Look At The Firewood * Light or lighter in colour, the sun exposure will make the wood yellow in colour, while old wood tends to turn greyish. If your fire does not meet the criteria above, your firewood is probably not dry enough.
The greying is a result of UV exposure to wood that breaks down the fibres on the surface. Not really a totally accurate way to determine seasoned wood. Just a visual clue that its been out in the sun for quite a while. Moisture metre on a fresh split is still the best determination of seasoned wood.
This is a natural weathering process that turns the wood grey, which is mainly caused by sunlight. The ultra violet rays start to break down the cellulose that then causes chemical degradation in the wood. This process makes the colour of the wood change from its newly installed rich colour, to a silver/grey.
Smell: Fresh wood has a characteristic smell. If the wood smells musty or has a moldy odor, it may be too old or improperly stored. Bark Condition: The bark should be relatively tight against the wood. If the bark is falling off or if there are signs of rot, the wood may be too old.
First, clean it regularly and remove any dirt or debris that can cause the wood to discolor. Second, apply a stain or sealer specifically designed for decks; this will help protect the wood from the sun and other elements that can cause it to gray.
Manual Stripping to Remove the Gray from Wood
With this method, you sand off the old finish and the gray by hand or with an electric sander. Start with a coarse grit, and once complete, go over the wood again with a more medium grit. This will help to smooth out the surface and prepare it for staining and re-sealing.
The time it takes for a cedar fence to turn grey can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cedar wood used, the climate in your area, and the level of exposure to the elements. In general, you can expect a cedar fence to start showing signs of greying within a few months to a year after installation.
The longevity of your firewood depends greatly on your storage methods. If you store firewood outside properly in humid areas, it tends to last around two years. If you have high-quality wood stored inside, it can essentially last forever.
🍂 Yellow leaves and wilting signal early root rot in common ash. Inspect roots and use fungicides like oxathiapiprolin for treatment. Prevent with proper watering, mulching, and regular inspections.
If there is any green colour visible or bark is hard to peel, the log is not yet dry. It is recommended to purchase a wood moisture meter, to help you see when your wood is ready.
As a result of their natural durability, two of the most popular species for grey cladding are Western Red Cedar and Siberian Larch, although any qualities species can work: Douglas Fir, Alaskan Yellow Cedar but also modified woods like ThermoWood®, Thermo-Ayous and Thermo-Tulipwood CAMBIA®.
From its original green color, treated wood will initially weather to a natural yellow color, eventually turning to a gray patina.
Types of Mold Found on Wood
Commonly found molds on wood include: Aspergillus: Often appearing as a grey or green powdery substance, Aspergillus can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions. It's especially concerning for individuals with weakened immune systems.
Wood ageing processes
Lignin and extractives are the substances that undergo the most alteration: they absorb solar radiation, which causes the formation of oxidants and free radicals. These compounds in turn trigger other chemical reactions, which involve further degradation of the substances in the wood.
Uncured Firewood Can Lead to Creosote
If you're burning unseasoned firewood in a fireplace, a wood stove, a wood furnace, or any other wood heating appliance that utilizes a chimney, you'll quickly wind up with creosote buildup in the appliance's flue.
The greying of timber, often called “natural weathering,” occurs primarily due to exposure to sunlight and rain. Ultraviolet rays from the sun break down lignin, a component of wood that gives it its natural colour.
The first signs of Ash Dieback
Often you may notice dead and blackened leaves hanging amongst the live foliage. The bark of live shoots and twigs turn darker, often with a purple tinge. The disease will cause diamond shaped lesions where older twigs and branches join the stem or trunk.
Diamond shaped lesions are a sure sign of ash dieback. Inner bark looks brownish grey. Ash dieback causes the death and wilting of leaves. Younger trees die faster than older trees.
Ash is an ideal choice for burning outside or in your fireplace. Another advantage of ash is that it dries and seasons relatively quickly (6-12 months) compared to other popular firewoods like oak and birch.
The chemicals used can release dangerous amounts of arsenic and other very toxic compounds into your home. Note: Even if you find 2x4s that aren't treated, avoid using them as firewood – they burn incredibly hot, which can be dangerous and damaging.
While it might seem like a good way to get rid of old wood, burning moldy or rotting pieces is a bad idea. The mold spores can become airborne when burned, potentially causing respiratory issues for those around the fire.
Can Firewood Be Overly Dried Out? Yes, it is possible for firewood to become too dry.
Refresh with Wood Reviver Power Gel
The gel penetrates the wood deeply and removes the grey patina. Through subsequent re-oiling, the fresh warm wood colour is restored. To use, first wet the surface then apply the Wood Reviver Power Gel with a brush in the direction of the grain on to the greyed areas.
But you can delay the greying process by using UV-resistant wood finishing products and keeping the finish of your exterior wood in good condition. These UV-resistant products are ideal for providing extra protection for wooden cladding, garden sheds, wooden decking and garden furniture against the elements.
Indian Silver Greywood. Color/Appearance: Heartwood ranges from grayish yellow to light to medium brown, sometimes with an olive cast, and/or with darker brownish veining.