Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
Installing a stove in a shed, a log cabin or another off grid home is a fantastic idea. However, there are several factors to be considered prior to doing this.
To cut down on fuel costs and heat loss, it's essential that your shed or cabin be properly insulated. Insulation can also help to reduce dampness, and improve fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a shed or summerhouse. It is crucial to select the correct stove for your space and ensure that it meets the safety standards required. A stove that is too large won't be adequately venting and will also quickly soot up the flue. A stove that is too large will not be able to heat the room adequately.
First, you need to determine the size of your shed and then decide where to position the stove. Once you have decided the place where the stove should be placed, you will have to construct 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 the combustible material is 3x diameter of the pipe. However, this can be reduced if you use an insulative panel as shielding.
After you've built the hearth, then put in the stove. You may require an oven pipe, a door or a damper, depending on the option you select. Install an alarm for carbon monoxide in your cabin or shed because they are smaller than homes and can quickly fill up with CO gas.
Installing a stove within a shed will require the installation of a chimney liner in order to protect your family from the risk of condensation and ensure that it doesn't happen. The flue liner is available at most hardware stores, and they're usually simple to cut to the right length. Make sure you 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 are comfortable and efficient, however you must consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes ensuring the correct installation and use of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide detector as well as a fire extinguisher. To decrease the chance of an accident, it is important to keep pets and children away from the stove.
It is recommended to hire an HETAS registered installer to set up your stove in your shed. They can make sure that the installation is carried out in compliance the current building regulations, including the necessary distances from combustible walls. This may avoid the requirement for a building control certificate which will save your time and money in the long run.
You must ensure that you only burn well-seasoned, kiln-dried, seasoned wood in your shed stove. Don't attempt to burn treated off-cuts, because this can result in the release of chemicals in the flue gas that can cause pollution and reduce the quality of air. You will also have to ensure that your chimney is the right size. A single wall flue system is suitable for the majority of sheds, however if you want to use a double wall stove in your shed, it will require a bigger chimney.
The smoke of wood-burning stoves can be hazardous, particularly for mothers who are expecting or newly born as well as children and the elderly. It can also be dangerous for people suffering from asthma, COPD or heart diseases, and it can affect pets and dogs as well.
It is important to use a fire guard screen to safeguard children and pets from sparks and hot coals. A log book for fires is also recommended to keep close in the event of an emergency. It is also recommended to be wary of using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near your shed stove. These are highly flammable and could trigger an explosion or flare-up should you make an error.
Depending on the area that you reside in, you may be located in a smoke control area, which will determine the type of stove you can install. You will need to choose a log burner that is on the DEFRA (External link) approved list of appliances.
Installation
The addition of a log burner to your summer house or shed is a great idea that can really bring you closer to nature in a way that cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. A log burning stove in your shed or garden can also provide a focal point for socialising and family gatherings as well as providing you with the chance to take in the beautiful outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
When installing an outdoor wood burner, you'll need 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 take into account if you reside in a zone of smoke control and if there are any local regulations on planning that might affect your installation. Ideally, you should consult with an HETAS registered installer to help you plan your installation.
You'll need to know the size of the flue pipe your shed can handle before you install the wood stove for your shed. It's usually a simple task 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 searching for shed log burners that are suitable for your summer house or shed.
After you have selected the ideal stove for your shed or summerhouse it is important to prepare the area to install it. This will require clearing away any flammable materials and ensuring that 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 placed at least 2m from the nearest walls that are combustible and that all combustible material within the shed is covered with fire board or the shed is insulated.
The hearth must be constructed from non-combustible materials, and at least 12mm thick. You can choose any kind of concrete or stone for instance, but you must be careful not use sand because it could impact the performance of your stove and lead to an issue with the chimney. Also, you'll need twin wall flue pipes, class D air vents and a chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners can be used safely provided there is adequate ventilation and a smoke detector installed. If indoor wood burning stove intend to install a wood burner in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation has been signed off by an electrician and that any flammable material is kept away from the stove.
Clean the glass and chimney of your shed log heater regularly. Make use of a small amount vinegar to wash the inside of your stove's glass. Be cautious not to let vinegar get inside the burner. You can also apply a mild solution of washing up liquid on a paper towel to clean the exterior of the glass in the log burner.
Remember 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. The most effective method of determining the moisture level of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Store your wood in an area that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles such as furniture and curtains out of the shed. It is a good idea also to have the chimney cleaned at least yearly.