Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you have a garden, log cabin or other off grid home you may want to install an electric stove inside. But, there are many factors to be considered before you do this.

To reduce fuel costs and heat loss, it's important that your shed or cabin be properly and properly insulated. Insulation can also help to reduce dampness, and improve the fire safety.

Size

A shed log burner is the perfect way to heat a shed or summer house. It is essential to choose the right stove and make sure it is safe and meets all standards. A stove that is too big isn't adequately venting and also will quickly build up the flue. On the other the other hand, a stove which is too small won't be capable of heating the space effectively.

The first step is to determine the dimensions of your shed and then decide where to position the stove. Once you've determined the location, you'll need to create an area for the stove to sit on. The hearth needs to be at least 12mm thick, and Outdoor Wood Burner constructed from a non-combustible material. The distance between the single wall flue pipe and the combustible material is 3x diameter of the pipe. However, this distance can be reduced if you use an insulative panel to shield.

After you've built the hearth, you can then install the stove. You may need an oven pipe, a door, or a damper, depending on the option you select. You'll also need to install carbon monoxide detectors in your cabin or shed, as these spaces are much smaller than houses and can become a source of dangerous CO gas quickly.

If you're installing a stove inside a shed, then you'll need to install a flue liner for safety and to prevent condensation. Flue liners are available at a wide range of hardware stores and are easily cut to the proper length. Be sure to make use of tin snips, or a can opener to remove the lid and the bottom of the can, and be sure to bend any sharp edges within.

Safety

Shed wood burning stove outdoor burning stoves are efficient and cozy, but they should be installed with care. This includes making sure you are using the correct installation and use of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher. It is also essential to keep children and pets away from the stove to minimize the chance of accidents.

It is a good idea to use a HETAS registered installer to set up your stove in your shed. They can make sure that the installation is completed in compliance with current building regulations, which include relevant distances from walls that are combustible. This can help you avoid the need for an official building control certificate.

Only burn fireplaces wood burning stoves that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your shed stove. Don't try to burn treated off-cuts as this will produce chemicals in the flue gases that could cause pollution and decrease the quality of the air. It is also important to ensure that your chimney is of the appropriate size. A single wall flue system is suitable for the majority of sheds, but if want to use a double wall stove in your shed, it will require a bigger chimney.

Smoke from a wood-burning stove can be hazardous, especially to pregnant women, children, and the elderly. It is also harmful for people with asthma, COPD or heart diseases and can also affect cats and dogs too.

It is important to use an alarm screen to shield children and pets from sparks and hot coals. A log book for fires should be kept close in case of emergency. Also, avoid using gasoline or charcoal starter fluid near your shed stove. These substances are extremely flammable and could cause an explosion or flare-up should you make mistakes.

You could be living in a smoke-control region. This can affect the type of stove you can put in. You must select a log stove that is approved by DEFRA.

Installation

Having a log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea and will bring you closer to nature in a way that isn't possible with a normal fire in the home. A log burner in your shed or garden is a wonderful location for family gatherings and socialising. It also lets 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 dimensions of your shed or summerhouse and the amount of output that you need from the stove in order to adequately heat it. Also, you'll need to consider if you live in a smoke-control area and whether there are any local regulations on planning that could impact the installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS certified installer to assist you plan and installation.

If you decide you want to install a wood burner for your shed the first thing you'll have to do is find out what size flue pipe your shed can accommodate. The supplier of your stove is likely to be able give you some suggestions on this. Once you have figured out the size of flue pipe you will need then you can begin to look for log burners for your shed that will work for your shed or summer house.

Once you have decided on the ideal stove for your shed or summerhouse you need to prepare the area for installation. 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 placed at least 2m away from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible items within the shed are covered with fire boards or insulated.

The hearth should be constructed of non-combustible materials and at least 12mm thick. You can choose any type of concrete or stone, for instance, however, you should be cautious not to use sand because it could affect the stove's performance and result in a chimney failure. You'll also require a pair twin wall flue pipes as well as a class D airvent and chimney cowl.

Maintenance

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

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

Be aware that shed log heaters are designed to use dry seasoned firewood. The logs' moisture content should be less than 20%. The best way to check the level of moisture in your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Place your wood in a ventilated shed, and be sure to keep any flammable items such as furniture and curtains from the shed. It's also an excellent idea to have the chimney swept at least every year.