Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
Installing a stove in an outdoor shed, log cabin or another off grid residence is a great idea. There are a few aspects to consider before you do so.
To cut down on fuel costs and heat loss, it's vital that your shed or cabin be properly insulate it. Insulation can also help to reduce dampness and increase the safety of fire.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a shed or summerhouse. It is crucial to choose the right stove and make sure it is safe and meets all standards. A stove that is too big isn't able to vent properly and could also smear the flue. A stove that is too large will not be able heat the room sufficiently.
It is important to first determine the size of the shed and then choose 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 should be at least 12mm in thickness and made of a non-combustible substance. The distance between a single wall flue pipe and non-combustible materials is 3 times the diameter of the pipe. However, this can be reduced if you use an insulative panel as shielding.
Install the stove after having constructed the hearth. You may require a stove pipe, a door or a damper based on the type of stove you want to install. Install an alarm for carbon monoxide in your cabin or shed, as these are smaller than homes and are able to quickly fill with CO gas.
If you're installing a stove in an outdoor space, then you'll need to install an air liner to ensure safety and to avoid condensation. Flue liners can be found in a variety of hardware stores and can be cut to the correct length. Be sure to use tin snips or a can opener to remove the lid and bottom of the can, and be sure to bend any sharp edges within.
Safety
Shed wood burners can be extremely efficient and cosy, but you should consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the correct installation and usage of the stove, as well as an alarm for carbon monoxide and a fire extinguisher. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the stove to minimize the chance of accidents.
Installing your stove in a shed by an HETAS registered installer is a great idea. They can make sure that the installation is done in compliance to building regulations. This includes relevant distances from a wall that is combustible. This can help you avoid the need for an official building control certificate.
Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your shed stove. Don't attempt to burn treated off-cuts, as this will produce chemicals in the flue gas that could cause pollution and decrease air quality. Also, ensure that you have a correctly size chimney. A single wall flue is ideal for most sheds, but if want to use a double wall stove in your shed, it will require a bigger chimney.
Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace can be hazardous, especially to children, pregnant women 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 guard screen should be used to protect children and pets from hot embers and sparks, and it is an ideal idea to keep a log book of fires and extinguisher on hand in the event in the event of an emergency. It is also important to make sure that you do not use gasoline or charcoal starter fluid near the stove in your shed, as these are extremely flammable and could explode or flare-up in the event of an accident.
Depending on the location you live in, you may be in a smoke-control zone, which will affect the type of stove you can choose to install. You will need to choose a log burner that is part of the DEFRA (External link) approved list of appliances.
Installation
A log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea and will bring you closer to nature in a way that just cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. Having a log burning stove in your garden or shed can also provide an ideal place to socialize and gatherings with family members, while also offering you the chance to take in the beautiful outdoors without leaving the comforts of your home.
When you are installing a shed wood burner it is important to consider the size of your shed or summerhouse and the amount of output you require from the stove in order to heat it properly. You will also need to be aware of whether you are located in a smoke-free zone and whether there are local laws that could impact your installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS certified installer to assist you plan and installation.
If you decide that you want to install a shed wood burner the first thing you will have to do is determine the size of flue pipe your shed is able to accommodate. This is usually easy enough and the company that sells your stove will be able to guide you on this. Once you have determined the size of the flue pipe, you can begin looking for shed log burners that are suitable for your summer home or shed.
Once you have chosen the best stove for your summerhouse or shed it is important to prepare the area for its installation. This involves removing any flammable materials, and ensuring there is a minimum of 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also recommended to ensure that the stove is at least 2m away from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible material within the shed are covered with fire boards or insulated.
You'll then have to install a hearth which should be made from non-combustible materials and be at minimum 12mm thick. You can make use of any type of concrete or stone for example, but you should be careful not to use sand because this could affect the stove's performance and cause a chimney problem. Also, you'll need a pair of twin wall flue pipes, class D airvent, and chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners are generally safe to use, provided that they have adequate ventilation and a smoke alarm is installed. If you're planning on installing a wood stove in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation is approved by a licensed electrician. You should also ensure that any materials that are flammable are well away from the stove.
You should clean the glass and chimney of your shed log heater regularly. Use a small amount vinegar to wash the inside of your stove glass. Be careful not to let vinegar get inside the burner. You can also clean the outside of the glass log burner with mild solutions made from paper towel and washing liquid.
Be wood burning stoves for sale that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry-seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs should be less than 20 percent. The most effective method of determining the level of moisture in your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Place your wood in a place that is well ventilated. Keep flammable items such as curtains and furniture out of the shed. It is a good idea also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a yearly.