How Moisture Content Directly Impacts Chimney Health and Safety

How Moisture Content Directly Impacts Chimney Health and Safety

At Corrin Kiln Dried, we know firewood. We don’t just sell it—we use it. We’ve seen firsthand how the wrong firewood can cause serious problems, especially in your chimney. That’s why we want to talk about something often ignored: moisture content.

Wet Wood Is a Hidden Danger

If your firewood is too wet, it doesn’t just burn poorly. It puts your home at risk.

Wet wood doesn’t reach high temperatures. That means incomplete combustion. Instead of clean-burning fire, you get smoke—lots of it. And in that smoke? A sticky, dangerous substance called creosote.

Creosote coats the inside of your chimney. It starts as a thin layer. But over time, it builds up. And when it builds up too much, it becomes a fire hazard.

Even a small spark can ignite thick creosote. Chimney fires are fast, hot, and destructive. Most of them are preventable—with the right firewood.

Why Kiln-Dried Wood Matters

This is where kiln-dried wood makes the difference.

At Corrin Kiln Dried, we dry our wood in commercial kilns. These kilns bring the moisture content down to under 20%. That’s the sweet spot.

Lower moisture means cleaner burns. Less smoke. Less creosote. More heat.

And your chimney stays cleaner, longer. That saves you on cleaning costs. It also gives you peace of mind.

Real Results, Real Safety

Customers often tell us the difference is night and day. With seasoned or green wood, they had to schedule chimney cleanings two or three times a season. With our kiln-dried wood? Once a year—sometimes even less.

One customer in Wilmington said it best:

"I used to clean my chimney twice every winter. Since switching to Corrin Kiln Dried wood, I’ve only needed one cleaning in two years. The sweep even asked what I’d been burning—it was that clean."

That’s the kind of result we stand behind.

What Moisture Does to Your Fire

Let’s talk about heat.

When wood is wet, a lot of the energy goes into boiling off water. That’s energy you don’t get as heat in your home. So, you burn more wood for less warmth.

With kiln-dried wood, that energy goes where it should—into the room. That means warmer nights and lower wood usage.

You save money. You stay warm. Your chimney stays safe.

You Can See the Difference

Try this test:

Take a piece of regular firewood. Drop it on the ground. You’ll hear a dull “thud.”

Now take one of our kiln-dried logs. Drop that. You’ll hear a clean “crack.” That sound means dry wood. Light, crisp, and ready to burn.

You can also look at the ends. Dry wood has cracks and splits. Wet wood looks smooth and dark. You can even feel the difference. Kiln-dried logs are lighter because there’s no trapped moisture.

Why Seasoned Wood Isn’t the Same

Some people think seasoned wood is “good enough.” It’s not.

Seasoned wood is air-dried. But air drying is slow and unpredictable. Depending on the weather, it can take 6–12 months.

And even then, the wood may not dry all the way. Especially in humid climates like Delaware.

With kiln-drying, we control the process. We dry every log evenly. You get consistent, low-moisture wood every time.

No guessing. No waiting. No damp logs.

Better Burns, Less Maintenance

A clean chimney isn’t just about fire safety. It’s about keeping your whole system running better.

Less creosote means better airflow. Better airflow means more efficient burns. More efficient burns mean more heat—and less smoke.

You’ll also have fewer flare-ups. Fewer cold starts. And less buildup on your fireplace glass.

It’s a cleaner, safer, easier experience all around.

Our Firewood Options

We offer a range of premium hardwoods. Each one brings something different to the table.

  • Oak burns long and hot.
  • Ash is easy to light and reliable.
  • Birch gives a nice aroma and quick heat.
  • Maple burns clean with steady heat.
  • Cherry adds a mild, sweet scent and a cozy glow.

Every piece is kiln-dried. Every order is hand-stacked and inspected before delivery.

You’re not just getting firewood. You’re getting peace of mind.

Local, Reliable, and Ready

We serve Delaware and surrounding areas. If you’re within 20 miles of zip code 19801, your delivery is free. Outside that range? Just $3 per mile.

We stack it where you want it—no mess, no hassle. You can order online or call us at 302-656-6077.

We’ll help you choose the right wood for your needs. Whether it’s for heating, cooking, or ambiance, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t Risk Your Chimney

Chimney fires are real. They’re scary. And they’re avoidable.

Don’t take chances with wet wood. Don’t trust that pile in the yard to be dry enough.

Go with kiln-dried. Go with Corrin.

Final Thoughts

Your chimney is one of the most important parts of your home’s heating system. But it’s also one of the most neglected.

By choosing high-quality, kiln-dried wood, you’re doing more than starting a fire. You’re protecting your family. You’re improving your home’s safety. You’re getting more heat, less mess, and more value from every log.

At Corrin Kiln Dried, we’re here to help you burn smarter. Call us today. Your chimney will thank you.

Corrin Kiln Dried - Your Premier Choice for Quality Firewood

We specialize in kiln-dried hardwoods that deliver performance, safety, and satisfaction. Choose from oak, ash, birch, maple, and cherry.

Place Your Order Today

Order online or call 302-656-6077. Free delivery within 20 miles of 19801. Just $3 per additional mile.

Burn cleaner. Burn safer. Burn Corrin.

Back to blog