Why Does Burning Wood Pop

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Why Does Burning Wood Pop. As the wood heats up, the warmth penetrates deep into these pockets. In fact, as the firewood is burning and combustion is being released into the air, the burnt wood is converted into heat and waste gasses.

Why Does Cedar Wood Pop? HomeSteady
Why Does Cedar Wood Pop? HomeSteady from homesteady.com

These air pockets fill narrow passages within the wooden log. In fact, as the firewood is burning and combustion is being released into the air, the burnt wood is converted into heat and waste gasses. As the gas escapes, the fire will emit an audible pop or crack.

Some Will Get Stuck In The Wood.


When the wood is burned, combustible gasses will be released. Once the fire burns the wood. This same principle rings true when burning wet or moist firewood.

In All Actuality, These Popping And Cracking Sounds Are Coming From A Chemical Reaction Inside Of Your Fireplace.


In basic terms, it has something to do with the combustion gases escaping from the wood. The sap/pitch liquifies, then vaporizes as the temperature increases. If you place a pot of water on the stove and activate the burner, it will evaporate as steam.

These Air Pockets Fill Narrow Passages Within The Wooden Log.


Gas is created by trapped moisture locked in small pockets within the wood. As the wood burns the moisture is heated, and as the moisture is heated it expands and turns into gas. Unlike wood, water doesn’t convert into heat when burned.

Finally, The Walls Can’t Take The Pressure Anymore And Burst.


At that time, the “popping. Gases expand rapidly when heated. In fact, as the firewood is burning and combustion is being released into the air, the burnt wood is converted into heat and waste gasses.

The Holes Created By The Insects Will Give The Gasses An Escape Route.


The popping noise occurs when air pockets in the wood are released. Trapped moisture can also cause wood to pop and crackle from the creation of steam. As the wood heats up, the warmth penetrates deep into these pockets.