Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
The installation of a stove into an outdoor shed, log cabin, or a different off grid dwelling is a fantastic idea. There are a few factors to be considered before you do this.
To reduce fuel costs and heat loss, it's essential that your cabin or shed be properly insulate it. Insulation can also 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 ensure that it meets the safety standards required. A stove that is too big will not be capable of properly venting and can also rapidly soot up the flue. On the other hand, a stove that is too small will not be able to heat the space effectively.
First, you need to determine the dimensions of your shed and then determine the best location for the stove. Once you've decided on 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 material. 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 if you use an insulative panel to shield.
Once you've created the hearth, then install the stove. You may require a stove pipe, a door or a damper depending on the type of stove you want to install. It is also necessary to install carbon monoxide detectors in your cabin or shed in these places, since they are much smaller than houses and can be filled with dangerous CO gas quickly.
If you're installing a stove in a shed, then you'll have to install an air liner to ensure safety and to prevent condensation. Liner flues are available at most hardware shops and can be easily cut to the correct length. Use tin snips for removing the bottom and lid of the can. Be sure to bend any sharp corners within.
Safety
Shed wood burners can be very cozy and efficient, but you should consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the proper installation and use of the stove as well as an alarm for carbon monoxide as well as a fire extinguisher. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the stove in order to reduce the risk of accidents.
It is a good idea to choose a HETAS registered installer to set up your shed stove. They can make sure that the installation process is completed in compliance with the building regulations. This includes the appropriate distances away from combustible wall. 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 stove in your shed. Do not burn treated off-cuts as they release chemicals that can pollute the air and contribute to air pollution. Also, you must ensure that your chimney is of the proper size. In most sheds, a single wall flue is enough but if the shed will be using a double wall stove, you'll require a bigger chimney.
The smoke of a wood burning stove can be dangerous, especially for pregnant or new mothers, children and the elderly. Smoke from a stove that burns wood is a risk for people suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease as well as cats and dogs.
A fire-proof screen should be used to shield pets and children from sparks and hot embers It is an ideal idea to keep a fire log book and extinguisher handy in case in the event of an emergency. It is also important to make sure that you do not make use of charcoal starter or gasoline fluid near the stove in your shed, as these are highly flammable substances and could explode or cause flare-ups in the case of an accident.
Depending on the area you live in, you may be in a smoke-control area, which will affect the type of stove you can put in. You will need to choose a log burner that is part of the DEFRA (External link) approved list of appliances.
Installation
The addition of a log burner to your shed or summer house is a great idea and can bring you closer to nature in a way that cannot be done with a standard fire in the home. A log burner in your shed or garden can be a fantastic location for family gatherings and socializing. It also allows you to enjoy the wonderful outdoors from the comfortable confines of your home.
When you are installing an outdoor wood burner it is important to consider the size of your shed or summerhouse and the output that you need from the stove to properly heat it. It is also important to consider whether you live in a smoke-control area and if there are local regulations on planning that might affect the installation. It is recommended to consult a registered HETAS installer to help you with the planning and installation.
You'll need to know the size of the flue pipe that your shed can support before you install the wood stove for your shed. It's usually a simple task and the company that sells your stove can help you on this. Once you know what size flue pipe you will need, you can start to look for log burners for your shed that are suitable for your summer or shed home.
Once you have chosen the best stove for your summerhouse or shed you have to prepare the installation area. This involves removing any materials that could ignite and ensuring that there is a minimum distance of 1m from the shed to the front edge of the chimney stack. It is also recommended to ensure that the stove is placed at least 2m from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible material within the shed are covered with fire boards or covered with insulation.
You will then need to install a hearth which should be made from non-combustible materials and be at least 12mm thick. You can choose any kind of concrete or stone for instance, but be careful not use sand, since it can affect the performance of your stove and lead to an issue in the chimney. Also, you'll need a pair of twin wall flue pipes as well as a class D airvent and chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners are generally safe to use, provided that there is adequate ventilation and a smoke alarm installed. If you're thinking of installing wood stoves in your shed, make sure that the electrical installation is approved by a licensed electrician. You should also ensure that any flammable materials are well away from the stove.
It is important to clean regularly the flue and glass of your stove's log burner in the shed. You can use a gentle spray of vinegar to get rid of any marks or smudges from the inside of the stove glass. However, be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of washing up liquid on a paper towel to wash the outside of the glass for the log burner.
Keep in mind that shed log heaters are made to use dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs must be less than 20 percent. Utilize outdoor wood stove to determine the moisture content of your logs. Keep your wood in a ventilated area, and be sure to keep flammable objects like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It is a good idea also to have the chimney cleaned at least every year.