Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

If you have a garden, log cabin or other off grid home you may want to install a stove in it. But, there are many things to consider before you do this.

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

Size

A shed log burner can be used to heat a shed or summerhouse. However, it is important to select the best wood burner stove for your space and ensure that it meets all of the safety standards required. A stove that is too big will not be adequately venting and can also rapidly soot up the flue. A stove that is too big isn't able to heat the room adequately.

First, you must determine the dimensions of your shed and then determine the best small wood burning stove location for the stove. Once you've decided on where the stove will be positioned, you'll have to construct a hearth to support it. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick and made of a non-combustible substance. The safe distance between a single wall flue pipe and any combustible material is 3x its diameter however this distance can be reduced by using an insulative board for shielding.

Install the stove after having constructed the hearth. You may need an oven pipe, a door or a damper based on the option you select. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your cabin or shed, as these are smaller spaces than homes and can quickly fill up with CO gas.

Installing a stove within an outdoor space will require you to install an chimney liner to ensure safety and stop condensation. Flue liners are available at a wide range of hardware stores and can be easily cut to the right length. Just 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 within.

Safety

Shed wood burning stoves outdoor burners can be very cozy and efficient, but you should take into consideration the safety aspects of the installation. This includes the proper installation and use of the stove, as well as an alarm for carbon monoxide as well as a fire extinguisher. It is also important to keep pets and children away from the stove to minimize the chance of accidents.

It is a good idea to choose a HETAS registered installer to set up your shed stove. They can make sure that the installation is done in compliance with current building regulations, including the necessary distances from combustible walls. This can save you from the need for an official building control certificate.

You should ensure that you burn well-seasoned, kiln-dried, seasoned wood in your stove for your shed. Don't try to burn treated off-cuts as this will produce chemicals in the flue gas that could pollute the air and lower air quality. It is also important to ensure that your chimney is of the proper size. A single wall flue system is ideal for most sheds, however if you would like to install a double wall stove in your shed, this will require a bigger chimney.

The smoke from a wood burning stove can be dangerous, especially for mothers who are expecting or newly born as well as children and the elderly. Smoke from a wood burning stove is a risk for people suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease, and even cats and dogs.

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

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

Installation

The addition of a log burner to your summer house or shed is a great idea that can really bring you closer to nature in a way that cannot be done with a standard fireplace in your home. Having a log burning stove in your shed or garden can also be a focal point for socialising and gatherings with family members, while also providing you with the chance to take in the beautiful outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your own home.

When you are installing a shed wood burner it is important to consider the dimensions of your shed or summerhouse and the output you require from the stove in order to heat it properly. You will also need to be aware of whether you are located in a smoke-free zone and if there are any local laws governing planning that could impact your installation. You should consult a HETAS-registered installer to assist you with planning and installation.

If you decide that you'd like to install a shed wood burner the first thing you'll need to do is to determine the size of flue pipe your shed can accommodate. The manufacturer of your stove is likely to be able give you some advice on this. Once you know what size flue pipe you'll need, you can start to look for shed log burners that are suitable for your shed or summer home.

Once you have chosen the ideal stove for your summerhouse or shed, you will need to prepare the installation area. This will involve removing any flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least one meter between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also crucial to make sure that the stove is at least 2m away from the nearest combustible walls and that all combustible materials in the shed is covered with fire board or covered with insulation.

You will then need to fit a hearth, which should be made from non-combustible material and be at least 12mm thick. You can use 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 cause an issue with the chimney. You'll also need a pair of twin wall flue pipes, a class D air vents and a chimney cowl.

Maintenance

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

It is important to clean the glass and flue of your stove's log burner in the shed. You can use a gentle squirt of vinegar to remove any marks or smudges that have accumulated on the inside of the stove glass. However, make sure you don't get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of washing up liquid on a paper towel to wash the exterior of the glass for the log burner.

Be aware that shed log heaters are designed to use dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs should be less than 20%. Use a wood moisture meter to determine the moisture content of your logs. Keep your wood in a place that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles such as curtains and furniture out of the shed. It is also recommended to have the chimney swept at least once per year.