Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
If you have a garden, log cabin or other off grid residence, you might be interested in installing a stove in it. There are a few things to think about before doing so.
To reduce fuel costs and heat loss, it's vital that your shed or cabin be properly and properly insulated. Insulation can help reduce dampness, and improve fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or a shed. However, it is important to select the best stove for your space and make sure that it complies with all the safety standards required. A stove that is too large isn't able to vent properly and could also cause the flue to smear. A stove that is too big will not be able to heat the room effectively.
The first step is to determine the size of your shed and then decide on the best place to put the stove. Once you've determined the location, you'll need to create an open hearth for the stove to rest on. The hearth must be at least 12mm thick and constructed of a non-combustible substance. The distance between a 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.
Install the stove after having built the hearth. Based on the type of stove you want to install you might need to buy an oven door, stovepipe, or a damper. Install an alarm for carbon monoxide in your shed or cabin because they are smaller spaces than homes, and they can swiftly fill up with CO gas.
If you're installing a stove in an outdoor space, then you'll need to install a flue liner for safety and to avoid condensation. Liner flues are available at a wide range of hardware stores and can be easily cut to the right length. Just be sure to make use of tin snips or an open can opener to take off the lid and bottom of the can, and make sure to bend sharp edges within.
Safety
Shed wood burners can be extremely comfortable and efficient, however you must consider 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 a fire extinguisher. It is also important to keep pets and children away from the stove in order to reduce the risk of accidents.
It is a good idea to use a HETAS certified installer to install your shed stove. They will ensure that the installation process is completed in compliance with the building regulations. This includes the proper distances away from combustible wall. This may avoid the need for an official building control certificate, which can save your time and money in the long run.
Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your stove in your shed. Don't attempt to burn treated off-cuts, since this could result in chemical emissions in the flue gases that could cause pollution and decrease the quality of the air. You will also need to ensure that you have a properly constructed chimney. A single wall flue is ideal for most sheds, however if you want to use a double wall stove in your shed, it will require a larger chimney.
Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace can be hazardous, especially to pregnant women, children and those who are elderly. It is also dangerous for people suffering from asthma, COPD or heart diseases and can be harmful to pets and dogs as well.
It is essential to install an alarm screen to protect children and pets from sparks and hot coals. A log book for fires should be kept close in case of emergency. Also, avoid using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near the stove in your shed. These substances are extremely flammable and could trigger an explosion or flare-up if you make a mistake.
Depending on the location you reside in, you could be located in a smoke control zone, which will affect the stove you can install. You must select an approved log stove approved by DEFRA.
Installation
Having a log burner in your shed or summer house is a great idea and will bring you closer to nature in a way that isn't possible with a normal fireplace in your home. Having a log burning stove in your garden or shed can also be an ideal location for socializing and family gatherings as well as providing you with the chance to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comforts of your home.
When you are installing an outdoor wood burner it is important to consider the size of your summerhouse or shed and the amount of output you require from the stove to properly heat it. Also, you'll need to consider if you live in a smoke-control area and if there are local regulations on planning that could impact your installation. It is recommended that you consult with a HETAS registered installer to help you plan and installation.
If you decide you would like to install a wood burner for your shed the first thing you'll need to do is to determine the size of flue pipe your shed can accommodate. The stove's manufacturer is likely to be able give you some suggestions on this. Once you know what size flue pipe you'll need, you can start to look into shed log burners that are suitable for your summer or shed house.
After you have selected the right stove for your shed or summerhouse it is important to prepare the area for installation. This will involve clearing away any materials that are flammable and making sure that there is at least 1m from the shed to the front edge of the chimney stack. It is also essential to make sure that the stove is placed at least 2m away from the closest combustible walls and that all combustible materials in 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 materials and be at least 12mm thick. You can make use of any type of concrete or stone, for example, but be cautious not to use sand, because it could impact the performance of your stove and result in an issue in the chimney. Also, you'll need twin wall flue pipes, a class D air vents and a chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners are safe to use when there is sufficient ventilation and a smoke detector is installed. If you are planning to install a wood burner in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation is approved by an electrician, and that any material that is flammable is kept away from the stove.
It is crucial to clean regularly the glass and flue of your shed log burner. You can use a gentle spray of vinegar to get rid of any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass - make sure you don't get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also clean the outside of the glass log burner using mild solutions made from water and paper towels.
Be aware that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry-seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the wood should be less than 20 percent. Use a wood moisture meter to determine the moisture content of your logs. Keep your wood in a place that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles such as furniture and curtains out of the shed. It is recommended also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a every year.