wood burner clearance sale - Safety Considerations
The installation of a stove into a shed, a log cabin or an off grid dwelling is a great idea. There are some things to consider prior to doing so.
It's crucial to ensure your shed or cabin is properly insulated to minimize heat loss and save on fuel costs. Insulation also reduces dampness and increase the safety of fire.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or a shed. However, it is important to select the correct stove for your space and ensure that it meets all of the safety requirements. A stove that is too large will not be able vent effectively and can also cause the flue to smear. On the other side, a stove that is too small won't be capable of heating the space adequately.
First, you need to determine the dimensions of your shed and then determine the best location for the stove. Once you've decided where the stove will be positioned, you'll have to construct a hearth to support it. The hearth must be at least 12mm in thickness and made of a non-combustible product. The safe distance between a single-wall flue pipe and any combustible materials is 3x the diameter of the pipe however this distance can be reduced by using an insulative panel as shielding.
Install the stove after having constructed the hearth. Depending on your choice you might need to purchase an oven door, a stovepipe or damper. You'll also need to install a carbon monoxide detector 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 in a shed, then you'll need to install a flue liner to protect yourself and to prevent condensation. Flue liners can be found in a variety of hardware stores and can be cut to the proper length. Use tin snips for removing the lid and bottom of the can. Make sure to bend any sharp corners within.
Safety
Shed wood burning stoves are effective and comfortable, but 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 fire extinguishers. To decrease the chance of a mishap, it is important to keep children and pets away from the stove.
It is a good idea to use an HETAS certified installer to install your shed stove. They can make sure that the installation is carried out in compliance with building regulations. This includes the appropriate distances from a wall that is combustible. This could eliminate the need for a building control certificate, which can save your time and money in the long in the long.
You should ensure that you are burning well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your shed stove. Do not try to burn treated off-cuts, because this can result in the release of chemicals in the flue gases which can cause pollution and reduce air quality. Also, ensure that you have a properly sized chimney. In most sheds, a single wall flue will suffice, but if your shed will be using a double wall stove, you will need a larger chimney.
The smoke from a wood-burning stove can be hazardous, especially to children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Smoke from a stove that burns wood could be harmful to those with asthma, COPD, heart disease and even cats and dogs.
A fire guard screen is recommended to protect children and pets from sparks and hot embers and it's recommended to keep a fire log book and extinguisher on hand in the event of an emergency. You will also need to ensure that you never make use of charcoal starter or gasoline fluid near the stove in your shed because they are extremely flammable and could explode or cause flare-ups in the event of an accident.
Based on the region that you reside in, you could be in a smoke-control area, and this will determine the type of stove you can choose to install. You should select an approved log stove approved by DEFRA.
Installation
A log burner in your summer house or shed is a great idea and can really bring you closer to nature in a way that can't be achieved with a regular fire in the home. Having a log burning stove in your garden or shed can also serve as a focal point for socialising and gatherings with your family, as well as offering you the chance to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the comforts of your home.
When you are installing an outdoor wood burner, you'll need to consider the dimensions of your shed or summerhouse and the output that you need from the stove to properly heat it. You will also need to consider if you are in a zone of smoke control and if there are any local planning laws that might impact your installation. It is recommended that you consult with an HETAS registered installer to help you plan your installation.
If you decide that you would like to install a wood burner for your shed the first thing you will have to do is determine the size of flue pipe your shed is able to accommodate. The manufacturer of your stove will be able to offer you some tips on this. Once you've determined the size of the flue pipe you can begin looking for shed-specific log burners for your summer house or shed.
After you have selected the ideal stove for your shed or summerhouse, you will need to prepare the area for its installation. This involves removing all materials that are flammable and ensuring that 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 from the nearest walls that are combustible and that all combustible materials inside the shed is covered by fire board or the shed is insulated.
You'll then have to fit a hearth, which must be constructed from non-combustible materials and at minimum 12mm thick. You can use any type of concrete or stone, for instance, but be careful not use sand, as this could affect the performance of your stove and cause a fault in the chimney. You'll also require a pair of twin wall flue pipe, class D airvent and chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners are generally safe to use provided that they have adequate ventilation and a smoke alarm is installed. If you are planning on installing wood stoves in your shed, make sure that the electrical installation has been approved by a registered electrician and ensure that any materials that are flammable are away from the stove.
It is recommended to clean the chimney and glass of your log heater in your shed regularly. You can use a gentle splash of vinegar to wash away 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 wash the outside of the glass log burner with an easy solution consisting of washing liquid and paper towel.
Keep in mind that shed log heaters are designed to work with dry-seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs should be less than 20%. The most effective method of determining the moisture level of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Keep your wood in a well ventilated shed, and be sure to keep combustible items like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It's also a good idea to get the chimney swept at minimum every year.