Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations
If you own a shed or log cabin, or any other off grid residence, you might decide to put an oven in it. There are a few factors to be considered before you do this.
It is essential to ensure that your shed or cabin is properly insulated to minimize the loss of heat and save fuel costs. Insulation can also help reduce dampness and increase fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner is an ideal method to provide warmth to a shed or summer house. It is essential to choose the correct stove and make sure that it meets the safety standards. A stove that is too big isn't capable of properly venting and can also rapidly soot up the flue. A stove that is too large will not be able to heat the room sufficiently.
The first step is to determine the dimensions of your shed and then decide where to position the stove. Once you've identified the spot then you'll need to build an area for the stove to sit on. The hearth must be at least 12mm in thickness and made of a non-combustible substance. The safe distance between a single wall flue pipe and any other combustible materials is 3x the diameter of the pipe, but this can be reduced by using an insulative board as shielding.
Once you've created the hearth, you are able to then put in the stove. Based on the type of stove you want to install, you may need to buy a stove door, a stovepipe, or a damper. Install an alarm for carbon monoxide in your shed or cabin or shed, as they are smaller spaces than homes and can quickly fill with CO gas.
Installing a stove in a shed will require the installation of a chimney liner to ensure safety and prevent condensation. Flue liners are available at most hardware shops and can be cut to the proper length. Use tin snips to remove the bottom and lid of the can. Be sure to bend any sharp corners within.
Safety
Shed wood burning stoves are effective and comfortable, however they must be installed safely. This includes the correct installation and use of the stove as well as a carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the stove to minimize the risk of accidents.
Installing your shed stove with an HETAS-registered installer is a great idea. They will ensure that the installation is carried out in compliance with the building regulations. This includes relevant distances away from combustible wall. This can save you from the requirement for an official building control certificate.
Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your stove in your shed. Don't burn treated off-cuts because they release chemicals that can pollute the air and cause air pollution. It is also important to ensure that you have a properly constructed chimney. For most sheds a single wall flue is enough, but if your shed will be using a double wall stove, you will require a larger chimney.
The smoke that comes from wood-burning stoves is a risk, especially for pregnant or new mothers as well as children and the elderly. Smoke from a stove that burns wood could be harmful to those who suffer from asthma, COPD, heart disease as well as dogs and cats.
A fire-proof screen is recommended to protect pets and children from sparks and hot embers, and it is an ideal idea to keep a fire log book and extinguisher on hand in the event of an emergency. It is also important to make sure that you do not make use of charcoal starter or gasoline fluid near your stove in the shed because they are extremely flammable and can explode or ignite in the event of an accident.
Depending on the location you reside in, you could be located in a smoke control area, which will determine the type of stove you can install. You'll need to select the type of stove that is listed on the DEFRA (External link) approved list of appliances.
Installation
A log burner in your summer house or shed is a fantastic idea. It will bring you closer to natural world than a fire in your home. A log-burning stove in your garden or shed can also serve as an ideal location for socializing and family gatherings as well as offering you the chance to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comforts of your own home.
When installing a shed wood burner it is important to consider the size of your shed or summerhouse and the output that you need from the stove to heat it properly. Also, you'll need to consider whether you reside in a zone of smoke control and whether there are any local regulations on planning that might affect the installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS registered installer to assist you with your planning and installation.
You'll need to determine the size of the flue pipe your shed can support before you install a wood stove for shed. The stove's manufacturer is likely to be able give you some advice on this. Once you know the size flue pipe you'll require and you are able to look for the stoves for sheds that are suitable for your shed or summer home.
Once you have decided on the right stove for the summerhouse or shed you have to prepare the area for installation. This will involve clearing away any flammable materials and ensuring that there is an adequate distance of 1m from the shed to the front edge of the chimney stack. It is also advisable to ensure that the stove is at least 2m away from the closest wall that is combustible and that any combustible material within the shed are covered with fire boards or insulated.
You will then need to install a hearth which must be constructed from non-combustible materials and at minimum 12mm thick. contemporary wood burning stoves can use any type of concrete or stone, for instance, but be careful not using sand, because it could impact the performance of your stove and result in a fault in the chimney. You'll also require a pair of twin wall flue pipes, a 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 intend to install a wood stove in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation is signed off by an electrician, and that any material that is flammable is kept away from the stove.
It is important to clean the flue and glass of your stove's log burner in the shed. Use a small amount of vinegar to wash the inside of your stove's glass. Be careful not to spill vinegar on the burner. You can also wash the outside of the glass log burner with a mild solution made of paper towel and washing liquid.
Remember that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The logs' moisture content should be less than 20 percent. The most effective method of determining the moisture content of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Store your wood in a well ventilated area, and be sure to keep flammable objects like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It is a good idea to have your chimney cleaned at least once a yearly.