Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you have a garden wood burner or log cabin, or an off grid dwelling, you might decide to put an electric stove inside. There are some things to consider before you do so.

It's important to make sure your shed or cabin is properly insulated in order to limit heat loss and save on fuel costs. Insulation also helps to reduce dampness and increase fire safety.

Size

A shed log burner is the perfect method to provide warmth to a shed or summer house. It is important to select the correct stove and make sure that it meets the safety standards. A stove that is too large will not be able to properly vent and will also quickly soot up the flue. On the other hand, a stove that is too small contemporary wood burning stove will not be able to heat the space effectively.

It is important to first determine the size of the shed and then choose the location of the stove. Once you've decided where the stove will be placed, you will have to construct the hearth that will support it. The hearth should be at minimum 12mm thick and constructed of a non-combustible substance. The distance between a single wall flue pipe and combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this can be decreased if you employ an insulative panel to shield.

Once you've constructed the hearth, you are able to then install the stove. Depending on the stove you choose you might need to purchase an oven door, a stovepipe, or damper. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed or cabin, as these are smaller spaces than homes, and they can swiftly fill up with CO gas.

Installing a stove in a shed will require the installation of a chimney liner to ensure safety and prevent condensation. Flue liners are available at a wide range of hardware stores and they're usually easy to cut to the correct length. Make sure you make use of tin snips, or a can opener to remove the lid and bottom of the can, and make sure to bend any sharp edges inside.

Safety

Shed wood burners can be extremely comfortable and efficient, however you should consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the proper installation and usage of the stove as well as an alarm for carbon monoxide as well as a fire extinguisher. It is also essential to keep pets and children away from the stove in order to reduce the chance of accidents.

Installing your stove in a shed by an HETAS-registered installer is a good idea. They will be able to make sure that the installation is done in accordance the current building regulations, including the necessary distances from combustible walls. This can eliminate the need for a building control certificate which will save you time and money in the long time.

You will need to ensure that you only burn well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your stove for your shed. Do not try 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 the air. You will also need to ensure that you have a correctly constructed chimney. A single wall flue system is ideal for most sheds, but if would like to install a double wall stove in your shed, it will require a bigger chimney.

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

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

You could be living in a smoke-control area. This will affect the type of stove that you can install. You must select the type of stove that is on the DEFRA (External link) approved appliance list.

Installation

The addition of a log burner to your shed or summer house is a great idea that can bring you closer to nature in a way that isn't possible with a normal fireplace in your home. Having a log burning stove in your shed or garden can also provide an ideal place to socialize and family gatherings as well as providing you with the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comforts of your home.

When you are installing a shed small wood burning fireplace burner you'll need to think about the size of your shed or summerhouse and the amount of output you require from the stove in order to heat it properly. You will also need to consider if you are in a smoke-free zone and whether there are local planning laws that might impact your installation. In the ideal scenario, you should speak with a HETAS certified installer to assist you plan and installation.

If you decide you would like to install a shed wood burner, the first thing you'll need to do is determine the size of flue pipe your shed will accommodate. It's usually a simple task and the company that sells your stove will be able to advise you on this. Once you've decided on the size of the flue pipe you can begin looking for shed-specific log burners for your summer home or shed.

After you have selected the ideal stove for your summerhouse or shed it is important to prepare the area for installation. This will involve removing any flammable materials, and ensuring there is a minimum of 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also important to make sure that the stove is at least 2m away from the nearest walls that are combustible and that all combustible materials within the shed is covered by fire board or insulated.

The hearth should be made 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 use sand since it can affect the performance of your stove and result in an issue with 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, be sure that the electrical installation has been signed off by a licensed electrician. Also, ensure that any materials that are flammable are well away from the stove.

It is recommended to clean the chimney and glass of your shed log heater regularly. You can apply a light splash of vinegar to wash away any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass. But make sure you don't get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also clean the exterior of the glass log burner with mild solutions made from water and paper towels.

Be aware that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The logs' moisture content must be below 20%. The best wood burners uk way to check the moisture content of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Place your wood in a ventilated shed, and make sure to keep any flammable items like furniture and curtains from the shed. It is recommended also to have the chimney cleaned at least once a year.