Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

Installing a stove into an outdoor shed, log cabin or another off grid residence is a fantastic idea. However, there are several things to consider before deciding to do this.

It is essential to ensure that your cabin or shed is properly insulated to minimize heat loss and reduce fuel costs. Insulation also helps to reduce dampness and improve fire safety.

Size

A shed log burner is the perfect way to add heat to the summer house or shed. It is crucial to select the correct stove for your home and ensure that it meets all of the safety standards required. A stove that is too big won't be capable of properly venting and will also quickly soot up the flue. On the other side, a stove that is too small won't be capable of heating the space enough.

It is important to first determine the size of the shed, and then decide on the best location for the stove. Once you've decided on the location then you'll need to build a hearth for the stove to rest on. The hearth needs to be at minimum 12mm thick and constructed from non-combustible materials. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this can be reduced if you use an insulative panel as shielding.

Once you've created the hearth, you can then install the stove. Based on the type of stove you want to install you might need to purchase the stove door, a stovepipe, or damper. Install an alarm for carbon monoxide in your shed or cabin or shed, as they are smaller spaces than homes, and they can swiftly fill with CO gas.

If you're installing a stove inside an outdoor space, then you'll need to install a flue liner to protect yourself and to prevent condensation. Liner flues are available at most hardware shops and can be cut to the proper length. Use tin snips for removing the bottom and lid of the can. Make sure to bend any sharp corners inside.

Safety

Shed wood burning stoves are efficient and comfortable, but they should be installed with care. This includes the correct installation and usage 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 good idea. They can ensure that the installation is completed in compliance to current building regulations, including the necessary distances from walls that are combustible. This can help you avoid the requirement for a formal building control certificate.

Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your stove in your shed. Don't attempt to burn treated off-cuts since this could result in chemical emissions in the flue gas that can cause pollution and reduce the quality of air. It is also important to ensure that you have a correctly size chimney. In most sheds, a single wall flue will suffice but if the shed is equipped with a double wall stove, you will require a larger chimney.

The smoke from a wood burning stove can be dangerous, especially for new or expectant mothers children, elderly people and even the young. Smoke from a wood burning stove could be harmful to those suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease as well as dogs and cats.

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

Depending on the location that you reside in, you could be in a smoke-control area, which will determine the type of stove you can choose to 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 that can 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 can be a fantastic location for family gatherings and socialising. It also lets you to enjoy the great outdoors in the at-home comforts of your home.

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

If you decide that you'd like to install a shed wood burner, the first thing you will need to do is determine the size of flue pipe your shed will accommodate. This is typically a simple process and the company that sells your stove can help you on this. Once you've determined the size of the flue pipe, you can begin to search for shed log burners suitable for your summer house or shed.

Once you have decided on the ideal stove for your shed or summerhouse you need to prepare the installation area. This will require clearing away all materials that are flammable, and ensuring there is a minimum of 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also essential to make sure that the stove is at least 2m from the nearest walls that are combustible and that all combustible materials inside the shed is covered by fire board or insulated.

You'll then have to fit a hearth, that should be constructed of non-combustible materials and be at least 12mm thick. You can use any type of concrete or stone for example, but be sure not to use sand since it can affect the performance of your stove and result in an issue in the chimney. You'll also require a pair twin wall flue pipes, class D airvent and chimney cowl.

Maintenance

Shed wood burners are generally safe to use, provided that there is good ventilation and a smoke alarm is installed. If you are planning on installing a wood stove in your shed, make sure that the electrical installation has been approved by a licensed electrician. You should also make sure that any flammable materials are kept away from the stove.

You should clean the chimney and glass of your shed log heater on a regular basis. Use a small amount of vinegar to clean the inside of your stove glass. Be cautious not to get vinegar inside the burner. You can also clean the outside of the glass log burner by using mild solutions made from washing liquid and paper towel.

Be aware that shed log heaters are made to make use of dry seasoned firewood. The logs' moisture content must be less than 20%. Utilize a wood moisture gauge to determine the moisture content of your logs. Place your 5kw wood burning stove in a place that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles such as curtains and furniture out of the shed. It's also recommended to have the chimney swept at minimum once a year.