Shed Wood Burner - Safety Considerations

Installing a stove in a shed, a log cabin, or a different off grid residence is a fantastic idea. There are some things to consider prior to doing so.

It's important to make sure your cabin or shed is properly insulated to reduce the loss of heat and save fuel costs. Insulation can also help reduce dampness and increase the safety of fire.

Size

A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or a shed. But, it is essential to select the correct stove for your space and make sure that it complies with all the required safety standards. A stove that is too big won't be adequately venting and will also quickly soot up the flue. A stove that is too large will not be able heat the room effectively.

It is important to first determine the dimensions of the shed and then choose the best location for the stove. Once you have decided the location where the stove will be placed, you will need to build an edging to support it. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick and constructed of a non-combustible material. The distance between a single wall flue pipe and combustible material is 3x the diameter of the pipe. However, this can be reduced if you use an insulative shielding panel.

Once you've constructed the hearth, then put in the stove. Depending on the stove you choose, you may need to buy the stove door, a stovepipe, or damper. Install an alarm for carbon monoxide in your shed or cabin or shed, as they are smaller spaces than homes and are able to quickly fill with CO gas.

If you're installing a stove inside a shed, then you'll have to install a flue liner to protect yourself and to avoid condensation. small wood burning stove Links to an external site. are available at most hardware shops and are easily cut to the proper length. Just be sure to make use of tin snips, or a can opener to remove the lid and bottom of the can, and make sure to bend sharp edges within.

Safety

Shed wood burners can be extremely efficient and cosy, but you must consider the safety aspects of the installation. This includes ensuring the correct installation and use of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide detector as well as a fire extinguishers. It is also important to keep children and pets away from the stove to reduce the chance of accidents.

It is recommended to choose a HETAS registered installer to set up your shed stove. They can ensure that the installation is completed in accordance with current building regulations, including the necessary distances from walls that are combustible. This could eliminate the need for a building control certificate, which could save you money and time in the long time.

You must ensure that you only burn well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood in your stove in your shed. Don't try to burn treated off-cuts, since this could result in chemical emissions in the flue gases which could pollute the air and lower the quality of the air. You will also need to ensure that you have a correctly size chimney. For most sheds a single wall flue is enough but if the shed is fitted with a double wall stove, you will require a larger chimney.

The smoke that comes from wood-burning stoves is a risk, especially for pregnant or new mothers children, elderly people and even the young. Smoke from a wood burning stove could be harmful to those suffering from asthma, COPD, heart disease as well as dogs and cats.

A fire-proof screen is recommended to shield pets and children from sparks and hot embers and it's recommended to keep a log book of fires and an extinguisher in case in an emergency. Also, be wary of using charcoal or gasoline starter fluid near the stove in your shed. These substances are extremely flammable and could trigger an explosion or flare-up if you make an error.

You could be living in a smoke-control region. This can affect the kind of stove you can put in. You must select an approved log stove 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 just cannot be done with a standard fire in the home. Having a log burning stove in your garden or shed can also provide an ideal location for socializing and family gatherings as well as providing you with the chance to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comforts of your own home.

When you are installing a wood burner in a shed it is important to consider the dimensions of your shed or summerhouse and the amount of output you require from the stove in order to adequately heat it. You will also need to consider if you are in a smoke-free zone and if there are any local laws that could affect the installation. It is recommended to consult a registered HETAS installer to assist you in planning and installation.

You will need to determine the size of the flue pipe your shed can support before you can install a shed wood stove. This is typically a simple process and the supplier of your stove will be able to guide you on this. Once you've decided on the size of the flue pipe, you can begin looking for shed log burners suitable for your summer home or shed.

Once you have chosen the ideal stove for your shed or summerhouse it is important to prepare the area for installation. This will involve removing all flammable materials, and ensuring there is at least one meter between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also advisable to ensure that the stove is 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 next step is to fit a hearth, which should be made from non-combustible materials and be at minimum 12mm thick. You can choose any type of concrete or stone, for instance, but it is important not to use sand as this could affect the stove's performance and cause a chimney problem. Also, you'll need two twin wall flue pipes, 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 to install a wood stove in your shed, be sure that the electrical installation is signed off by an electrician and that any material that is flammable is kept away from the stove.


You should clean the glass and chimney of your shed log heater regularly. You can apply a light squirt of vinegar to remove any smudges or marks from the inside of the stove glass. But be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of washing liquid on paper towel to clean the outside of the log burner glass.

Be aware that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the wood should be less than 20%. The best way to check the moisture level of your logs is to use a wood moisture meter. Place your wood in a place that is well ventilated. Keep combustibles like curtains and furniture away from the shed. It's also a good idea to get the chimney swept at least every year.