Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you have a garden or log cabin, or any other off grid home you may want to install an electric stove inside. There are some things to consider prior to doing so.

To cut down on fuel costs and heat loss, it's essential that your cabin or shed be properly insulated. Insulation can also reduce dampness and enhance fire safety.

Size

A shed log burner is an ideal way to add heat to a shed or summer house. It is important to select the right stove and make sure it meets all safety standards. A stove that is too large isn't adequately venting and also will quickly build up the flue. A stove that is too big isn't able to heat the room sufficiently.

First, you must determine the dimensions of your shed and then decide where to position the stove. Once you've decided on where the stove will be placed, you will need to build an edging to support it. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick and constructed of a non-combustible substance. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and non-combustible materials is 3 times the diameter of the pipe. However, this can be decreased if you employ an insulative panel as shielding.

After you've built 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. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your cabin or shed because they are smaller spaces than homes and are able to quickly fill up with CO gas.

Installing a stove inside an outdoor space will require installing a chimney liner to ensure safety and stop condensation. Flue liners are available at a wide range of hardware stores and they're generally easy to cut to the correct length. Just be sure to make use of tin snips or a can opener to remove the lid and the bottom of the can, and be sure to bend sharp edges inside.

Safety

Shed wood burners are comfortable and efficient, however you must consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the correct installation and use of the stove as well as an alarm for carbon monoxide as well as a fire extinguisher. To decrease the chance of a mishap it is essential to keep pets and children away from the stove.

Installing your shed stove by a HETAS-registered installer is a good idea. They will be able to make sure that the installation is carried out in accordance to current building regulations, which include relevant distances from combustible walls. This could eliminate the requirement for a building control certificate which can save you money and time in the long time.

You will need to ensure that you only burn dry, well-seasoned wood that has been kiln dried in your stove in your shed. Do not try to burn treated off-cuts, since this could result in chemical emissions in the flue gases which could cause pollution and decrease the quality of the air. Also, ensure that you have a properly size chimney. A single wall flue is suitable for the majority of sheds, but if you want to use a double wall stove in your shed, this will require a bigger chimney.

The smoke that comes from wood-burning stoves can be dangerous, especially for new or expectant mothers, children and the elderly. It is also harmful for people with asthma, COPD or heart diseases, and it can affect cats and dogs too.

It is essential to install a fire guard screen to shield pets and children from sparks and hot coals. A book of fire logs is also recommended to keep close in case of emergency. Also, avoid using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near the stove in your shed. These substances are extremely flammable and could trigger an explosion or flare-up should you make a mistake.

You may live in a smoke-control area. This will affect the kind of stove you can put in. You must select the right log stove that has been approved by DEFRA.

Installation

The addition of a log burner to your summer house or shed is a fantastic idea and can really bring you closer to nature in a way that can't be achieved with a regular fireplace in your home. A log burner in your garden or shed can be a fantastic focal point for family gatherings and socialising. It also lets you to enjoy the wonderful outdoors from the comfort of your home.

When installing a shed wood burner it is important to consider the size of your summerhouse or shed and the output you require from the stove to properly heat it. You will also need to think about whether you are in a zone of smoke control and whether there are local laws that could affect your installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS registered installer to assist you plan and installation.

If you decide you want to install a shed wood burner, the first thing you will have to do is determine the proper size flue pipe your shed is able to accommodate. The supplier of your stove is likely to be able give you some tips on this. Once you've decided on the size of the flue pipe, you can begin to search for shed-specific log burners for your summer home or shed.

Once you have decided on the right stove for the shed or summerhouse you need to prepare the area for installation. This involves removing any flammable materials and ensuring that there is at least 1m from the shed to the front edge of the chimney stack. It is also crucial to ensure that the stove is placed at least 2m from the closest combustible walls and that all combustible material within the shed is covered by fire board or covered with insulation.

The next step is to install a hearth, that should be constructed of non-combustible materials and at minimum 12mm thick. You can choose any type of stone or concrete, for example, but it is important not to use sand since it could affect the performance of the stove and cause a chimney problem. You'll also need two twin wall flue pipes, a class D air vent and 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 to install a wood stove in your shed, ensure that the electrical installation has been approved by an electrician and that any flammable material is well away from the stove.

It is crucial to regularly clean the flue and glass of your shed log burner. You can apply a light squirt of vinegar to remove any smudges or marks from the inside of the stove glass. However, be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of water on paper towel to clean the outside of the glass for the log burner.

Remember that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the wood burning fireplace should be less than 20%. The best wood burning stove in the world way to check 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 curtains and furniture away from the shed. It's also a good idea to get the chimney swept at minimum every year.