the wood, split the wood and look for insects or larvae inside, or tap the wood on the ground and listen for a hollow sound. If you’re unsure whether the firewood is rotten, it’s best to discard it.
What should I do with rotten firewood?
Rotten firewood should be discarded. It’s not safe to use rotten firewood because it can cause harm to people and animals if it’s burned.
How long does firewood last?
Firewood typically lasts for one to two years. However, if it’s stored properly, it can last for up to four years.