💧 Firewood moisture: how to detect and prevent it in Mallorca (expert guide) 🪵

💡 Why moisture is the #1 enemy of your firewood

Moisture is one of the main factors that reduces heat output and combustion efficiency.
In Mallorca, where ambient humidity is often high, knowing how to detect and prevent moisture in firewood is essential.

Moist firewood:

• Produces much less heat
• Creates more smoke and smell
• Dirties your chimney faster (creosote buildup)
• Makes you burn more tons for the same heat

👉 If you want to compare types of firewood, check out this guide to the main firewood types.

🔍 How to tell if your firewood is moist (reliable methods)

There are several clear signs that firewood is not fully dry.

1️⃣ The sound test

Knock two logs together:

• Dry: a hollow, crisp sound
• Moist: a dull, heavy sound

2️⃣ Cracks and bark condition

• Dry wood: has visible cracks and loose bark
• Moist wood: tight bark, few or no cracks

3️⃣ Weight

Moist firewood is significantly heavier.
Comparing two similar logs is a quick way to spot it.

4️⃣ Smoke and crackling

If when burning it you notice:

• excessive white smoke
• loud crackling
• weak or suffocated flame

…it’s very likely too moist.

5️⃣ Moisture meter (most accurate)

For precise measurement:

• Ideal: under 20% moisture
• Acceptable: 20–25%
• Above 25%: not recommended for chimneys or stoves

To learn more about dried firewood, read:
why dry firewood is essential.

🌦️ Why firewood absorbs more moisture in Mallorca

Several climate factors contribute:

1. High ambient humidity most of the year
2. Coastal influence, even inland
3. Humid nights that cause condensation
4. Storage areas often outdoors

This means even properly dried wood can regain moisture if not stored well.

🧱 How to prevent firewood from getting moist (practical guide)

1️⃣ Keep it off the ground

Use:

• pallets
• bricks or blocks
• metal racks

This avoids ground moisture rising into the logs.

2️⃣ Ensure proper ventilation

Air circulation is essential.
Avoid fully enclosed or airtight spaces.

3️⃣ Cover only the top, not the sides

Best options:

• a small roof or canopy
• tarps placed only on top
• ventilated wood sheds

Covering everything tightly leads to condensation.

4️⃣ Store firewood by usage period

• Immediate-use wood: more protected area
• Late-season wood: more open and ventilated area

5️⃣ Avoid placing wood against cold walls

Walls trap moisture.
Leave a few centimeters of separation.

🔥 Can moist firewood be recovered?

Yes — in most cases it can be dried again as long as there’s no mold or bad smell.

Drying methods:

• Leave it outdoors for 1–3 weeks
• Keep logs separated
• Expose to sun when possible
• In a stove: mix 1–2 moist logs with very strong embers

Do not dry firewood inside your home, as it raises indoor humidity.

⚠️ Common problems caused by moist firewood

1. More smoke inside the house
2. Dirty stove glass
3. Lower heat output
4. Creosote buildup (fire hazard)
5. Higher consumption → more expense

If you struggle with smoke issues, this guide may help:
how to light your chimney without smoke.

🧪 Tips for choosing good firewood when buying

• Ask for wood from the current or previous season
• Look for drying cracks
• Avoid logs that smell sour, look moldy, or feel too heavy
• Check logs from different parts of the pallet, not only the top layer

To compare real prices, check:
the firewood price guide for Mallorca.

🧯 How to store firewood for the entire winter

Quick checklist:

1. Elevated base ✔️
2. Side ventilation ✔️
3. Top cover ✔️
4. Space from walls ✔️
5. Check after rainy or humid days ✔️

More details here:
common mistakes when storing firewood.

🔗 Related posts

• 🪵 Why using dry firewood is essential
• 🏠 Common mistakes when storing firewood
• 🔥 Types of firewood for chimneys in Mallorca
• ❄️ How to prepare for winter in Mallorca

✅ Conclusion

Detecting and preventing moisture in firewood is essential to:

• Achieve better heating performance
• Reduce monthly consumption
• Keep your chimney cleaner
• Improve comfort and reduce smoke

With proper storage and regular checks, your firewood will always be ready to burn efficiently.
And if you need high-quality, dry firewood, Leñas Muntaner is here to help you 🪵🔥💛.