Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you own a shed, log cabin or other off grid residence, you might want to install an electric stove inside. However, there are several considerations to be made before deciding to do this.

It's crucial to ensure your cabin or shed is properly insulated in order to limit heat loss and reduce fuel costs. Insulation also reduces dampness and improve the safety of fire.

Size

A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or shed. It is important to select the correct stove and make sure it is safe and meets all standards. A stove that is too large will not be able to vent properly and could also cause the flue to smear. On the other side, a stove that is too small won't be capable of heating the space adequately.

You will need to first determine the dimensions of the shed and then decide on the location of the stove. Once you have decided the place where the stove should be located, you will require a hearth to support it. The hearth must be at minimum 12mm thick and constructed of a non-combustible substance. The safe distance between a single-wall flue pipe and any combustible material is 3x its diameter, but this can be reduced by using an insulative panel as shielding.

Once you've created the hearth, then put in the stove. You may require an stove pipe, a door or a damper, depending on what you choose. You'll also need to install carbon monoxide detectors in your cabin or shed because these areas are much smaller than homes and can become a source of dangerous CO gas very quickly.

Installing a stove within a shed will require installing a chimney liner to ensure safety and prevent condensation. Liner flues are available in a variety of hardware stores and are easily cut to the right length. Just be sure to make use of tin snips, or an open can opener to take off the lid and bottom of the can, and be sure to bend any sharp edges 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 ensuring the correct installation and use of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher. It is also essential to keep pets and children away from the stove to minimize the risk of accidents.

It is recommended to hire an HETAS registered installer to install your shed stove. They can ensure that the installation is done in accordance with building regulations. This includes the appropriate distances from walls that are combustible. This may avoid the need for a building control certificate which could save your time and money in the long run.

You will need to ensure that you are burning well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your stove in your shed. Don't burn treated off-cuts as they will produce chemical compounds that can pollute air and lead to air pollution. You will also have to make sure that your chimney is of the appropriate size. A single wall flue system is suitable for the majority of sheds, however if you are planning to install a double wall stove in your shed, this will require a larger chimney.

The smoke from wood-burning stoves can be hazardous, particularly for new or expectant mothers, children and the elderly. Smoke from a wood burning stove could be harmful to those with asthma, COPD, heart disease as well as dogs and cats.

A fire-proof screen should be used to protect pets and children from hot embers and sparks, and it is a good idea to keep a fire log book and extinguisher handy in case in an emergency. It is also recommended to avoid using gasoline or charcoal starter fluid near the stove in your shed. These substances are highly flammable and could result in an explosion or flare-up should you make an error.

Depending on the location you reside in, you may be in a smoke-control zone, which will affect the stove you can install. You must choose the right log stove that has been approved by DEFRA.

Installation

Having a log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea and can really bring you closer to nature in a way that just cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. A log burner in your shed or garden is a wonderful focal point for family gatherings and socialising. It also allows you to enjoy the wonderful outdoors from the comfortable confines of your home.

When installing an outdoor wood burner, you'll need to consider the size of your shed or summerhouse and the amount of output that you need from the stove to properly heat it. It is also important to think about whether you are in a smoke-free zone and if there are any local planning laws that might affect the installation. Ideally, you should consult with an HETAS registered installer to help you plan and installation.

If you decide that you want to install a shed wood burning stoves near me burner, the first thing you will have to do is find out what size flue pipe your shed is able to accommodate. The supplier of your stove will be able to offer you some tips on this. Once you know the size flue pipe you'll need, you can start to look at the stoves for sheds that are suitable for your shed or summer house.

After you have selected the best stove for your summerhouse or shed you have to prepare the area for installation. This will involve clearing away any materials that could ignite 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 placed at least 2m from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible material within the shed are covered with fire boards or covered with insulation.

You'll then have to install a hearth which should be made from non-combustible materials and at least 12mm thick. You can choose any kind of concrete or stone for instance, but you must be cautious not to use sand because it could impact the performance of your stove and cause a fault in the chimney. Also, you'll need a pair of twin wall flue pipes, class D airvent, and chimney cowl.

Maintenance

Shed wood burners can be safely used provided there is adequate ventilation and a smoke detector is installed. If you plan to install a wood stove in your shed, make sure that the electrical installation is approved by an electrician, and that any flammable material is well away from the stove.

It is essential to regularly clean the glass and flue 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 sure not to spill any vinegar inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of washing liquid on a paper towel to wash the outside of the glass in the log burner.

Keep in mind that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry-seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the 5kw wood burning stove should be less than 20%. Use a wood moisture meter to determine the moisture content of your logs. Keep your wood in an area that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles like curtains and furniture out of the shed. It is recommended also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a year.