I think it could be argued either way. It gets rained on, and snowed on, but the sun dries it off quicker uncovered. versus Its covered and not rained or snowed on, but doesn't get as much sun. All I can say is, whenever I didn't cover them, it seemed we had days of monsoon rains. To those who say it wont penetrate very far into seasoned wood. I disagree. For a quick 30 minute shower....sure. But not if you get a steady soaking 2 or 3 day rain event., or how about 2 months of spring with 25-30 of those 60 days being rainy. I've seen my stacks go from gray to dark brown after 2 days of rain. All the way down to the bottom of a 5' tall stack along the entire length if uncovered. Woodshed for the win
Where we Live, you wouldn’t get much Creosote from uncovered wood, Because you would never get it to BURN, it would be a Soggy Rotten MESS I definitely agree, Woodshed for the WIN!!! Doug
I don't have enough coverings for all my racks. So, the only racks I have covered, are the racks I'm pulling from this year, and will be next. Everything else is uncovered, and I'm ok with that.
I used to let my stacks get rain and snow right up until I needed them. No good for a Cat equipped stove considering the thermal shock possibilities. Not so much much anymore. I don't top cover much during the summer. I have begun re-locating the years required wood to top covered locations prior to any wet cool fall weather moving in. Covered porch. Basement etc. I do keep a couple cord stacked outdoors on pallets just out the back door. This stack is top covered with a rubberized canvas boat cover. Great tarp that has served me well in this fashion for several years without any damage. A few old car tires hold it down. Looks classy
Like how much does one of these covers cost?Plus I never heard of rubberized canvas.That's interesting.
Couldn't tell you. A buddy had stored a boat at my place for several years. When he sold the boat he gave me the tarp. It's white and very heavy duty. I stretch it out length wise and fold it in quarters or thirds? Use it for top cover only. As I work into the end of the stack I fold sections of the tarp under itself . Leaving a tail that covers the end of the pile I am pulling splits from. Keeps things nice and dry as I go. I also used it on a few boats. Worked well that way also!
And the estimated lifespan is ???? Won't be many warranty claims I bet! Hmmmmmm. Wheels are turning. So to speak. Slowly.
I guess you don't get any Hickory, Persimmon or other woods that go down the chitter in a couple of years, then. I have predominantly Red Oak. Only the sapwood rots, the heart holds up well, and sometimes I'll just leave 'em lay until the sapwood gets soft enough to easily peel off with a hatchet. Cherry's the same way; I've found down ones where all the sapwood was gone, but the heart is still rock-solid.
I wonder if something like that would fly with my queen bee? 620 treadwear rating, and they do well in the summer..."Temperature A."
I've burned wood that was stacked 6+ years uncovered. And it burned fine. The wood from the top of the stacks was better than the bottom rows. Our soil here in central Pa is always moist ......
