Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
Installing a stove in an outdoor shed, log cabin or another off grid dwelling is a fantastic idea. There are a few considerations to be made prior to doing this.
To cut down on fuel costs and heat loss, it's important that your shed or cabin be properly insulated. Insulation can also reduce dampness, and improve fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a shed or summerhouse. It is important to select the right stove and be sure that it meets the safety standards. A stove that is too large isn't adequately venting and also will quickly build up the flue. A stove that is too big will not be able heat the room sufficiently.
First, you'll need to determine the size of the shed, and then determine the location of the stove. Once you've decided on 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 product. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this distance can be decreased if you employ an insulative shielding panel.
After you've built the hearth, then put in the stove. Depending on the stove you choose you might need to buy the stove door, stovepipe, or damper. You'll also need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your shed or cabin, as these spaces are smaller than homes and can become a source of CO gas that is dangerous very quickly.
Installing a stove in a shed will require you to install an chimney liner to ensure safety and prevent condensation. Flue liners are available at a wide range of hardware stores and they're usually simple to cut to the right length. Use tin snips to remove the lid and the bottom of the can. Make sure you bend any sharp corners within.
Safety
Shed wood burners can be extremely cozy and efficient, but you must consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes ensuring the correct installation and use of the stove, a carbon monoxide detector as well as a fire extinguisher. To minimize the chance of a mishap, it is important to keep children and pets away from the stove.
It is a good idea to hire an HETAS registered installer to set up your shed stove. They will ensure that the installation is done in accordance to building regulations. This includes relevant distances from a wall that is combustible. This can eliminate the need for a building control certificate which can save you time and money in the long run.
You will need to ensure that you are burning well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your shed stove. Do not burn treated off-cuts because they release chemicals that can pollute the air and lead to air pollution. Also, you must make sure that your chimney is of the right size. For most sheds, a single wall flue will suffice however if your shed is equipped with a double wall stove, you will require a larger chimney.
The smoke that comes from a wood burning stove can be hazardous, particularly for new or expectant mothers, children and the elderly. Smoke from a wood-burning stove is a risk for people suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease, and even pets and dogs.
A fire guard screen should be used to protect children and pets from hot embers and sparks and it's recommended to keep a log book of fires and extinguisher on hand in the event in an emergency. You should also be wary of using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near your shed stove. These substances are extremely flammable and could result in an explosion or flare-up if you make an error.
You could be living in a smoke-control zone. This will impact the type of stove you can put in. You should select a log stove that is approved by DEFRA.
Installation
Having a log burner in your shed or summer house is a great idea that can bring you closer to nature in a way that just can't be achieved with a regular fire in the home. A log-burning stove in your shed or garden can also serve as an ideal place to socialize and gatherings with your family, as well as giving you the opportunity to take in the beautiful outdoors without leaving the comforts of your own home.
When installing an outdoor wood burner it is important to consider the size of your summerhouse or shed and the output you'll require from the stove in order to properly heat it. You'll also need to consider whether you reside in a zone of smoke control and whether there are any local planning regulations that could impact the installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS certified installer to assist you plan your installation.
You will need to determine the size of the flue pipe your shed can handle before installing a wood stove for shed. This is usually easy enough and the company that sells your stove can help you on this. Once you've decided on the size of the flue pipe, you can begin to search for shed-specific log burners for your summer house or shed.
After you have decided on the right stove for your summerhouse or shed it is important to prepare the area for its installation. This involves removing any flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least one meter between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also advisable to ensure that the stove is positioned at least 2m away from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible items inside the shed are covered with fire boards or lined with insulation.
You'll then have to install a hearth, which should be made from non-combustible material and be at least 12mm thick. You can choose any type of concrete or stone for instance, however, it is important not to use sand since this could compromise the stove's performance and cause a chimney problem. You'll also need twin wall flue pipes, class D air vents and a chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners are generally safe to use, provided that they have adequate ventilation and a smoke alarm is installed. If you plan to install a wood burner in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation has been signed off by an electrician and any flammable material is well away from the stove.
It is recommended to clean the chimney and glass of your log heater in your shed regularly. You can use a gentle splash of vinegar to wash away any marks or smudges from the inside of the stove glass. But be sure not to spill any vinegar inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of washing liquid on a paper towel to clean the exterior of the log burner glass.
Be aware that shed log heaters are designed to make use of dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs should be less than 20 percent. Use a wood moisture meter to determine the moisture content of your logs. Keep your wood in an area that is well ventilated. Keep flammable items such as curtains and furniture out of the shed. mini wood stoves www.fireplacesandstove.com is also an excellent idea to have the chimney swept at least once a year.