Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
If you have a garden or log cabin, or an off grid residence, you might be interested in installing an electric stove inside. There are a few factors to be considered before you do this.
To cut down on fuel costs and heat loss, it's vital that your shed or cabin be properly insulated. Insulation can also help reduce dampness and improve fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner is an ideal way to add heat to an outdoor space or summer home. However, it is important to select the best stove for your space and make sure that it complies with all the safety requirements. A stove that is too big will not be able vent effectively and can also smear the flue. On the other hand, a stove that is too small won't be able to heat the space enough.
First, you must determine the size of your shed, and then decide on the best place to put the stove. Once you've decided where the stove will be positioned, you'll need to build a hearth to support it. The hearth needs to be at least 12mm thick, and constructed of a non-combustible substance. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this distance could be reduced if you use an insulative shielding panel.
After you've built the hearth, you can then install the stove. Depending on the stove you choose, you may need to purchase a stove door, a stovepipe or a damper. You'll also need to install carbon monoxide detectors in your shed or cabin, as these spaces are smaller than homes and can fill up with dangerous CO gas very quickly.
Installing a stove inside an outdoor space will require you to install a chimney liner to ensure safety and stop condensation. Flue liners are available at a wide range of hardware stores and they're typically easy to cut to the right length. Use tin snips for removing the lid and bottom of the can. Make sure you bend any sharp corners within.
Safety
Shed wood burners can be very efficient and cosy, but you should take into consideration the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the correct installation and usage of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher. To reduce the risk of an accident it is crucial to keep pets and children away from the stove.
It is a good idea to hire an HETAS registered installer to set up your shed stove. They can make sure that the installation is done in compliance to building regulations. This includes relevant distances from a wall that is combustible. This may avoid the requirement for an official building control certificate, which could save you time and money in the long run.
You will need to ensure that you are burning dry, well-seasoned wood that has been kiln dried in your shed stove. Don't try to burn treated off-cuts, because this can result in the release of chemicals in the flue gases which could pollute the air and lower the quality of air. Also, you must ensure that your chimney is the right size. For most sheds, a single wall flue will suffice but if the shed will be using a double wall stove, you will require a bigger chimney.
Smoke from a wood-burning stove can be dangerous, particularly to pregnant women, children, and the elderly. It can also be dangerous for people suffering from asthma, COPD or heart diseases and can also affect dogs and cats too.
It is crucial to use a fire-proof screen to safeguard children and pets from sparks and hot coals. A book of fire logs should be kept close in the event of an emergency. Also, avoid using gasoline or charcoal starter fluid near your shed stove. These substances are extremely flammable and could result in an explosion or flare-up if you make mistakes.
You might live in a smoke-control region. This can affect the type of stove that you can put in. 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 bring you closer to nature in a way that can't be achieved with a regular fireplace in your home. A log-burning stove in your shed or garden can also provide a focal point for socialising and gatherings with your family, as well as providing you with the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comforts of your home.
When installing a shed wood burner, you'll need to consider the dimensions of your shed or summerhouse and the amount of output you'll require from the stove in order to heat it properly. It is also important to think about whether you are in a zone of smoke control and if there are any local planning laws that might affect the installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS registered installer to help you plan and installation.
You will need to determine the size of the flue pipe your shed will be able to support before you can install a wood stove for shed. It's usually a simple task and the manufacturer of your stove can help you on this. Once outdoor wood stove have figured out the size of flue pipe you will need, you can start to look at the stoves for sheds that will work for your summer or shed house.
After you have selected the ideal stove for your summerhouse or shed, you will need to prepare the area for installation. This includes removing any flammable materials and ensuring that there is a minimum distance of 1m from the shed to the front edge of the chimney stack. It is also essential to ensure that the stove is placed at least 2m from the nearest combustible walls and that all combustible material within the shed is covered by fire board or the shed is insulated.
The hearth should be made of non-combustible materials and at least 12mm thick. You can choose any type of concrete or stone, for instance, but it is important not to use sand because this could compromise the stove's performance and result in a chimney failure. 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 adequate ventilation and a smoke alarm installed. If you are planning on installing wood stoves in your shed, make sure that the electrical installation has been approved by a registered electrician and make sure that any flammable materials are well away from the stove.
It is essential to clean regularly the flue and glass of your stove's log burner in the shed. Use a small amount of vinegar to clean 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 water on a paper towel to wash the outside of the glass in the log burner.
Be aware that shed log heaters are designed to make use of dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the wood should be less than 20 percent. The best method to determine the moisture content of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Place your wood in an area that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles such as furniture and curtains away from the shed. It is recommended also to have the chimney cleaned at least yearly.