Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
Installing a stove into an outdoor shed, log cabin or another off grid residence is a great idea. There are a few things to consider before deciding to do this.
It's crucial to ensure your cabin or shed is properly insulated in order to limit heat loss and save on fuel costs. Insulation can help reduce dampness and enhance the fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or shed. It is crucial to choose the right stove and be sure it is safe and meets all standards. A stove that is too big isn't able to properly vent and also will quickly build up the flue. A stove that is too big isn't able to heat the room adequately.
It is important to first determine the size of the shed and then decide on the best location for the stove. Once you've decided where the stove will be placed, you will require the hearth that will support it. The hearth must be at least 12mm thick and made of a non-combustible product. The distance between a single wall flue pipe and non-combustible materials is 3 times the diameter of the pipe. However, this distance could be reduced by using an insulative panel as shielding.
Once you've constructed the hearth, you are able to then install the stove. Depending on your choice, you may need to purchase an oven door, a stovepipe or a damper. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your cabin or shed because they are smaller than homes, and they can swiftly fill with CO gas.
If you're installing a stove inside the shed, you'll have to install an air liner to ensure safety and to avoid condensation. You can find flue liners at a wide range of hardware stores and they're generally simple to cut to the correct length. Be sure to make use of tin snips or a can opener to remove the lid and the bottom of the can, and be sure to bend any sharp edges within.
Safety
Shed wood burning stoves are effective and cozy, but they must be installed safely. This includes the proper installation and usage of the stove, as well as an alarm for carbon monoxide and a fire extinguisher. To minimize the chance of an accident it is essential to keep children and pets away from the stove.
It is recommended to hire a HETAS registered installer to set up your shed stove. They will ensure that the installation is done in accordance with the building regulations. This includes relevant distances from a wall that is combustible. This can eliminate the requirement for a building control certificate, which can save you time and money in the long in the long.
You will need to ensure that you only burn well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your stove in your shed. Do not try to burn treated off-cuts, as this will produce chemicals in the flue gases that could cause pollution and decrease the quality of the air. Also, ensure that you have a properly size chimney. For most sheds, a single wall flue is enough however if your shed is equipped with a double wall stove, you will require a bigger chimney.
The smoke that comes from a wood burning stove can be dangerous, especially for pregnant or new mothers as well as children and the elderly. Smoke from a wood burning stove could be harmful to those suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease and even pets and dogs.
A fire-proof screen should be used to shield pets and children from sparks and hot embers and it's an ideal idea to keep a log book of fires and extinguisher on hand in the event of an emergency. Also, be wary of using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near your shed stove. These substances are extremely flammable and could trigger an explosion or flare-up if you make a mistake.
Depending on the location you live in, you could be located in a smoke control area, which will affect the stove you can choose to install. You will need to choose the type of stove that is listed on the DEFRA (External link) approved appliance list.
Installation
A log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea. It can help you get closer to the nature, and is more appealing than a traditional fire in your home. Having a log burning stove in your shed or garden can also serve as an ideal location for socializing and gatherings with your family, as well as giving you the opportunity to take in the beautiful outdoors without leaving the comfort of your own home.
When installing a wood burner in a shed, you'll need 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. It is also important to consider if you are in a smoke-free zone and if there are any local planning laws that might impact your installation. You should consult a HETAS-registered installer to assist you with the planning and installation.
You'll need to know the size of the flue pipe that your shed will be able to support before you can install the wood stove for your shed. The stove's manufacturer should be able to give you some tips on this. Once you've decided on the size of the flue pipe you can begin searching for shed log burners that are suitable for your summer home or shed.
After wood stove burning have selected the ideal stove for your summerhouse or shed, you will need to prepare the area for its installation. This involves removing all flammable materials, and ensuring there is a minimum of 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also essential to ensure that the stove is placed at least 2m away from the nearest combustible walls and that any combustible material inside the shed is covered with fire board or the shed is insulated.
You'll then have to fit a hearth, which should be made from non-combustible material and be at least 12mm thick. You can use any kind of concrete or stone, for example, but you should be careful not to use sand since this could affect the performance of the stove and cause a chimney problem. Also, you'll need two twin wall flue pipes, class D air vent and chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners can be used safely if there is adequate ventilation and a smoke detector installed. If you are planning to install a wood burner in your shed, ensure that the electrical installation has been signed off by an electrician and that any flammable material is well away from the stove.
It is essential to regularly clean the flue and glass of your shed log burner. Use a small amount of vinegar to wash the inside of your stove glass. Be careful not to let vinegar get inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of washing liquid on a paper towel to wash the outside of the glass in the log burner.
Be aware that shed log heaters are designed to make use of dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs must 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. Store your wood in a ventilated shed, and be sure to keep combustible items like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It is a good idea also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a year.