Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
If you have a garden or log cabin, or any other off grid home you may be interested in installing a stove in it. There are a few things to consider before you do so.
To reduce fuel costs and heat loss, it's vital that your cabin or shed be properly and properly insulated. Insulation can also help to reduce dampness, and improve fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or shed. However, it is important to select the best stove for your space and ensure that it meets all of the safety requirements. A stove that is too big will not be able to properly vent and can also rapidly soot up the flue. A stove that is too large isn't able to heat the room adequately.
First, you must determine the dimensions of your shed and then decide on the best place to put the stove. Once you've determined the location then you'll need to build a hearth for the stove to sit on. The hearth must be at least 12mm thick and constructed 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 can be decreased if you employ an insulative shielding panel.
Install the stove after having created the hearth. You may require a stove pipe, a door or a damper, depending on the option you select. It is also necessary to install a carbon monoxide detector in your shed or cabin, as these spaces are much smaller than homes and can be filled with dangerous CO gas quickly.
If you're installing a stove inside a shed, then you'll need to install an air liner to ensure safety and to stop condensation. Liner flues are available in a variety of hardware stores and can be cut to the proper length. Just be sure to use tin snips or an open can opener to take off the lid and bottom of the can, and be sure to bend sharp edges within.
Safety
Shed wood burners can be extremely comfortable and efficient, however you should take into consideration the safety aspects of the installation. This includes ensuring that you have the proper installation and use of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguishers. To decrease the chance of an accident it is essential to keep pets and children away from the stove.
Installing your shed stove with a HETAS-registered installer is a good idea. They will be able to make sure that the installation is completed in accordance to current building regulations, which include relevant distances from combustible walls. This can eliminate the need for a building control certificate which can save your time and money in the long time.
Only burn wood that has been dried kiln and well-seasoned in your shed stove. Don't try to burn treated off-cuts since this could result in chemical emissions in the flue gases that can cause pollution and reduce the quality of air. Also, you must make sure that your chimney is the appropriate size. A single wall flue system is ideal for most sheds, however if you are planning to install a double wall stove in your shed, this will require a bigger chimney.
The smoke from a wood-burning stove can be hazardous, especially for pregnant women, children and those who are elderly. Smoke from a stove that burns wood can be dangerous for those suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease and even cats and dogs.
A fire guard screen should be used to protect pets and children from hot embers and sparks, and it is an ideal idea to keep a fire log book and extinguisher handy in case of an emergency. You should also avoid using gasoline or charcoal starter fluid close to the stove in your shed. These substances are extremely flammable and could cause an explosion or flare-up should you make an error.
You might live in a smoke-control region. This will impact the kind of stove you can put in. You must select an approved log stove approved by DEFRA.
Installation
Having a log burner in your summer house or shed is a fantastic idea and can bring you closer to nature in a way that isn't possible with a normal fire in the home. Having a log burning stove in your garden or shed can also be an ideal place to socialize and gatherings with family members, while also giving you the opportunity to take in the beautiful outdoors without having to leave the comforts of your own home.
When installing a wood burner in a shed, you'll need to consider the size of your summerhouse or shed and the amount of output you'll require from the stove to adequately heat it. It is also important to consider whether you live in a smoke-control area and if there are local planning regulations that might affect your installation. In the ideal scenario, you should speak with a HETAS registered installer to help you plan and installation.
If you decide that you would like to install a shed wood burner , the first thing you will need to do is find out what size flue pipe your shed will accommodate. This is typically a simple process and the manufacturer of your stove will be able to guide you on this. Once you've determined the size of the flue pipe, you can begin searching for shed log burners that are suitable for your summer house or shed.
Once you have decided on the right stove for the summerhouse or shed you have to prepare the installation area. This will involve removing any flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also important to make sure that the stove is at least 2m away from the nearest walls that are combustible and that all combustible materials within the shed is covered by fire board or the shed is insulated.
The next step is to install a hearth that should be constructed of non-combustible material and be at minimum 12mm thick. You can use any kind of stone or concrete, for instance, but you should be careful not to use sand because this could compromise the performance of the stove and result in a chimney failure. You'll also require a pair twin wall flue pipe as well as a class D airvent and chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners can be used safely when there is sufficient ventilation and a smoke detector is installed. If you're planning on installing a wood stove in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation has been signed off by a licensed electrician. You should also ensure that any flammable materials are well away from the stove.
It is crucial to clean regularly the glass and flue of your stove's log burner in the shed. You can use a light splash of vinegar to wash away any smudges or marks from the inside of the stove glass. However, be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also clean the exterior of the glass log burner with mild solutions made from paper towel and washing liquid.
Keep in mind that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry-seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs should be less than 20%. The best way to check the moisture content of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Store your wood in a ventilated area, and be sure to keep any flammable items like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It is recommended also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a yearly.