Top Down Burning Method

 

The top down fire or self feeding fire is a fire building technique that’s much different than building a conventional fire.

Typically, when building a fire you start out with a hand full of crumpled up newspaper and place it under small pieces of kindling.  

Then you add larger pieces of wood on top of the kindling followed by even larger pieces of wood. 

While this method works pretty well, there’s a better and even more efficient way to build a fire.  

The problem with the “conventional way” of building a fire is the amount of time it takes before the fire really takes off.

During this slow, smoldering process, smoke and unburnt gases enter your cold chimney where they can potentially adhere to the chimney walls causing creosote.

To create a hot burning fire right from the beginning you have to think outside the box and create a fire that’s built in reverse!

Building A Self Feeding Fire

Although the top down fire seems completely backwards at first, once you try one it will quickly become your favorite choice.  It works great in fireplaces, wood stoves, firepits and even campfires.

The setup process takes a little longer than the conventional fire, but it will burn longer without constantly adding more logs to it.  You can pretty much light the fire and just let it burn.  

The fire will also burn hotter and cleaner right from the start. When you try this method watch how much smoke the fire produces. You’ll be surprised how little smoke you see and just how clean this fire burns! 

The most important part of this whole process is to use dry, seasoned firewood.  The fire works by having the coals and embers from the top layer fall into the layer of wood below it.  If the wood is wet it won’t catch on fire and you’ll become frustrated.

 

Start by placing a row of large logs along the bottom of your fireplace, wood stove or fire pit.  These will be the largest logs you use.  

 

Next, place another row of slightly smaller logs criss crossing in the other direction.

 

Follow this by placing a third row of even smaller wood.  This row should consist of kindling which is about and inch wide.  

 

Finally, place a firelighter on top and some small kindling that will easily light.

 

You can choose to use any kind of firelighter here. I prefer to use waxies or some bark from my birch firewood which lights easily and creates a hot flame.

 

To light the fire, simply light the firelighter which in turn will ignite the small pieces of kindling.

After just a few minutes your fire should look like this.  Notice how it’s burning very clean and hot?  Theres no smoldering and the fire is not being smothered by any larger logs on top.

This picture shows how the fire has burnt through the top layers and it’s starting to ignite the layers below.

Although the pieces of firewood we used for this fire were fairly small (due to a small fireplace) the fire burnt for almost 2 hours before we needed to add any additional firewood.

Overall

With a little practice, building a top down fire is really easy and they burn great.  They’re clean burning, supply a lot of heat and they don’t require any maintenance once you light it.

How To Store Kiln Dried Firewood

How to store kiln dried logs

Kiln Dried Firewood burns better and more efficiently than unseasoned giving you more heat and less mess. That’s why kiln dried logs are often favoured by those that have wood burning stoves and open fires. The lower the moisture content of firewood, the better it burns. Our kiln dried wood is guaranteed to have a maximum moisture content of 20%. Because of this they are less likely to take on additional moisture in storage than unseasoned wood, but you still need to keep them dry and sheltered for best results.

Here’s how to store kiln dried logs to ensure they stay in the best condition for burning in your open fire or woodburner.

Store in a garage or shed.

A sheltered place, such as a garage or barn, makes an ideal place to store your kiln dried wood. However, you’ll still need to follow the guidelines below to ensure the logs have enough airflow. If you do need to store logs outside, make sure they’re kept under shelter and that the air can reach them.

Protect your logs from rain.

If you are storing your logs outside, keep them protected from moisture in the form of rain and snow. You could do this with a tarpaulin cover or a timber log store but you need to ensure they are never sealed or covered completely, as air flow is essential.

Increase air flow

To encourage air flow around your logs, use a raised log store or a pallet to keep your logs away from moist ground. Don’t stack them up against a wall or place them on grass, as air won’t be able to flow and the logs can become damp.

Store kiln dried logs inside before burning

For best results bring your kiln dried wood indoors for a short time before you burn it, this helps to reduce the moisture content even more. You can simply create a log pile inside or store them in a log basket or even get inventive with your storing to compliment the home.

Buy smaller quantities

If storage space is an issue, then it may be worth buying smaller quantities more often. Although this may cost slightly more, the wood will burn better if it contains less moisture so you’ll get more warmth for your money. We offer an ideal load in our city sack from just €60.

 

The Benefits of Kiln Dried Firewood in 2020

WHY KILN DRIED FIREWOOD IS SUPERIOR.

Many people don’t understand the quality of using Kiln Dried Wood.

The process of kiln-drying wood is undertaken to reduce the moisture content of the fuel to make it more suitable for burning.

Kiln drying is a technique that presents a solution to all of these issues. It involves taking the green wood and speeding up the drying process by placing it inside a kiln. The kiln may be powered by electricity, natural gas or even solar energy. When the wood is baked in this way, all of the moisture quickly evaporates off. Not only does this reduce the amount of time that it takes to dry the wood, but it also eliminates the problem of storage space and ensures that the wood is seasoned evenly. When wood is stacked, some areas are exposed to more air than others, and you can end up with parts that are fully seasoned and parts that still contain some moisture, which will cause issues when burning.

Unseasoned wood is actually a very poor fuel- the moisture content of an unseasoned log means that a great deal of the energy which is released during combustion is simply wasted in evaporating the moisture content of the log. This wasted energy could be utilised in heating your home or stove but instead it all simply goes up the chimney. Seasoned logs, like those available from leading Ireland manufacturer and suppliers, have a much lower moisture content thanks to the kiln-drying procedure.

Kiln drying reduces the moisture content from around 50-60% in unseasoned wood, right down to 15-25% in seasoned hardwood logs. This percentage change makes an incredible difference to the fuel efficiency of the wood as combustion releases more energy more effectively.

The reduced moisture content in seasoned kiln dried logs means that not only is it much easier and quicker to light a fire, but the fire will also burn much hotter and for longer as the combustion is far more efficient.

In a typical fire, burning 10 kiln dried logs with a water content of 25% or less, the same heat output is generated as burning 33 unseasoned logs with a water content of around 60%. This is a real indication of the difference in efficiency- It takes more than three non-seasoned logs to generate the same amount of heat as every single kiln-dried log.

By using kiln dried firewood your fire burns much hotter for longer meaning less fuel is required, reducing fuel bills and the amount of storage space you require in your log store.

During the burning process not only will kiln dried hardwood logs light much quicker, but also because the fuel burns for longer it requires far less attention in keeping the fire stoked with fuel. This is of great advantage in home appliances like stoves and heaters as they require less attention and provide better, cleaner burns.

Switch to Kiln Dried Firewood today.

For a great range of kiln dried logs for sale contact Eamonn at hello@nobother.ie or 0861777151

 

Book Stove Chimney Cleaning from nobother.ie

How To Clean A Stove

Cleaning a Matt Black Stove

You only need to use a dry cloth on your matt black  stove to remove any dust or dirt. Do not use any water on the matt black finish as this will cause it to rust.

You can refresh a matt black stove with a fresh paint finish, either by brushing on tinned paint or by spraying on an aerosol paint; both available from Topline stores. Here is a brief step-by-step guide to painting your matt black stove. Please also follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Prepare
Brush down the cast iron using a grade one steel wool, ensuring that an even coat remains on the surface. Then dust the area.

2. Apply Paint
Apply the paint evenly over the surface. Two to three coats may be required depending on the condition of the original paint. Do not paint on thick coats and always allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats. Allow the final coat to dry overnight.

When firing the stove for the first time since painting, open a window as the paint will give off a smell during this first use.

Cleaning a Vitreous Enamel Stove

The high gloss vitreous enamel finish on your stove is tough and hardwearing but should be treated with care. Here are some tips to help you keep it in the best condition:

  • Cleaning must be carried out when the stove is cool.
  • Regularly wipe the stove with a damp, soapy cloth, followed by a polish with a clean and dry duster. For stubborn deposits, carefully use a non-abrasive, soapy pad.
  • Only use products that are recommended by the stove manufacturer. Most stove companies sell their own brand of approved enamel cleaner. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on the cleaning product.
  • Do not use abrasive pads or oven cleaners containing citric acid on enamelled surfaces

CLEANING THE GLASS OF YOUR STOVES

Typically the glass will clean itself when there is sufficient heat generated by burning fuel. If a build-up of creosote occurs on the glass it may be due to draft conditions, poor quality fuel or very low burning for a long time. Only clean glass when stove is thoroughly cooled.

 

To clean the glass inner surface, use hot water and a soapy cloth.  For stubborn stains use hot water and fine (grade zero) steel wool.

SOME HANDY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR STOVE LASTING LONGER

Do not burn fuel with high moisture content, such as a damp peat or unseasoned timber. This will only result in a build up of tar in the stove and in the chimney.

Burning soft fuels such as timber and peat can stain the glass. Regular cleaning will prevent permanent staining.

Do not burn rubbish/household plastic.

Clean the flue ways of the stove every month and ensure there no blockages. Please refer to your manual for instructions as they vary from stove to stove.

Clean the chimney at least twice a year.

Before loading fresh fuel into the firebox, riddle fully to remove all ashes this

will allow better and cleaner burning.

Never allow a build up of ashes in the ash pan, as this will cause the grate to burn out prematurely.

Allow adequate air ventilation to ensure plenty of air for combustion.

Cooking With A Wood Fired Pizza Oven

Cooking with wood is wonderfully addictive, and owning a wood-fired oven has become so desirable in recent years.

Wood-fired ovens: They may be the most primitive way for man to cook his food, so it’s likely no coincidence that they can give the most mouthwatering, customizable results and offer incredible versatility, creating amazing outcomes on everything from pizzas and breads to vegetable sides, pasta mains and meat-based entrees.

Cooking with a wood fired oven has many benefits. The most important factor is the unique flavor they give your food, and they also help to preserve most of your added ingredients and increase the retention of nutrients. Plus, these ovens can be used for various purposes, such as baking bread, roasting meat and more—while saving energy because they don’t require electricity.

But wood-fired ovens also demand more knowledge and expertise than a modern model, from painstaking dough production to fine-tuned finishing flourishes. A wood-fired oven requires artistry and a keen eye on the technical details.It is not like a typical gas oven, where the only action needed is to flip a switch. A wood-fired oven requires constant focus and creating solid procedures for those running the oven.

One major key component for cooking pizza in a wood fired oven is to ensure you have Consistent wood.  Of course wood is a big deal. If you are not consistently using the same species, size and moisture content in your wood, it will make baking a pizza difficult. If the wood is inconsistent, the person operating the oven must spend more time on correcting the oven temperature and holding it there rather than cooking the perfect pizza. Having consistent wood will help the oven operator focus on the bake.

Why not try out our range of Kiln Dried Firewood the next time you plan to use your oven?

 

Why you need to stop burning coal.

Mining and burning coal for fuel is harmful to the environment; but, because coal is so abundant and cheap, many people are reluctant to give it up as a fuel source. Here is why you need to stop today!!!

 

  • Burning coal releases toxins. Coal contains sulfur and other elements, including dangerous metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic, that escape into the air when coal is burned. Burning coal also produces particulates that increase air pollution and health dangers.
  • Burning coal emits large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Coal is composed almost entirely of carbon, so burning coal unleashes large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. These emissions have been shown to increase the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere and lead to global warming.
  • Subsurface coal mining is dangerous. Coal is often mined in subsurface mines, which may collapse and trap miners. And the air in subsurface coal mines leads to black lung disease, where coal particles and pollutants fill the lungs and cause inflammation and respiratory illness.
  • Surface coal mining damages the environment. Mountaintop removal mining is used to access layers of coal buried deep within mountains. This mining technique alters the landscape and damages ecosystems.
  • Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC):IGCC technology converts coal into gas, removing sulfur and metals. This gas generates electricity by fueling turbines while the side products (sulfur and metals) are concentrated and sold. IGCC plants are cleaner and more efficient than coal-burning electric plants and have the potential to capture CO2 emissions in the future.
  • Carbon sequestration:One of the biggest problems with burning coal is the amount of CO2 it adds to the atmosphere. Carbon sequestration includes various ways to capture and store carbon underground instead of allowing it to fill the atmosphere. Currently, some coal-burning plants store carbon in underground abandoned mines or in oil wells. Other plants pump the carbon into sedimentary rocks or below the ocean floor.

Switch to Kiln Dried Firewood today call Eamon on 0861777151 to order.

How Sustainable is Kiln Dried Firewood

SWITCH TO SUSTAINABLE FIREWWOD, SWITCH TO KILN DRIED.

As people who care about the environment, but who also like being warm and because consumers are increasingly turning to sustainable firewood in the search for environmentally friendly renewable energy resources. This is why you need to switch to Kiln Dried Wood.

Because they are kiln dried and have a certified low moisture content of less than 20% Kiln Dried Logs are ideally suited for use in all log burning stoves and fires. Kiln Dried Logs are FSC [Forest Stewardship Council] certified, 100% natural and are produced from sustainably managed woodlands. We offer our kiln dried firewood for sale and delivery across all of Ireland.

We sell Kiln dried hardwoods like Beech, Ash, White Oak, Hornbeam (Ironwood), Maple, and Birch in our 1.17m3 crates, these are all high-quality firewood timber species.

Kiln Dried means that firewood has been treated in a timber drying kiln which heats the logs to a high temperature to cook off the excess moisture. Kiln Dried logs are always very dry with a moisture content of below 20%.

Burning wet firewood is bad for both your stove and your pocket! A large amount of energy (heat) is used to burn off the moisture in wet firewood so unseasoned logs give very poor amounts of heat. If you have ever seen the ends of your logs sizzling in your fire or stove, you can be assured that your logs are not dry enough! Also unseasoned firewood is very difficult to light and will burn at sub optimal temperatures, causing your stove to blacken with soot.

Everything about Kiln Dried Firewood tis superior,  the logs will burn a whole lot better so you won’t waste time poking at dying embers or drying out sodden wood on your hearth. The logs come from sustainable, locally-sourced hardwood forests and smell pleasant while burning. They burn slowly and evenly. They are the produce of sustainably-managed Irish forests; they are hardwood (ie ash, oak, beech etc)

Make the switch today by calling Eamon on 0861777151

Cooking With Kiln Dried Firewood

WHY YOU NEED TO START COOKING WITH KILN DRIED FIREWOOD.

Whether you own a restaurant or you are the chef for your family you NEED to consider using Kiln Dried Firewood for your future cooking endeavours.

Advantages of Cooking with Kiln Dried Firewood

1) Free from chemicals

The first benefit of cooking with Kiln Dried wood is that it’s free from chemicals. Obviously, wood is a natural fuel source, meaning that it does not require any foreign chemicals in order to supply heat. Cooking your food with a clean flame has evident health benefits, making wood a good candidate for the job.

2) Enhanced flavour

Infusing your food with aromatic smoke is the main attraction of cooking with Kiln Dried Firewood. This flavour enhancement comes from the cell structure of the wood which contains nutrients taken up from the ground. Refined fuel sources do not have this cell structure, meaning that they do not contain all the impurities of wood which hold all the flavour.

3) Variety

The final advantage of cooking with wood is the sheer variety of options. All different types of wood produce a distinct and unique flavour, allowing chefs to pair them with various foods based on their relative qualities. For example, when burned, Hickory produces a sweet and intense flavour that is best paired with pork and ribs. Alderwood, in contrast, produces a subtle and delicate flavour, making it a better match for smoking salmon or cooking other types of fish.

Make the switch to Kiln Dried Firewood.

Call Eamon today on 0861777151

 

wood burning in a stove

Hardwood V Softwood

YES HARDWOOD FIREWOOD IS BETTER

Firstly there is still a lot of softwood firewood sold in the Irish market, most likely in nets sold in garage forecourts and whilst in recent years there has been a move towards hardwood, there may now be a move back to more softwood as prices for hardwood timber continues to rise.

Firstly, its quite important to know the difference between the two types of firewood. Hardwood firewood fundamentally comes from trees that lose their leaves in the winter, so trees such as Oak, Ash, Birch etc. They are slow growing (80-100 yrs to maturity) and therefore provide a dense timber. In contrast softwood firewood grows much faster maturing in 25-30 yrs and the timber is therefore less dense. Trees include Pine, Larch, Spruce and Douglas Fir etc.

So, how about their burning qualities? Lots of people say that you shouldn’t use softwood either because it burns too fast, produces too much resin in the chimney or smokes too much.The advice I revived from Galway Chimney Cleaning helped in this regard.

In summary softwood is great for burning, but as with all wood fuel it has to be dried properly to below 20% moisture content. Whilst it has the same calorific value as hardwood by weight, being less dense you need sometimes up to as much as twice as many logs for the same weight, or energy output. As regards resins, there seems to be conflicting advice on this, but it seems that as long as the wood is dry the resins can actually act as supercharged fuel, so better, not worse than thought! As for smoke, well just like any other wood, if it’s not dried properly it will smoke.

One of the biggest advantages of softwood, if drying it yourself, is that it dries very quickly and probably takes half the time to dry and its also great for kindling. When drying hardwood firewood yourself this can take a lot longer, this is why kiln dried hardwood firewood is often the best option. Much of the kindling sold today is softwood for this reason and the other benefit is that it gets the stove up to temperature very quickly which helps stove performance, increases ‘draw’ and reduces smoke.Check out our guide to starting your wood fire here.

fire burning in a stove

Lighting a Wood Stove Fire

HOW TO LIGHT A WOOD STOVE FIRE

We are going back to basics, starting with how to light a fire. I know I know this is exactly what you need to learn about right now and you’re welcome, honestly were glad to help.

Set all air controls to fully open, sometimes i find it good to leave the door of the stove slightly open which really helps the draw when lighting.

Use plenty of kindling/sticks and a suitable firelighter, once lit allow the fire to establish quickly, flames should fill the fire chamber. What you are doing at this stage is warming the flue/chimney to encourage the draw. When established add small sized logs taking care not to choke the fire.

Allow a reasonable burn for 10 to 15 minutes. The flames should fill the Stove without being sucked up the chimney.

Re-fuel now with slightly larger logs and allow a few minutes to establish. It is only when these small logs are burning that full size logs should be added.

If your stove has more than one air control then this is the time to close the one which allows air directly in from the room. This is often called the primary control. See the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the “primary” air control has been closed the temperature will continue to rise. Using a “flue pipe thermometer” will help you know when you have reached the best temperature. If you are using a thermometer then aim for the middle of the “best operation” range.

Once you reach optimum temperature you may now be able to reduce the amount of air using a “secondary” control. Reducing this air will slow the rate of burn but it is vital not to close it off too much. There should always be a reasonable amount of flame in the box and glass should stay clear.

When the stove has been running at optimum temperature for 15 minutes or so, you can check to see if you have set the controls correctly by simply looking at the top of your chimney. If you see smoke, then there is not enough air getting into the stove. Open the control up a bit, allow the fire to build for a few minutes and have another look.

ONCE THERE IS NO SMOKE, YOU’VE GOT IT RIGHT!