Birch firewood

The quality of firewood and their characteristics primarily depend on the tree from which they are obtained. The classic fuel for wood-burning stoves in Russia is birch firewood. In today's article, we will find out what features they have.

Many experts are sure that birch firewood is one of the most productive for kindling stoves. Such conclusions are easily explained by the merits of these natural materials.

• Chopped birch firewood burns beautifully. The flame usually grasps in the area of ​​the splinters as quickly as possible. Simple bark can be used to light the stove. It contains a large volume of resin. This suggests that such materials can burn even in a wet state. If the stove needs to be heated with logs in a raw state, then it is worth using birch components.
• The wood of the considered species exhibits a long burning time. This effect is explained by the fact that such materials are characterized by high density values. The coals that remain after the combustion of wood can also smolder for a very long time, while demonstrating tangible heat transfer. Thanks to this, there is no need to constantly throw up birch firewoods, which is a very convenient feature. In this case, the combustion temperature of birch logs in the stove will always remain at the same level.
• In the course of burning, the wood of the tree in question intensively emit a rather strongbut at the same time a very pleasant heat. The heat transfer coefficient of the materials under consideration is one of the highest, only partially inferior to oak or ash. In the distant past, birch poles were used in forges to achieve the highest temperatures. At present, the components under consideration are more often used for kindling furnaces.
• For people who appreciate a living flame, birch firewood is a real boon. This is due to the fact that such natural materials not only burn perfectly, exuding a unique aroma, but also quietly crackle, forming a unique cozy atmosphere.
• Birch logs create a minimum amount of smoke. Due to this, the chimney practically does not suffer in any way, it is enough just to maintain optimal draft. Birch poles for a fireplace with an open structure, as well as for a smoke sauna, turn out to be an excellent choice.
• Upon completion of combustion, a small amount of ash remainstherefore, it is not necessary to clean the stove regularly.
• Birch firewood is an environmentally friendly material. When they burn, a pleasant aroma is released, which has a positive effect on human health. Characteristic odors are formed due to the burning of birch resins. It is believed that when the aroma of birch firewood is inhaled, the immune system is strengthened, colds and problems associated with the respiratory system recede.
• Chopping birch firewood is simple and hassle-free. The preparation of such fuel also does not create unnecessary trouble, does not require too much free time. High-quality birch logs dry well and are easy to handle. For splitting, a person does not have to make a lot of extra effort.
• After burning birch firewood, large-sized coals remain. Subsequently, they can be used for grilling or shashlik.If a person owns a summer kitchen with barbecue, then it makes sense for him to have birch bundles in stock.
• It should be noted that birch is a natural material., practically not subject to the destructive process of decay. The log can dry out very quickly, even if accidentally dropped into water.

Birch firewood, like any other type of natural fuel, has its own disadvantages. It is better to consider them before using such materials for kindling the stove.

• Chopping birch wood is not always very simple. Often people are faced with the difficulty of carrying out such processes, especially if they are working on particularly strong and dense workpieces. Of course, splitting any firewood can be simplified if you use special equipment.
• Powerful heat and high specific heat burning birch logs can cause serious problems if too much wood is placed in the stove. In the most extreme cases, such events lead to serious fires and fires, so people have to closely monitor the burning of wood.
• Despite the fact that the quality of birch firewood can be maintained for many years, pleasant aromas can leave them after 2 years. After that, natural fuel will no longer be able to exude the old smells that have a healing effect. In addition, after 2 years, birch firewood may lose a certain percentage of its heat.
• If you try to melt the stove with birch logs, but at the same time to establish a weak draft, then unnecessary soot will certainly accumulate on the inner bases of the chimney. This is why it is so important to control traction with birch fuel.

Let us consider in detail how exactly birch firewood differs from oak firewood in order to determine which of them is better.

• Logs from the wood species in question are less dense than from oak, due to which they burn hot, but at the same time they burn out much faster.
• There is an impressive price difference between birch and oak groves. The former are several times cheaper than the latter.
• Oak wood is denser than birch wood. Due to this, the weight of the former turns out to be more impressive. A cube of oak wood weighs more than a cube of birch components.
• Oak firewood lasts longer than birch firewood.
• It is necessary to select fuel from oak more carefully, since not all firewood from this tree is suitable for fireplaces and stoves. For example, oak trees that are too young give out very little heat, and too much ash is left from old logs. In the case of birch firewood, such nuances are usually not taken into account.
• Chopping oak wood is more difficult than chopping birch wood. The thing is that oak is characterized by a higher density, therefore its processing / preparation causes more difficulties.

Many people harvest birch firewood on their own. This can be done at any time of the year. The only exception is the period when there is an active release of juices. According to many woodcutters, it is best to harvest firewood in the winter season, when there are no leaves, there is a minimum amount of juice, and there are no dangerous bacteria or fungi. Quite often people acquire the originally prepared forest. This solution is simpler and more practical. It is recommended to purchase birch in blocks. In most regions there are firms producing similar products. After the wood is delivered to the site, it will need to be split into compact logs. As a rule, from a birch block you can get from 2 to 8 small woods.

In this case, a person must adhere to a few simple rules.

• Birch logs prick many times easier and easier if they are wet.
• To carry out the planned work, a person will definitely need a strong and reliable ax, a cleaver or a special wood splitter.
• Birch pricks best when frozen. In warmer seasons, for example, in summer, it can be more difficult to work with blanks.

Today birch is sold not only in the form of logs. Heating materials are widespread in other forms as well. We are talking about such options:

• birch bark and wood chips for kindling stoves;
• pruning birch, round timber, as well as birch branches;
• special fuel briquettes made and pressed from sawdust;
• logs and logs in the classic form.

It is more convenient and easier to buy timber in special nets made of polypropylene raw materials. The latter demonstrate a high level of strength. The nets are difficult to break or damage, and it is much more convenient to keep firewood in them. At the same time, air is available for the fuel in the grid.

We will understand the basic conditions for the use of birch poles.

• Natural birch fuel can be purchased raw. These products are usually much cheaper. However, subsequently, the raw materials will need to be dried. This process often takes 4 to 6 months.
• Wood in a dry state (especially after chamber drying) is much more expensive, but at the same time demonstrates a better and more prolonged burning, emits a strong heat.
• When starting the firebox, a small amount of birch woods should be laid out in the immediate vicinity of the stove. This is not only convenient, but also contributes to additional drying of the logs.
• When purchasing or ordering the heating materials in question, it is imperative to take into account the parameter of the furnace depth. This is necessary so that the logs fit exactly in it.

Birch firewood, like materials from any other tree species, must be properly stored. The fact is that houses are best heated with wood piles, which contain no more than 25% moisture. Natural wood in a wet state appears to be a higher value - 55%.

In order for birch firewood to dry well, they must be correctly laid out in a woodpile. Let's take a look at a few rules that should be followed in this case.

• It is recommended to place the woodpile outdoors in more sunny areas blown by the winds.
• The soil layer under the woodpile should be equipped with a high-quality drain, have an inclined structure.
• It is necessary to lay out slate sheets or branches in several layers under the firewood - there are many options. It is allowed to lay out the logs on pallets.
• It is recommended to lay out the logs so that their birch bark is directed downward. Due to this, natural fuel will be able to dry much more efficiently and faster.
• Small gaps are required between the individual logs.
• The space where firewood will be stored must be equipped with a high-quality and complete roof. But the walls can be supplemented with cracks.