Yes, you can absolutely leave bags of coal outside. In fact, storing coal outdoors is a common and practical solution for many households, especially those who purchase coal in bulk. Storing coal is fairly simple, as it can be stored either inside or outside. Most people choose to store their coal in bulk outdoors unless they have sufficient space inside their property.
While coal is resilient, proper outdoor storage is essential to maintain its quality, maximize its burning efficiency, and ensure safety and convenience.
Why Store Coal Outside?
Storing coal outdoors offers several advantages, making it the preferred method for many:
- Space Saving: Keeping coal outside frees up valuable indoor storage space, which is often limited.
- Convenience for Bulk Purchases: Larger deliveries of coal can be easily offloaded and stored directly outside, simplifying the process.
- Reduced Indoor Dust: Storing coal outside minimizes the amount of dust and debris brought into your home, contributing to cleaner indoor air quality.
- Accessibility: An outdoor bunker or covered stack can provide easy access for refilling your indoor coal scuttle or stove.
Essential Considerations for Outdoor Coal Storage
While coal can be stored outside, it's crucial to implement strategies that protect it from the elements and maintain its integrity.
Protecting Your Coal from the Elements
The primary concern for outdoor coal storage is moisture. While coal won't dissolve in water, excessive dampness can make it harder to light and reduce its burning efficiency.
- Keep it Dry: Always aim to keep your coal as dry as possible. This means shielding it from rain, snow, and even ground moisture.
- Allow for Air Circulation: If you cover your coal, ensure there's still some airflow to prevent condensation from forming underneath, which can also introduce unwanted moisture.
- Prevent Bag Degradation: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (UV rays) can degrade the plastic bags over time, causing them to become brittle and tear.
Optimal Placement and Security
Choosing the right location for your outdoor coal storage is just as important as the method itself.
- Elevate from the Ground: Store bags on pallets, wooden planks, or a raised concrete slab to prevent moisture from wicking up from the ground.
- Choose a Stable, Level Surface: Ensure the storage area is firm and level to prevent bags from toppling, which could lead to tears and spillage.
- Consider Accessibility: Place your coal storage in an easily accessible spot for deliveries, but also one that is convenient for you to retrieve coal, especially during colder months.
- Security: For larger quantities, especially in easily accessible areas, consider lockable storage solutions to prevent theft.
- Proximity to Home: While outside, try to keep it a reasonable distance from direct living areas to minimize any potential dust or fumes entering your home, but close enough for convenience.
Popular Methods for Storing Coal Outdoors
Various methods can be employed to effectively store coal outside, ranging from simple covers to dedicated structures.
Using Coal Bunkers
Dedicated coal bunkers are purpose-built storage units designed to protect coal from the weather while keeping it contained.
- Materials: They are typically made from plastic, metal, or concrete, offering durability and weather resistance.
- Features: Many bunkers include a top-loading hatch and a bottom-access door for easy retrieval. They also help to elevate the coal off the ground.
- Benefits: Coal bunkers offer excellent protection from rain, snow, and pests, while keeping the coal tidy and secure. You can find more insights on coal bunkers from resources like Homebuilding & Renovating.
Simple Cover Solutions
For those without a dedicated bunker, simpler solutions can be very effective:
- Tarpaulins: A heavy-duty waterproof tarpaulin can be draped over stacked coal bags and secured with ropes or bungee cords. Ensure it's tied down firmly to prevent wind from blowing it away.
- Plastic Sheeting: Thick plastic sheeting (like that used for damp-proofing) can also serve as a good cover.
- Weighting: Use bricks or heavy stones to weigh down the edges of your cover to prevent it from blowing off in windy conditions.
- Stacking: Stack bags neatly and compactly to minimize the surface area exposed to the elements and to make covering easier.
Elevating Bags
Regardless of the cover used, it's always advisable to elevate your coal bags:
- Pallets: Wooden pallets are excellent for this purpose, lifting bags off the cold, damp ground and allowing air circulation underneath.
- Bricks or Blocks: A layer of bricks or concrete blocks can also create a raised platform.
Benefits and Challenges of Outdoor Coal Storage
Here's a quick overview of the advantages and potential issues to consider when storing coal outside:
| Aspect | Benefits of Outdoor Storage | Potential Challenges to Address |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Frees up valuable indoor space for other uses. | Requires a dedicated, discreet outdoor area. |
| Cleanliness | Minimizes indoor dust, dirt, and coal fines, contributing to a cleaner home environment. | Can create a dusty area outdoors if not managed with proper containers or covers. |
| Access | Convenient for bulk deliveries directly to the storage point and easy refueling of indoor stoves. | May be less accessible in severe weather conditions (e.g., deep snow, heavy rain). |
| Protection | Coal can be stored effectively and retain its quality with proper covers and elevation. | Risk of moisture absorption if uncovered, which can reduce burning efficiency and make it harder to light. |
| Security | Large quantities can be secured in robust, lockable coal bunkers, deterring theft. | Vulnerable to theft or vandalism if left in easily accessible, open bags. |
| Longevity | Well-protected coal retains its energy content and burning characteristics over extended periods. | UV degradation of bags can occur with prolonged sun exposure, leading to tears. |
Tips for Effective Outdoor Coal Storage
To ensure your coal remains in optimal condition, consider these practical tips:
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically check your stored coal for signs of moisture, bag damage, or pest activity.
- Rotate Stock: If you have a large supply, try to use older bags first to maintain freshness, though coal has a very long shelf life when dry.
- Maintain Your Storage Area: Keep the area around your coal storage tidy and free of debris to deter pests and maintain accessibility.
- Consult Suppliers: Reputable coal merchants, such as CPL Fuels, often provide detailed guidance on the best storage practices for their products.
By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively store bags of coal outside, ensuring you have a reliable and efficient fuel source throughout the heating season.
