Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
Installing a stove in a shed, a log cabin, or a different off grid residence is a fantastic idea. There are some things to think about before doing so.
To decrease the cost of fuel and heat loss, it's important that your shed or cabin be properly and properly insulated. Insulation can also help to reduce dampness and enhance the safety of fire.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or a shed. It is essential to choose the right stove and be sure it is safe and meets all standards. A stove that is too large won't be adequately venting and can also rapidly soot up the flue. On the other side, a stove that is too small won't be in a position to heat the room adequately.
You will need to first determine the dimensions of the shed and then determine the location of the stove. Once you've determined the location you'll need to construct an open hearth for the stove to sit on. The hearth must be at minimum 12mm thick and constructed from a non-combustible material. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this distance could be reduced if you use an insulative panel to shield.
Once you've created the hearth, then put in the stove. Based on the type of stove you want to install, you may need to purchase an oven door, stovepipe, or a damper. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed or cabin because they are smaller than homes and can quickly fill up with CO gas.
Installing a stove in an outdoor space will require you to install a chimney liner in order to ensure safety and prevent condensation. Flue liners are available in a variety of hardware stores and can be cut to the right length. Utilize tin snips to cut off the lid and bottom of the can. Make sure to bend any sharp corners within.
Safety
Shed wood burning stoves are efficient and comfortable, however they must be installed in a safe manner. This includes the proper installation and usage of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the stove to reduce the risk of accidents.
It is recommended to use a HETAS certified installer to install your shed stove. They will be able to make sure that the installation is completed in compliance with current building regulations, which include the appropriate distances from combustible walls. This will help you avoid the requirement for a formal building control certificate.
Only burn wood that has been dried kiln and well-seasoned in your shed stove. Don't burn treated off-cuts as they release chemicals that pollute the air and cause air pollution. You will also have to ensure that your chimney is the right size. For most sheds a single wall flue will suffice but if the shed will be using a double wall stove, you will need a larger chimney.
The smoke of wood-burning stoves can be hazardous, particularly for mothers who are expecting or newly born, children and the elderly. Smoke from a wood burning stove could be harmful to those suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease and even cats and dogs.
A fire-proofing screen is recommended to protect pets and children from sparks and hot embers and it's a good idea to keep a book of fire logs and extinguisher on hand in the event of an emergency. It is also recommended to be wary of using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid close to your shed stove. These substances are highly flammable and could result in an explosion or flare-up should you make mistakes.
Depending on the location that you reside in, you may be in a smoke-control area, and this will affect the type of stove you can put in. You must choose the right log stove that has been approved by DEFRA.
Installation
Having a log burner in your summer house or shed is a fantastic idea and will bring you closer to nature in a way that cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. Having a log burning stove in your shed or garden can also be an ideal place to socialize and family gatherings as well as providing you with the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comforts of your own home.
When installing an outdoor wood burner it is important to consider the dimensions of your summerhouse or shed and the amount of output that you need from the stove in order to heat it properly. It is also important to consider whether you reside in a smoke-control zone and if there are local planning regulations that might affect your installation. You should consult a HETAS-registered installer to help you with planning and installation.
You'll need to know the size of the flue pipe that your shed will be able to support before installing a wood stove for shed. The supplier of your stove will be able to offer you some tips on this. Once you know what size flue pipe you'll require and you are able to look at the stoves for sheds that will work for your summer house.
After you have decided on the ideal stove for your summerhouse or shed, you will need to prepare the area for installation. This involves removing any materials that are flammable and making sure that there is a minimum distance of 1m from the shed to the front edge of the chimney stack. It is also crucial to ensure that the stove is placed at least 2m from the closest combustible walls and that any combustible material within the shed is covered by fire board or the shed is insulated.
The hearth should be made from non-combustible materials, and at least 12mm thick. You can choose any type of stone or concrete, for example, but you should be cautious not to use sand since this could affect the performance of the stove and cause a chimney problem. You'll also require a pair of twin wall flue pipes, a class D air vent and chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners are generally safe to use provided that there is adequate ventilation and a smoke alarm is installed. If you are planning to install a wood burner in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation has been signed off by an electrician and that any flammable material is kept away from the stove.
It is essential to regularly clean the glass and flue of your shed log burner. You can apply a light spray of vinegar to get rid of any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass. However, make sure you don't get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also wash the outside of the glass log burner using an easy solution consisting of paper towel and washing liquid.
Be aware that shed log heaters are designed to use dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the wood should be less than 20 percent. Utilize a wood moisture gauge to determine the moisture content of your logs. Place your wood in a ventilated shed, and make sure to keep combustible items like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It is also a good idea to get the chimney swept at least once a year.