Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
If you have a shed or log cabin, or an off grid residence, you might want to install a stove in it. There are a few things to consider prior to doing so.
exterior wood stove is essential to ensure that your cabin or shed is properly insulated in order to limit heat loss and save on fuel costs. Insulation can help reduce dampness, and improve the safety of fire.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or shed. It is essential to choose the correct stove and make sure it is safe and meets all standards. A stove that is too big won't be capable of properly venting and also will quickly build up the flue. A stove that is too large will not be able heat the room sufficiently.
You will need to first determine the dimensions of the shed and then decide on the location of the stove. Once you've decided the location where the stove will be positioned, you'll have to construct the hearth that will support it. The hearth must be at least 12mm in thickness and made of a non-combustible product. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and non-combustible materials is 3 times the diameter of the pipe. However, this distance can be reduced by using an insulative panel to shield.
Install the stove after having constructed the hearth. You may require an stove pipe, a door, or a damper, depending on the type of stove you want to install. It is also necessary to install a carbon monoxide detector in your shed or cabin, as these spaces are smaller than homes and can fill up with dangerous CO gas quickly.
Installing a stove inside a shed will require installing a chimney liner to ensure safety and stop condensation. You can find flue liners at a wide range of hardware stores and they're typically easy to cut to the right length. Use tin snips for removing the bottom and lid of the can. Be sure to bend any sharp corners within.
Safety
Shed wood burning stoves are efficient and comfortable, however they should be installed with care. This includes ensuring that you have the proper installation and use of the stove, a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher. To decrease the chance of an accident it is essential to keep pets and children away from the stove.
It is recommended to use an HETAS registered installer to install your stove in your shed. They will be able to ensure that the installation is carried out in accordance with current building regulations, which include the appropriate distances from walls that are combustible. This can help you avoid the need for an official building control certificate.
You should ensure that you are burning well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your stove for your shed. Don't try to burn treated off-cuts because this can result in the release of chemicals in the flue gases that could pollute the air and lower the quality of air. Also, you must ensure that your chimney is the appropriate size. A single wall flue is suitable for the majority of sheds, but if you are planning to install a double wall stove in your shed, it will require a larger chimney.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove can be hazardous, especially for pregnant women, children and the elderly. Smoke from a wood-burning stove is a risk for people suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease and even cats and dogs.
A fire-proofing screen should be used to protect pets and children from hot embers and sparks It is a good idea to keep a log book of fires and extinguisher on hand in the event of an emergency. It is also recommended to avoid using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near the stove in your shed. These are highly flammable and could cause an explosion or flare-up if you make a mistake.
Depending on the area you live in, you could be in a smoke-control zone, which will affect the stove you can install. You should select the right log stove that has been approved by DEFRA.
Installation
The addition of a log burner to your summer house or shed is a great idea that will bring you closer to nature in a way that can't be achieved with a regular fire in the home. A log burning stove in your shed or garden can also be an ideal location for socializing and gatherings with your family, as well as giving you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comforts of your home.
When you are installing a shed wood burner it is important to consider the dimensions of your shed or summerhouse and the output you require from the stove to heat it properly. You will also need to consider if you are in a smoke-free zone and if there are any local laws governing planning that could affect your installation. Ideally, you should consult with an HETAS registered installer to help you with your planning 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 is able to accommodate. The manufacturer of your stove will be able to offer you some tips on this. Once you know the size flue pipe you'll require, you can start to look at shed log burners that are suitable for your summer or shed house.
Once you have decided on the best stove for your shed or summerhouse you need to prepare the area for installation. This will require clearing away all flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also crucial to make sure that the stove is at least 2m from the closest combustible walls and that all combustible materials in the shed is covered by fire board or covered with insulation.
The next step is 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 instance, but you must be careful not use sand since it can affect the performance of your stove and lead to an issue in the chimney. You'll also require 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 is installed. If you plan 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 kept away from the stove.
It is recommended to clean the glass and chimney of your shed log heater on a regular basis. You can use a gentle spray of vinegar to get rid of any marks or smudges from the inside of the stove glass - be sure not to spill any vinegar inside the burner. You can also apply a mild solution of washing up liquid on a paper towel to wash the outside of the log burner glass.
Remember that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The logs' moisture content must be below 20%. The most effective method of determining the moisture content of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Place 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 once a yearly.