Shed Wood Burner – Safety Considerations

If you own a shed, log cabin or other off grid home you may want to install a stove in it. There are some things to consider prior to doing so.

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

Size

A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or shed. It is crucial to choose the correct stove and make sure that it meets the safety standards. A stove that’s too big isn’t able to vent properly and will also quickly cause the flue to smear. A stove that is too big will not be able to heat the room sufficiently.

It is important to first determine the dimensions of the shed and then choose the best woodburners location for the stove. Once you’ve identified the spot, you’ll need to create a hearth for the stove to sit on. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick and made from non-combustible materials. The safe distance between a single wall flue pipe and any other combustible materials is 3x its diameter however, this distance can be reduced by using an insulative board as shielding.

After you’ve built the hearth, you are able to then put in the stove. You may need an oven pipe, a door, or a damper, depending on what you choose. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your cabin or shed or shed, as they are smaller than homes and are able to quickly fill with CO gas.

Installing a stove within a shed will require the installation of a chimney liner in order to protect your family from the risk of condensation and ensure that it doesn’t happen. Flue liners can be found at a wide range of hardware stores and can be easily cut to the right length. Be sure to use tin snips or a can opener to remove the lid and the bottom of the can, and make sure to bend sharp edges inside.

Safety

Shed wood burners are comfortable and efficient, however you should consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes ensuring the correct installation and use of the stove, a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguishers. It is also essential to keep pets and children away from the stove to reduce the chance of accidents.

It is recommended to use a HETAS certified installer to install your shed stove. They will ensure that the installation is done in accordance with building regulations. This includes relevant distances from a wall that is combustible. This will help you avoid the requirement for a formal building control certificate.

Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your stove in your shed. Do not try to burn treated off-cuts because this can result in the release of chemicals in the flue gas that can cause pollution and reduce air quality. Also, you must make sure that your chimney is of the proper size. For most sheds a single wall flue will suffice however if your shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you’ll need a larger chimney.

The smoke that comes from a wood burning stove is a risk, especially for new or expectant mothers children, elderly people and even the young. It is also dangerous for those suffering from asthma, COPD or heart diseases and can also affect pets and dogs as well.

It is essential to install an alarm screen to safeguard children and pets from hot coals and sparks. A log book for fires is also recommended to keep close in case of emergency. It is also recommended to avoid using gasoline or charcoal starter fluid close to your shed stove. These substances are highly flammable and could result in an explosion or flare-up if you make an error.

You might live in a smoke-control region. This will impact the type of stove that you can install. You must select a log stove that is approved by DEFRA.

Installation

A log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea that can bring you closer to nature in a way that cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. A log burner in your garden or shed can be a great place to gather with family and socialising. It also allows you to take in the beautiful outdoors from the comfort of your home.

When you are installing an outdoor wood burner you’ll need to think about the size of your summerhouse or shed and the output you require from the stove to adequately heat it. You will also need to consider if you are in a smoke-free zone and if there are any local planning laws that might affect your installation. You should seek out a HETAS-registered installer to help you with planning and installation.

You’ll need to know the size of the flue pipe that your shed can support before you install the wood stove for your shed. The manufacturer of your stove will be able to offer you some tips on this. Once you know the size flue pipe you’ll need then you can begin to look at log burners for your shed that are suitable for your summer home.

Once you have chosen the right stove for your shed or summerhouse You will need to prepare the area for its installation. This will require clearing away all flammable materials, and ensuring there is a minimum of 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also crucial to make sure that the stove is placed at least 2m from the closest combustible walls and that any combustible material inside the shed is covered with fire board or covered with insulation.

You will then need to fit a hearth, that should be constructed of non-combustible materials and be at minimum 12mm thick. You can choose any kind of stone or concrete for instance, but be careful not using sand, since it can affect the performance of your stove and cause an issue with the chimney. You’ll also need twin wall flue pipes, a class D air vent and chimney cowl.

Maintenance

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

It is important to clean the flue and glass of your shed log burner. Use a small amount of vinegar to clean the inside of your stove glass. Be cautious not to let vinegar get inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of washing up liquid on paper towel to clean the exterior of the log burner glass.

Remember that shed log heaters are made to make use of dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs should be less than 20%. The most effective method of determining the level of moisture in your logs is to use a wood burning stoves on sale moisture meter. Keep your cheap wood burners for sheds in a place that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles like furniture and curtains out of the shed. It’s also a good idea to get the chimney swept at minimum once per year.