Why Not To Burn Damp Or Wet Wood

Here at Smokeless sweeps (covering Berkshire and Hampshire) we are always keen to offer advice.

We were recently contacted to sweep a new client’s chimney as they said their wood burner was not working very well. On arrival to the site we assessed the chimney, then proceeded to carry out a clean of the chimney (before and after pictures below).

The before picture shows what can happen when wet wood is burnt - it can cause major issues. 

Before: 

After Sweep: 

Burning wet wood in a wood burner can lead to several problems that affect both the efficiency of the heating system and the environment. Here are some of the key issues associated with burning wet wood:

1. Reduced Efficiency: Wet wood contains a high amount of moisture, and a lot of the energy produced by burning it goes into evaporating this water instead of generating heat. This means that you'll get less heat output from the wood burner for the same amount of wood compared to if it were dry.

2. Creosote Buildup: As wet wood burns, it produces more smoke and creosote than dry wood. Creosote is a tar-like substance that can accumulate on the walls of the chimney or flue, reducing its diameter and potentially leading to a dangerous chimney fire if not regularly cleaned.

3. Increased Smoke and Pollutants: Wet wood produces more smoke and particulate matter, which can contribute to air pollution and health problems. The smoke can also be a nuisance to your neighbors.

4. Difficulty Lighting and Maintaining Fire: Wet wood can be hard to light and may keep going out or smoldering, requiring more attention and effort to maintain a fire.

5. Corrosion of Stove and Chimney: The increased moisture and acidic compounds in the smoke from burning wet wood can corrode metal components in the stove and chimney, leading to a shorter lifespan for these parts and potential safety hazards.

6. Environmental Concerns: When wet wood is burned, it releases more greenhouse gases per unit of heat generated compared to dry wood, contributing more negatively to climate change.

It is generally recommended to burn wood that has been properly seasoned, which means it has been dried for a period of time (usually at least six months to a year) to reduce its moisture content to around 20% or less. Using seasoned wood helps to minimize the problems mentioned above and ensures that your wood burner operates efficiently and safely.

Contact Smokeless Sweeps for advice or to make appointment to sweep your Chimney.