Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you have a garden or log cabin, or an off grid home you may want to install an oven in it. However, there are several factors to be considered before deciding to do this.

To cut down on fuel costs and heat loss, it's vital that your shed or cabin be properly insulate it. Insulation can also help reduce dampness and improve the safety of fire.

Size

A shed log burner is an ideal way to heat the summer house or shed. But, it is essential to choose the right stove for your space and ensure that it meets the safety standards required. A stove that is too large will not be able to vent properly and will also quickly smear the flue. A stove that is too big will not be able to heat the room effectively.

You will need to first determine the dimensions of the shed and then determine the best location for the stove. Once you've decided where the stove will be positioned, you'll need to build an edging to support it. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick and made from non-combustible materials. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and Shed Wood Burner combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this distance can be reduced if you use an insulative shielding panel.

After you've built the hearth, you are able to then install the stove. Depending on the stove you choose you might need to buy a stove door, a stovepipe, or a damper. You'll also need to install carbon monoxide detectors in your shed or cabin, as these spaces are smaller than homes and can be filled with CO gas that is dangerous very quickly.

If you're installing a stove in a shed, then you'll require an air liner to ensure safety and to stop condensation. The flue liner is available in a variety of hardware stores, and they're usually simple to cut to the right length. Utilize tin snips to cut off the bottom and lid of the can. Be sure to bend any sharp corners within.

Safety

Shed wood burners are comfortable and efficient, however you should take into consideration the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the correct installation and usage of the stove as well as a carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher. To decrease the chance of an accident, it is important to keep pets and children away from the stove.

It is a good idea to choose a HETAS registered installer to install your shed stove. They can make sure that the installation is carried out in compliance to the building regulations. This includes relevant distances away from combustible wall. This will help you avoid the requirement for an official building control certificate.

Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your shed stove. Do not try to burn treated off-cuts, because this can result in the release of chemicals in the flue gas that could cause pollution and decrease the quality of the air. You will also need to ensure that you have a properly constructed chimney. For most sheds a single wall flue is sufficient but if the shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you'll need a larger chimney.

Smoke from a wood-burning fireplace can be dangerous, particularly to children, pregnant women and the elderly. Smoke from a stove that burns wood can be dangerous for those who suffer from asthma, COPD, heart disease, and even dogs and cats.

A fire-proof screen should be used to protect pets and children from sparks and hot embers, and it is recommended to keep a log book of fires and extinguisher handy in case of an emergency. You will also need to ensure that you never make use of charcoal starter or gasoline fluid near your shed stove because they are highly flammable materials and could explode or flare-up in the event of an accident.

You may live in a smoke-control area. This will impact the kind of stove you can put in. You must select a log burner that is part of the DEFRA (External link) approved appliance list.

Installation

Having a log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea that can really bring you closer to nature in a way that cannot be done with a standard fire in the home. A log burning stove in your shed or garden can also be an ideal place to socialize and family gatherings as well as offering you the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

When installing an outdoor wood burner, you'll need to consider the dimensions of your shed or summerhouse and the output that you need from the stove in order to heat it properly. It is also important to consider whether you live in a smoke-control area and if there are any local planning regulations that could affect your installation. Ideally, you should consult with a HETAS registered installer to help you with your planning and installation.

If you decide that you would like to install a wood burner for your shed, the first thing you will need to do is determine the size of flue pipe your shed can accommodate. It's usually a simple task and the manufacturer of your stove can help you on this. Once you know what size flue pipe you'll require then you can begin to look into log burners for your shed that will work for your shed or summer home.

Once you have chosen the right stove for the shed or summerhouse you need to prepare the installation area. This will involve clearing away any materials that are flammable and making sure 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 positioned at least 2m from the closest wall that is combustible and that any combustible material inside the shed are covered with fire boards or insulated.

The hearth should be constructed of non-combustible material and at least 12mm thick. You can make use of any type of concrete or stone, for instance, but be cautious not to using sand, because it could impact the performance of your stove and cause an issue with the chimney. Also, you'll need twin wall flue pipes, a class D air vent and chimney cowl.

Maintenance

Shed wood burners are safe to use when there is sufficient ventilation and a smoke detector installed. If you intend to install a wood burner in your shed, ensure that the electrical installation has been signed off by an electrician, and that any material that is flammable is kept away from the stove.

It is recommended to clean the glass and chimney of your shed log heater regularly. You can use a light spray of vinegar to get rid of any smudges or marks from the inside of the stove glass. But be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also apply a mild solution of washing up liquid on paper towel to clean the outside of the glass for the log burner.

Keep in mind that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the wood should be less than 20%. The best method to determine the level of moisture in your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Store your wood in an area that is well ventilated. Keep flammable items such as curtains and furniture away from the shed. It's also an excellent idea to have the chimney cleaned at least every year.