Installing a stove into an outdoor shed, log cabin or another off grid home is a fantastic idea. There are a few things to consider prior to doing so.
To cut down on fuel costs and heat loss, it's essential that your shed or cabin be properly insulated. Insulation also helps to reduce dampness and increase fire safety.
Size
A shed log burner can be used to heat a summerhouse or a shed. It is essential to choose the correct stove and make sure it meets all safety standards. A stove that's too big will not be 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 effectively.
First, you'll need to determine the size of the shed, and then decide on the best location for the stove. Once you've identified the spot, you'll need to create an open hearth for the stove to rest on. The hearth must 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 distance could be reduced if you use an insulative shielding panel.
Install the stove after having built the hearth. You may require an stove pipe, a door or a damper, depending on the type of stove you want to install. It is also necessary to install carbon monoxide detectors in your shed or cabin in these places, since they are much smaller than houses and can be filled with CO gas that is dangerous very quickly.
If you're installing a stove inside a shed, then you'll require an air liner to ensure safety and to stop condensation. Flue liners are available in a variety of hardware stores, and they're generally easy to cut to the right length. Use tin snips for removing the lid and bottom of the can. Make sure you bend any sharp corners inside.
Safety
Shed wood burning stoves are efficient and comfortable, however they must be installed in a safe manner. This includes ensuring the correct installation and use of the stove, as well as a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguishers. To decrease the chance of an accident it is essential to keep pets and children away from the stove.
Installing your shed stove with an HETAS-registered installer is a great idea. They can ensure that the installation is carried out in line with current building regulations, which include the appropriate distances from combustible walls. This can save you from the requirement for a formal building control certificate.
Only burn wood that has been kiln dried and well-seasoned in your stove for your shed. Don't attempt to burn treated off-cuts since this could result in chemical emissions in the flue gases that can cause pollution and reduce air quality. It is also important to ensure that you have a correctly constructed chimney. For most sheds a single wall flue is sufficient but if the shed is equipped with a double wall stove, you'll require a bigger chimney.
The smoke from a wood burning stove can be dangerous, especially for pregnant or new mothers as well as children and the elderly. It is also dangerous for people suffering from asthma, COPD or heart diseases, and it can affect dogs and cats too.
It is essential to install an alarm screen to safeguard children and pets from hot coals and sparks. modern wood burning stoves of fire logs should also be kept nearby in case of emergency. It is also important to ensure that you don't employ charcoal starter fluid near the stove in your shed because they are highly flammable materials and could explode or cause flare-ups in the case of an accident.
You may live in a smoke-control zone. This can affect the type of stove you can install. You must select an appliance 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 will bring you closer to nature in a way that just isn't possible with a normal fire in the home. A log-burning stove in your shed or garden can also serve as an ideal location for socializing and family gatherings as well as offering you the chance to take in the beautiful outdoors without leaving the comfort of your own home.
When you are installing a shed wood 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 adequately heat it. It is also important to consider if you reside in a smoke-control zone and if there are any local regulations on planning that might affect the installation. Ideally, you should consult with a HETAS certified installer to assist you with your planning and installation.
If you decide that you want to install a shed wood burner, the first thing you'll need to do is find out what size flue pipe your shed will accommodate. This is usually easy enough and the manufacturer of your stove will be able to guide you on this. Once you know the size flue pipe you'll need and you are able to look at shed log burners that are suitable for your shed or summer house.
After you have decided on the ideal stove for your summerhouse or shed You will need to prepare the area for installation. This will involve removing any flammable materials and ensuring that there is at least 1m between the shed and the front edge of your chimney stack. It is also advisable to ensure that the stove is positioned at least 2m away from the nearest combustible wall, and that any combustible materials within the shed are covered with fire boards or covered with insulation.
The hearth must be constructed of non-combustible material and at least 12mm in thickness. You can make use of any type of stone or concrete, for instance, but you should be careful not to use sand because this could compromise the performance of the stove and cause a chimney fault. Also, you'll need twin wall flue pipes, class D air vent and chimney cowl.
Maintenance
Shed wood burners are safe to use when there is sufficient 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 signed off by a licensed electrician. You should also ensure that any materials that are flammable are kept away from the stove.
It is important to regularly clean the glass and flue of your shed log burner. You can use a light squirt of vinegar to remove any smudges or marks from the inside of the stove glass - be careful not to get any vinegar inside the burner. You can also use a mild solution of water on a paper towel to wash the outside of the glass in the log burner.
Keep in mind that shed log burners are designed to be used with dry seasoned firewood. The moisture content of the logs must be less than 20 percent. Utilize a wood moisture meter to determine the moisture content of your logs. 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 cleaned at least every year.
