Marian Brough

Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner

The Caboose log burner has been approved by DEFRA and Ecodesign. It can burn smokeless or wood. It can hold larger pieces of wood than tiny stoves and boasts a long burning time and heat output.

The british wood burning stoves stove may be shielded by a heatshield to comply with Approved Building Document J, which states that cheap wood burner stoves should be kept 150mm from surfaces that are combustible.

Clean Wood

Wood woodburning stoves not only look stunning, but they're also a great method to heat your home. Therefore, they have to be maintained properly to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently. It is sometimes a challenge to keep the glass clear. But a few simple techniques can make a huge difference.

First of all, it is essential to only use well-seasoned wood burning fires on your wood stove. This means that it should have been chopped and stored for at least a year prior to use, as this will help reduce the amount of smoke. Unseasoned wood can cause the flue to overheat and cause a fire that is out of control.

You should also only burn clean wood on your wood burning stove. Avoid burning paper or other non-wood materials, such as rubber and plastics, since they can emit toxic fumes that aren't healthy for you. Burning treated or painted wood can release harmful chemicals, such as arsenic, which can be harmful for your health.

It is also a good idea to clean up the interior of your stove. You can do this easily by using a regular vacuum cleaner with an attachment for a brush. You can also buy various cleaners that are designed specifically for use on stove glass, however it is important to check that any product you select doesn't void the warranty on your stove prior to using it.

Additionally, it is essential to inspect regularly the fire rope seals around the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals help to prevent smoke or soot from escaping the stove and are crucial to make sure that they are securely in position and not damaged.

One last thing to do is to remove every so often any birds that have made a home of your chimney. Seagulls can pose a threat because they can perch on chimneys during the summer. This can cause all kinds of debris to be deposited in the flue and cause damage to your stove. There are many different bird guards and spikes available on the market that can be fitted to your chimney to stop this from occurring.

Paper Burning

The right paper won't just start a fire quickly, but can also release dangerous smoke. Certain types of paper like gift wrap and glossy magazines, contain harmful chemicals that could release toxic fumes as they burn. To ensure that you don't create a hazardous environment, only burn clean papers in your wood burner.

If you only have a few pieces of paper to burn, consider using the tub. Place a stack of papers over the tub and light the corner. The water will catch the embers and prevent them from setting fire to nearby grass or trees. If you're concerned about the smell, place a bowl of baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize the smell.

To make sure the paper burns correctly begin with a base of small twigs or shredded newspaper. Then, add 3-4 medium-sized logs to the flame and let them begin to burn. Then, place the paper on top. The paper will begin to burn quickly and you must watch the flame closely.

It is recommended to pick an unwind-free day to burn paper outdoors. A strong wind gust could blow embers across the grass or onto your property. Furthermore, the smoke of burning papers could cause breathing problems when inhaled.

You can also employ a BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is recommended when you only have a couple of sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface that is removable from the metal surface, you can remove it to ignite the paper directly onto the charcoal.

Before you begin burning paper, be sure your wood burner is fully tested and that the firepit is cleared of all twigs and branches. In the event in an emergency, it is recommended to keep a fire extinguisher close by. Also, check with your county government and your homeowners association to confirm that it is legal to burn paper outdoors in your area.

Safety Precautions

Wood burning stoves are fantastic sources of relaxation and comfort, but only if you use them with care. While it might seem obvious to some, the fact is that all too many people fail to follow simple safety guidelines.

Make sure your stove is properly insulated and the flue pipes that go outside are adequately protected. You should also make sure that pets and children are kept away from the stove.

Be sure that no garbage or paper is put in the fireplace. The chimney and fireplace could overheat if these items are burned. They also can produce creosote which is an ablaze hazard that has to be maintained regularly.

Check the smoke alarms and test them each month. Similarly, it is an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide detectors which can save lives and are inexpensive.

Keep a fire extinguisher in your bag in the event of an emergency. Do not build a huge pile of logs. Only burn dry, seasoned wood. Burning a stack of logs in a row will result in a lack of combustion, which can lead to increased CO emissions. It is also crucial to monitor the fire and if it becomes out of control, extinguish it quickly.

After you've used your stove make sure that the fire has been put out and that all combustible material is removed from the area around the fireboxes and flue pipes. The requirements for clearance will differ depending on the model of your stove and the method by which you plan to place the stove in your home.

Take into consideration the possibility of a DEFRA approved model if you are planning to install your wood-burning stove in a smoke-controlled space. These stoves are designed to operate in smoke-controlled areas. They come in various sizes and colours. Some models can be customised to fit your personal style and also have a direct air intake designed for greater performance in smoke-controlled zones.

Installation

Wood stoves can be used to heat small areas. They can be utilized in sheds, yurts, and even cabins. They also provide a warm and cozy fire without the need for oil or electricity. It is essential to follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer to install your wood stove properly. These guidelines will help you avoid dangerous problems and ensure that your stove is safe to use.

Before installing your stove you must remove all combustible items from the area. Also, you should leave at minimum 16" between the stove and any wall that is combustible. If you do not meet these requirements, a stoveboard or hearth pad may be installed. This non-combustible mat is designed with spacers of 1" to allow the stove to sit further away from the walls, which could reduce clearance requirements by as much as 66 percent.

You should also take out items that are combustible, such as curtains and furniture to stop smoke from entering the room. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. In addition, you must make sure that there is enough ventilation in your shed. It is crucial to regularly inspect your stove and chimney to ensure security.

It is a smart idea to purchase a wood stove that has EPA certification. This certification indicates the stove is more than 75% efficient. It means it can capture and convert a greater amount of heat from the wood. It is an excellent idea to choose your wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity of the space where it will be installed. This will prevent overloading your stove which could cause creosote accumulation and smokeouts.

Once you have cleared the space and removed any fire-prone items, you need to prepare the stove's foundation. This will involve taking out all combustibles and making the hearth ready. Make sure that the vents are free and open. If not, you'll need to install new vents.

After installing your stove, test its capabilities by lighting three or four small fires. This will allow you to dry the fire bricks and the paint on your stove and will ensure that it's safe to ignite a large fire.