Does Rain Affect Kiln-Dried Firewood?

Does Rain Affect Kiln-Dried Firewood?

Does a Rainy Day Affect My Tipped Firewood Delivery?


If you live in Dundee, Arbroath, or Forfar or the wider Angus area, you know that a "dry day" is never a guarantee, and, while we much prefer and hope to deliver your kiln-dried logs on a dry day, we are never too far away from a cloud!  A rainy firewood delivery day is an unfortunate occupational hazard when it comes to delivering our kiln dried logs to the Angus & Dundee and wider area.

One of the most common questions we get at Ravensby Firewood is -
 "It’s pouring outside - will my kiln-dried logs be ruined if they get delivered in the rain?" 

The short answer? No, your logs won't get ruined by some exposure to the Scottish elements.  As long as you are buying high-quality, kiln-dried wood, a bit of coastal Angus rain during the delivery process won't stop you from having a roaring fire. 

Here is why...

1. It’s Just "Surface Water"

There is a big difference between a log that is "wet" because it hasn't been dried and a kiln-dried log that gets a splashing of rain.

  • The Science: Our logs are kiln-dried to under 20% moisture. This means the water that the tree has soaked up from it's roots before felling has been dried out so that it's internal cellular structure is nice and dry.  Rain water sits on the surface of a log but does not get soaked into it like a sponge does.

  • The Result: Any rain that hits the log during delivery, or after it is left on your driveway is just surface water. It doesn't soak into the core of the wood (this might change if it is left out in a puddle for days or weeks however!).  

2. Kiln-Dried Wood Dries Fast

Because the inside of the log is so dry, it acts like a thirsty sponge in reverse, it wants to push that surface moisture away meaning the drizzle dries out quickly when stored away.

  • Stacking is Key: Once you stack your logs away in a ventilated log store or garage, that surface dampness will usually evaporate within a few hours, returning your logs to their ready to burn state.

  • Tip: If your logs got a particularly heavy dusting of rain, bring your first basketful inside a day or so before you intend to light the fire. The ambient heat of your home will take care of the rest. This is a great tip even in colder weather as colder logs can take longer to fire up sufficiently.

3. Our Delivery Process

We take every precaution to keep your fuel as dry as possible between our farm and your front door. 

  • Weather-Protected Transit: If it is raining when we are loading our loose tipped delivery vehicle, we cover your logs in transit.  Our delivery vehicles are equipped to keep the bulk of the load sheltered from the elements during transit across Angus and Dundee.

4. What Should You Do on Delivery Day?

We have two options, we can deliver if planned (which most of our customers choose) or we can reschedule. 

If the clouds have opened up over Broughty Ferry , Arbroath or Monifieth just as our truck arrives, don't panic!  Just pop your kiln-dried logs away into your log store or shed in a timely manner and all will be well.  The coastal breeze from the North Sea expedites the drying process and your logs will be back to normal in no time! 

Cover the pile: If you can't move them immediately, throwing a temporary tarpaulin over them will keep the worst of the Scottish weather at bay.  If you leave a tarpaulin out for our driver and let them know if this is to be used to tip onto, or cover over we will happily oblige!  We also sell XL tarpaulins ourselves which can be added to your delivery no problem. 

5. Rescheduling Your Firewood Delivery

Of course if you don't want to dig the pakamac out and would rather delay your delivery until one of those rare, dry days we get in Scotland then we are more than happy to reschedule too! All we ask is to contact us in good time so we can offer your delivery space to another customer.

RAVENSBY FIREWOOD - QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST
At 
Mains of Ravensby Farm, we are proud to be the only Angus Trusted Trader certified firewood supplier in the region. This means we take the quality of your fuel seriously, and adhere to high standards of wood quality, customer service and accountability.

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