Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you have a garden wood burner, log cabin or other off grid dwelling, you might want to install a stove in it. There are a few things to consider before you do so.

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

Size

A shed log burner is the perfect method to provide warmth to an outdoor space or summer home. But, it is essential to choose the right stove for your space and make sure that it meets all of the required safety standards. A stove that's too big isn't able to vent properly and could also smear the flue. On the other hand, a stove that is too small won't be in a position to heat the room adequately.

It is important to first determine the size of the shed, and then decide on the best location for the stove. Once you've identified the spot, you'll need to create a hearth for the stove to rest on. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick and made 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 distance can be reduced if you use an insulative shielding panel.

After you've built the hearth, then put in the stove. Based on the type of stove you want to install, you may need to buy a stove door, a stovepipe, or shed wood burner damper. It is also necessary to install carbon monoxide detectors in your cabin or shed, as these spaces are smaller than homes and can become a source of dangerous CO gas very quickly.

Installing a stove in an outdoor space will require you to install a chimney liner to protect your family from the risk of condensation and ensure that it doesn't happen. Flue liners are available in a variety of hardware stores, and they're generally easy to cut to the proper length. Be sure to use tin snips or an open can opener to take off the lid and the bottom of the can, and Shed Wood Burner be sure to bend sharp edges inside.

Safety

Shed wood burning stoves are efficient and cozy, but they must be installed safely. This includes ensuring that you have the proper installation and use of the stove, a carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher. To decrease the chance of an accident it is crucial to keep children and pets away from the stove.

Installing your shed stove by an HETAS registered installer is a good idea. They can ensure that the installation is done in accordance to current building regulations, which include relevant distances from combustible walls. This can eliminate the requirement for an official building control certificate, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your shed stove. Do not try to burn treated off-cuts, since this could result in chemical emissions in the flue gases that could cause pollution and decrease the quality of the air. You will also have to make sure that your chimney is of the proper size. For most sheds, a single wall flue will suffice but if the shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you will require a larger chimney.

The smoke from wood-burning stoves is a risk, especially 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 cats and dogs.

It is crucial to use a fire guard screen to protect pets and children from hot coals and sparks. A fire log book should be kept close in case of emergency. Also, avoid using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near your shed stove. These are highly flammable and could cause an explosion or flare-up if you make mistakes.

Depending on the area that you reside in, you may be located in a smoke control zone, which will determine the type of stove you can install. You must select an appliance that is listed on the DEFRA (External link) approved list of appliances.

Installation

A log burner in your summer home or shed is a great idea. It can help you get closer to nature, and is more appealing than a traditional fire in your home. A log burning stove in your shed or garden can also serve as an ideal place to socialize and gatherings with family members, while also offering you the chance to take in the beautiful outdoors without leaving the comfort of your own home.

You'll also need to consider whether you are in a smoke-free zone and if there are local planning laws that could affect your installation. It is also important to consider whether you reside in a zone of smoke control and if there are any local regulations on planning that could affect the installation. It is recommended to consult a registered HETAS installer to assist you in planning and installation.

If you decide that you want to install a shed wood burner, the first thing you'll need to do is determine the proper size flue pipe your shed is able to accommodate. This is usually easy enough and the supplier of your stove can help you on this. Once you have figured out the size of flue pipe you'll require then you can begin to look at shed log burners that are suitable for your summer or shed house.

After you have selected the ideal stove for your shed or summerhouse, you will need to prepare the area to install it. This will involve clearing away any materials that could ignite and ensuring that there is a minimum 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 closest combustible wall and that any combustible material in the shed are surrounded with fire boards or insulated.

You will then need to install a hearth which should be made from non-combustible material and be at least 12mm thick. You can choose any type of concrete or stone, for instance, but you should be cautious not to use sand since this could affect the stove's performance and cause a chimney fault. You'll also require a pair twin wall flue pipes, class D airvent and chimney cowl.

Maintenance

Shed wood burners can be used safely when there is sufficient ventilation and a smoke detector installed. If you are planning on installing a wood stove in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation has been signed off by a licensed electrician. Also, make sure that any flammable materials are away from the stove.

Clean the chimney and glass of your shed log heater regularly. You can use a light squirt of vinegar to remove any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass - be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also apply a mild solution of washing liquid on a paper towel to wash the exterior of the glass for the log burner.

Be aware that shed log heaters are designed to make use of dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs must be less than 20 percent. The most effective method of determining the level of moisture in your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Place your wood in a well ventilated area, and be sure to keep flammable objects like furniture and curtains from the shed. It is a good idea to have your chimney cleaned at least year.