If you use firewood to heat your home or enjoy a cozy fireplace, you likely have a woodpile ready for those chilly nights. But where you store that woodpile matters more than you might think. While keeping it right up against your house may seem convenient, it can introduce a host of problems, from pest infestations to fire hazards.
Let’s explore why it’s best to store wood away from your home and how to do so safely.
- A Magnet for Pests
Firewood piles are an irresistible invitation for pests like termites, ants, beetles, and rodents. These critters find woodpiles an ideal environment—providing shelter, warmth, and sometimes even a food source.
Termites and Carpenter Ants: These wood-destroying insects can easily migrate from your firewood into your home’s structure, causing costly damage.
Rodents: Mice and rats love to nest in woodpiles. Once they’re close to your home, they might find their way inside through cracks or vents.
Other Insects: Spiders, centipedes, and beetles may hitch a ride into your home when you bring wood inside.
Storing wood away from your house minimizes the chances of these pests becoming your unwelcome roommates.
- Increased Fire Hazard
Dry firewood is highly flammable. Storing it directly against your house, especially near wooden siding or deck structures, increases the risk of a fire spreading to your home.
Wildfires: In wildfire-prone areas, woodpiles act as fuel that can quickly ignite and endanger your property.
Chimney Fires: Sparks or embers from a fireplace or outdoor fire pit can land on nearby wood, setting it ablaze.
By keeping your woodpile at a safe distance, you add a critical layer of protection against accidental fires.
- Moisture and Mold Issues
Wood stored against your home can trap moisture against walls or foundation, leading to rot, mold, and mildew. This is especially problematic for homes with wood or vinyl siding, as moisture can seep in and cause long-term structural damage.
Additionally, damp firewood is harder to burn and produces more smoke, which can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney—a potential fire hazard in itself.
- Structural Strain and Aesthetic Impact
A woodpile leaning against your home can exert unnecessary pressure on siding, gutters, or foundation walls, causing physical damage over time.
From an aesthetic perspective, a messy woodpile can also detract from your home’s curb appeal, making it look cluttered or poorly maintained.
How to Store Firewood Safely
To avoid these risks, follow these best practices for firewood storage:
- Keep It Away from Your Home
Store firewood at least 15-20 feet away from your house, garage, or shed.
Avoid placing wood under eaves or directly against walls. - Elevate the Woodpile
Use a firewood rack or pallets to elevate the pile at least 6 inches off the ground. This keeps the wood dry and reduces the chances of pests nesting in the pile. - Cover It Properly
Use a tarp or a dedicated firewood cover to shield the pile from rain and snow, but leave the sides exposed to allow airflow. Proper ventilation helps prevent mold and rot. - Rotate Your Supply
Use older wood first to avoid having damp or decaying logs in the pile. Proper rotation ensures you always have dry, burnable wood ready to go. - Inspect Regularly
Periodically check your woodpile for signs of pests or moisture issues. If you notice termite activity or rodent nests, address the problem immediately.
When You Need to Bring Wood Indoors
For convenience, you might want to bring a small amount of wood indoors. Follow these tips to do so safely:
Only bring in as much as you’ll use in a day or two to limit pest exposure.
Shake off logs before bringing them inside to dislodge insects.
Store indoor firewood in a metal rack or bin, away from walls and off the floor.
Conclusion
Storing firewood away from your home isn’t just about organization—it’s a crucial step in protecting your property from pests, fire hazards, and moisture damage. By keeping your woodpile at a safe distance and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy your fireside evenings with peace of mind.
A little extra effort in firewood storage goes a long way in ensuring the safety and longevity of your home—and it keeps those pests and problems where they belong: far away!
