Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
If you have a garden or log cabin, or an off grid dwelling, you might be interested in installing an oven in it. However, there are several things to consider prior to doing this.
To reduce fuel costs and heat loss, it's important that your cabin or shed be properly insulated. Insulation can also help reduce dampness and improve fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner is the perfect way to add heat to a shed or summer house. But, it is essential to select the best stove for your space and ensure that it meets the required safety standards. A stove that is too large won't be capable of properly venting and will also quickly soot up the flue. A stove that is too big will not be able heat the room sufficiently.
You will need to first determine the size of the shed, and then decide on the best location for the stove. Once you've determined the location you'll need to construct an area for the stove to rest on. The hearth should be at least 12mm in thickness and made of a non-combustible substance. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and the combustible material is 3x diameter of the pipe. However, this distance could be decreased if you employ an insulative panel as shielding.
Install the stove after having constructed the hearth. You may require an oven pipe, a door, or a damper based on the option you select. You'll also need to install a carbon monoxide detector in your shed or cabin in these places, since they are much smaller than houses and can be filled with dangerous CO gas very quickly.
Installing a stove inside an outdoor space will require installing a chimney liner to ensure safety and stop condensation. Flue liners can be found at a wide range of hardware stores and can be cut to the proper length. Be sure to use tin snips or a can opener to open the lid and bottom of the can, and make sure to bend sharp edges within.
Safety
Shed wood burning stoves are effective and comfortable, however they must be installed safely. This includes ensuring the correct installation and use of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher. To decrease the chance of an accident it is essential to keep pets and children away from the stove.
It is a good idea to choose an HETAS certified installer to install your stove in your shed. They will be able to make sure that the installation is done in line the current building regulations, which include relevant distances from combustible walls. This will help you avoid the requirement for an official building control certificate.
You must ensure that you are burning well-seasoned, kiln-dried, seasoned wood in your stove in your shed. Do not burn treated off-cuts because they produce chemicals that can pollute the air and lead to air pollution. You will also have to make sure that your chimney is the appropriate size. For most sheds a single wall flue is enough however if your shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you'll require a larger chimney.
The smoke from a wood-burning stove is dangerous, particularly to children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Smoke from a wood burning stove can be dangerous for those suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease, and even dogs and cats.
It is important to use a fire guard screen to safeguard pets and children from sparks and hot coals. A log book for fires should be kept close in the event of an emergency. You will also need 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 materials and could explode or cause flare-ups in the case of an accident.
Based on the region you reside in, you could be in a smoke control area, and this will determine the type of stove you can install. You should select the right log stove that has been approved by DEFRA.
Installation
Having a log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea that can bring you closer to nature in a way that just cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. A log-burning stove in your shed or garden can also be a focal point for socialising 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 wood burner in a shed, you'll need to consider the size of your summerhouse or shed and the output that you need from the stove in order to adequately heat it. wood burner stoves is also important to take into account if you reside in a zone of smoke control and whether there are any local regulations on planning that could impact your installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS registered installer to assist you plan and installation.
If you decide that you want to install a shed wood burner, the first thing you will have to do is find out what size flue pipe your shed will accommodate. The supplier of your stove is likely to be able give you some suggestions on this. Once you know what size flue pipe you will need and you are able to look for the stoves for sheds that are suitable for your shed or summer home.
After you have decided on the best stove for your shed or summerhouse, you will need to prepare the area to install it. This will require clearing away 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 essential to make sure that the stove is placed at least 2m from the nearest combustible walls and that all combustible material in the shed is covered by fire board or insulated.
You will then need to fit a hearth, which must be constructed from non-combustible material and be at least 12mm thick. You can use any type of concrete or stone, for example, but be careful not using sand, since it can affect the performance of your stove and result in 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 are generally safe to use provided that there is good ventilation and a smoke alarm installed. If you plan to install a wood burner in your shed, make 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 recommended to clean the chimney and glass of your shed log heater on a regular basis. You can use a gentle squirt of vinegar to remove any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass. But be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also apply a mild solution of washing 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 less than 20%. The best method to determine the moisture content of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Keep your wood in a ventilated area, and be sure to keep combustible items like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It's also recommended to have the chimney swept at least once per year.