So, how do we feel about putting a fairly large tarp over my dead standing ready to burn/sell some pile. Do you think you have to worry about moisture under there this time of year. Im talking covering it completely. Pile on the right hand side. Back left corner is fresh maple. I split 90% of all that yesterday with the super splitter. Back left pile is much bigger now, just about a cord
Dry is better. Doesnt hurt IMO. Can you cover before a storm and uncover? Ive done that. Dunno about condensation/ground moisture though. Cold winter air wreaks havoc on my hands but i like what it does to drying firewood too. I admit im not religious about covering all my stacks. Can get to be a PITA with wood constantly coming in. I have three storage/PA and dont want a fourth.
IMO it’s not good. Moisture in the ground will come out and be trapped. If you can double the tarp and leave the sides open it would be better. As I recall your from NH. At least keep the sides open till the ground freezes solid and is going to remain that way until spring. Of course fully covering allows the heat from the earth to melt the frost somewhat.
I tried this but those tarps can really be a pain in the azz dealing with wind, pooling water and debris. Usually the stacks are piled high enough so that water isn’t sitting in those low spots. I’d try and get it stacked so there’s less likelihood of water re-soaking and more moisture getting trapped. If you cover, just top cover with some extra down the side, no more than a few inches. It’s surprising how much moisture is held in by tarps.
Um, tarping the top is a must. Especially if you plan to sell or burn it. Rain and snow will get into it, and freeze it into a giant wood popsicle. Do it, today, before the storm tomorrow.
Best way to use tarps is build a tent. Especially covering large areas. Strong rope between two trees. Tied on one end running through wheel on the other with a heavy counterweight. That creates the ridge of a tent. Stakes and bungee cords to create the A frame. The floating ridge and sides allow the tarp to move in high winds or heavy snow instead of shredding. Works very well.
I put a pallet on top of my wood pile then put the tarp on and drape it down the side a few inches. I figure this allows some air to get to the top of the pile
Yes, tarp the top only. Don't tarp the sides down more than a few inches. You don't want snow/ water to get into the wood. The tent idea jo191145 is probably the best, and it sounds like you have enough tarp to do that.
I agree here. Keeps it circulating without covering too much. The top of the a would be good to have drip string or chains so water isn’t traveling inside.
The tenting idea seems to work well to keep the snow off. Tarps can be a PIA if not done well! I prefer a fully enclosed woodshed with a door to keep rain and snow off my ready to burn wood but I know that’s not possible for everyone.
I did that once Like you said, it traps moisture Wood got wetter ... .... IMO That much work into the wood Not much more to stack it off to ground & top cover
Tarps can be a big pia for sure, but many of us have used them in the past. The biggest problems we had were the pooling of snow/water in any low spot, even if it is a small area measured in inches. The water will freeze and the freezing will ruin the tarp. End result is water getting where you don't want it. But if you have something flat under the tarp, it can work fairly well but still expect to replace said tarp next year. Also I agree. Top cover only; not the sides. Let air in and that will keep drying the wood.
Perhaps lay a long 2X4 across the pile to provide small ridge with open ends. Align the ridge with prevailing wind and snug the rest fairly tight. The ridge will provide cross ventilation to help carry away condensate. I wouldn't mess with a raised tent. Too much area to catch the wind
Nice Super-split! If my DR Rapidfire ever poops the bed I will very promptly get a super-split. My buddy has one and I love it. I only recently filled my wood shed completely (15-16 cord) so I started my next stack outside...I top covered mine too. I just did it yesterday because of the snow coming tonight, but I think just a top cover without covering the sides is probably a good thing this time of year at least. I just put a heavy duty tarp over it and tied down the sides, which Im not crazy about because I can already tell the low spots are going to pool snow/water...but its the best I can do right now, and I suppose pooling water on top won't hurt anything. Not quite sure how else to cover to prevent that unless I cover it in plywood or something first, which would take a lot of plywood that I don't have.
I stack my wood 3 courses (4 ft.) wide with the middle course higher, also sloping towards the ends of the stacks for drainage. I top cover with 6 ft. wide visqueen, then Northern Tool woodpile tarp over that. The visqueen ensures it's waterproof, the woodpile tarp provides mechanical and UV protection. I staple thru both around the edges into the splits. No ropes or bungees, tears in the visqueen are patched with duct tape.
Your tarp cover looks like mine minus the visqueen underneath. I'm not so worried about moisture because the stack will be burned 2-3 years hence. What I really don't like is the Fir needle, leaf and twig debris that covers the top of the stack. It all rolls off with the tarp when I go to move the wood to the covered shed.
Maybe its a northern thing... but ive never put anything on top of any wood... and our house is plenty warm, and the chimney stays as clean as can be. Its wood....
Thanks for all the input, im gonna just tarp it when it snows or rains and then remove it. I guess im just gonna have to build a massive wood teepee to shed the weather.
