Sienna Kieran

Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you have a shed or log cabin, or any other off grid dwelling, you might want to install a stove in it. There are a few things to consider prior to doing so.

To reduce fuel costs and heat loss, it's vital that your shed or cabin be properly insulate it. Insulation also helps to reduce dampness and increase fire safety.

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 large will not be able to properly vent and can also rapidly soot up the flue. A stove that is too big will not be able heat the room adequately.

First, you'll need to determine the dimensions of the shed and then determine the best location for the stove. Once you've determined the location, you'll need to create a hearth for the stove to sit on. The hearth needs to be at minimum 12mm thick and constructed from non-combustible materials. The safe distance between a single wall flue pipe and any combustible materials is 3x its diameter however, this distance can be reduced by using an insulative board as shielding.

Once you've constructed the hearth, you can then install the stove. You may require an stove pipe, a door or a damper depending on the type of stove you want to install. You'll also need to install carbon monoxide detectors in your cabin or shed because these areas are much smaller than houses and can be filled with CO gas that is dangerous very quickly.

Installing a stove in an outdoor space will require you to install a chimney liner in order to protect your family from the risk of condensation and ensure that it doesn't happen. Liner flues are available at most hardware shops and are easily cut to the proper 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 effective and comfortable, however they must be installed in a safe manner. This includes the proper installation and use of the stove as well as a carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher. To minimize the chance of a mishap, it is important to keep pets and children away from the stove.

Installing your stove in a shed by a HETAS-registered installer is a great idea. They can make sure that the installation process is completed in accordance with the building regulations. This includes the appropriate distances away from combustible wall. This can help you avoid the requirement for an official building control certificate.

You should ensure that you only burn well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your stove for your shed. Do not try to burn treated off-cuts, as this will produce chemicals in the flue gases which could cause pollution and decrease the quality of air. It is also important to ensure that your chimney is the proper size. In most sheds, a single wall flue is enough but if the shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you will require a larger chimney.

The smoke of a wood burning woodburner stove is a risk, especially for new or expectant mothers, children and the elderly. Smoke from a stove that burns wood could be harmful to those suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease as well as pets and dogs.

It is important to use an alarm screen to protect pets and children from hot coals and sparks. A fire log book is also recommended to keep close in the event of an emergency. Also, avoid using gasoline or charcoal starter fluid near the stove in your shed. These substances are extremely flammable and could result in an explosion or flare-up should you make an error.

You may live in a smoke-control zone. This can affect the kind of stove you can install. You should select an approved log stove approved by DEFRA.

Installation

The addition of a log burner to your shed or summer house is a fantastic idea and can really 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 garden or shed can also serve as an ideal location for socializing and family gatherings as well as providing you with the chance to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comforts of your own home.

You'll also have to consider whether you live in a zone of smoke control and if there are local laws that could impact your installation. You should also consider if you are in a smoke control area and if there are any local laws that could impact your installation. In the ideal scenario, you should speak with an HETAS registered installer to help you plan and installation.

You'll need to determine the size of the flue pipe that your shed can support before you install a shed indoor wood burner stove stove. The stove's manufacturer will be able to offer you some tips on this. Once you've determined the size of the flue pipe you can begin to search for shed log burners that are suitable for your summer house or shed.

Once you have chosen the best stove for your shed or summerhouse you need to prepare the installation area. This involves removing all flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also advisable to ensure that the stove is at least 2m from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible material inside the shed are covered with fire boards or insulated.

The hearth should be made from non-combustible materials, and at least 12mm thick. You can make use of any type of stone or concrete for example, but be cautious not to use sand since it can affect the performance of your stove and result in a fault 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 can be used safely if there is adequate ventilation and a smoke detector installed. If you're planning on installing a wood stove in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation has been signed off by a licensed electrician. You should also ensure that any flammable materials are away from the stove.

It is important to regularly clean the flue and glass of your stove's log burner in the shed. You can apply a light splash of vinegar to wash away any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass. But be sure not to spill any vinegar inside the burner. You can also clean the outside of the glass log burner with a mild solution made of paper towel and washing liquid.

Be aware that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry-seasoned firewood. The logs' moisture content must be less than 20 percent. The most effective method of determining the level of moisture in your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Store your wood in a place that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles such as curtains and furniture away from the shed wood burning stove (Read the Full Guide). It is a good idea also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a year.