Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

Installing a stove into a shed, a log cabin or another off grid residence is a fantastic idea. There are a few things to consider prior to doing so.

It is essential to ensure that your shed or cabin is properly insulated in order to limit heat loss and reduce fuel costs. Insulation can also help reduce dampness and shed wood burner increase the safety of fire.

Size

A shed log burner is a great method to provide warmth to an outdoor space or summer home. But, it is essential to select the best stove for your home and ensure that it complies with all the safety standards required. A stove that is too large isn't capable of properly venting and will also quickly soot up the flue. A stove that is too large will not be able to heat the room adequately.

The first step is to determine the size of your shed and then decide where to position the stove. Once you have decided where the stove will be positioned, you'll have to construct an edging to support it. The hearth needs to be at minimum 12mm thick and constructed of a non-combustible substance. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this distance can be reduced by using an insulative shielding panel.

Install the stove after having created the hearth. You may need an oven pipe, a door or a damper, depending on the option you select. You'll also have to install a carbon monoxide detector in your shed or cabin, as these spaces are smaller than homes and can fill up with dangerous CO gas very quickly.

If you're installing a stove inside a shed, then you'll have to install a flue liner for safety and to prevent condensation. Flue liners can be found at most hardware shops and are easily cut to the right length. Use tin snips for removing the lid and the bottom of the can. Make sure to bend any sharp corners within.

Safety

Shed wood burning stoves are effective and comfortable, however they must be installed in a safe manner. This includes making sure you are using the correct installation and use of the stove, a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher. To reduce the risk of an accident it is essential to keep pets and children away from the stove.

It is recommended to use an HETAS certified installer to install your shed stove. They will be able to make sure that the installation is completed in line the 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 woodburner stove in your shed. Don't try to burn treated off-cuts as this will produce chemicals in the flue gas that could cause pollution and decrease air quality. It is also important to ensure that you have a correctly constructed chimney. In most sheds, a single wall flue is sufficient, but if your shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you'll need a larger chimney.

Smoke from a wood-burning stove can be hazardous, especially for pregnant women, children and the elderly. It can also be dangerous for those suffering from asthma, COPD or heart diseases, and it can affect dogs and cats too.

A fire-proofing screen should be used to protect pets and children from sparks and hot embers and it's a good idea to keep a book of fire logs and extinguisher handy in case in the event of an emergency. Also, avoid using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid close to your shed stove. These are highly flammable and could trigger an explosion or flare-up if you make an error.

Depending on the location you live in, you could be located in a smoke control zone, which will affect the type of stove you can put in. You will need to choose the type of stove that is on the DEFRA (External link) approved list of appliances.

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 just isn't possible with a normal fire in the home. A log burner in your garden or shed can be a fantastic place to gather with family and socialising. It also lets you to take in the beautiful outdoors in the at-home comforts of your home.

When installing a shed 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. Also, you'll need to consider if you reside in a smoke-control zone and if there are any local planning regulations that might affect the installation. It is recommended to consult a registered HETAS installer to assist you in planning and installation.

If you decide that you'd like to install a wood burner in your shed, the first thing you'll need to do is to find out what size flue pipe your shed is able to accommodate. This is typically a simple process and the company that sells your stove can help you on this. Once you know what size flue pipe you will need and you are able to look at the stoves for sheds that will work for your summer or shed home.

After you have decided on the best stove for your summerhouse or shed You will need to prepare the area to install it. This will require clearing away any flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also recommended to ensure that the stove is at least 2m away from the closest combustible wall and that any combustible items inside the shed are covered with fire boards or lined with insulation.

The hearth should be constructed from non-combustible materials, and at least 12mm thick. You can make use of any type of stone or concrete for example, but be careful not use sand since it can affect the performance of your stove and result in a fault in the chimney. Also, you'll need a pair of twin wall flue pipes, a class D air vents and a chimney cowl.

Maintenance

Shed wood burners can be used safely if there is adequate ventilation and a smoke detector installed. If you're thinking of installing wood stoves in your shed, make sure that the electrical installation has been approved by a licensed electrician. You should also ensure that any materials that are flammable are kept away from the stove.

Clean the glass and chimney of your log heater in your shed regularly. Use a small amount vinegar to wash the inside of the stove glass. Be careful not to spill vinegar on the burner. You can also clean the exterior of the glass log burner by using a mild solution made of paper towel and washing liquid.

Keep in mind that shed log heaters are made to make use of dry seasoned firewood. The logs' moisture content must be less than 20%. Use a wood moisture meter to determine the moisture content of your logs. Keep your wood in a well ventilated shed, and be sure to keep combustible items like furniture and curtains from the shed. It is a good idea also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a every year.