Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose log-burner is approved by DEFRA and Ecodesign. It is able to burn smokeless or wood. It can take larger pieces of wood than small stoves and boasts a long burn time and heat output.
It can also be shielded with a heatshield to comply with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept at least 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves aren't just attractive to look at, but they also provide a great source of warmth for a home. To ensure that they operate efficiently and smoothly they must be maintained in a proper manner. This can be a difficult especially when it is keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make all the difference.
It is important that you only burn wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. It must be cut into pieces and stored for a minimum of one year prior to burning in order to minimize the amount of smoke. The burning of unseasoned wood can cause the flue to overheat. This could lead to a fire breaking out of control or even sparking an explosion in the chimney.
Only burn clean wood on your wood stove. Avoid using paper or other non-wood materials, such as rubber and plastics as these can produce toxic fumes that are not good for your health. Do not burn treated or painted wood, because this could release harmful chemicals such as arsenic in the air that is not healthy for you.
It is also important to clean your stove's interior regularly. It's easy to do so with a vacuum cleaner from your home equipped with a brush attachment. You can also buy various cleaners designed to be used on stove glass. However, it is important to ensure that the product you purchase does not void the warranty of your stove prior to using it.
It is also important to inspect the fire rope seals at the top and bottom of your wood stove. These seals are designed to stop smoke or soot from leaving the stove and it is crucial to ensure that they are firmly in position and not damaged.
Last but not least, you should get rid of any birds that have settled in your chimney. Seagulls are a particular problem and will often perch on chimneys throughout the summer months, leading to all sorts of debris being dumped in the flue that could cause damage to your stove. You can fit various spikes and bird guards to your chimney to stop this.
Paper Burning
The right paper will not only ignite a fire quickly, but can also release dangerous smoke. Some types of paper like glossy magazines or giftwrap contain toxic chemicals that can emit toxic fumes when burned. To avoid creating a hazardous environment burn only clean paper in your wood burner.
Consider using a tub if you only have a tiny amount of paper to burn. Set a pile of papers over a tub, and then light one corner. The water will smother the embers, preventing them from setting fire to nearby trees or grass. If you're worried about the smell, put baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize the smell.
To make sure the paper is burning properly Start with a small base of twigs or shredded newspaper. Then add 3-4 medium-sized logs to the flame and allow them to start to burn. Then, you can layer the paper over the burning tinder. The paper will begin to burn quickly, so it is important to stay close and watch the fire as it burns.
It is recommended to burn your papers outdoors on a day when there is no wind. A strong wind gust could blow embers onto your home or into the grass. Inhaling the smoke of burning paper can cause breathing problems.
You can also make use of a BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is recommended when you only have just a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface, you can take it off and use it to burn the paper directly over the charcoal.
Before you begin burning paper, ensure that your wood burner is functioning and that the pit has been cleared of twigs, branches, and other flammable materials. In the event there is an emergency, it is recommended to keep a fire extinguisher in the vicinity. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners' association to find out whether it is legal for you to burn paper outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood-burning stoves can provide many hours of relaxation and pleasure However, that pleasure is only possible if you follow the necessary steps to use them in a safe manner. While it may appear simple to some however, the reality is that all too many people don't take the time to adhere to simple safety guidelines.
Make sure that your stove is properly insulated, and that any pipes that connect to the to the outside are secured. It is also important to ensure that pets and children are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that any paper or trash is removed from the fireplace. The burning of these materials can cause the chimney and fireplace to overheat. They can also create creosote which is a serious fire hazard and needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.
Check the smoke alarms and test them each month. Also, it's an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide detectors which can save lives and are relatively inexpensive.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the event of an emergency. Do not build a huge pile of logs. Only burn dry well-seasoned wood. A large pile of logs burning together will cause incomplete combustion, which will increase CO emissions. It is important to monitor and manage the fire. If it gets out of control, it should be extinguished immediately.
When you have finished using your stove, ensure that the fire is out and that all combustible materials have been removed from the area around the fireboxes and flue pipes. There are specific clearance requirements based on the stove's model and the way you plan to install it in your home.
If you're planning to install your wood stove in a smoke controlled area, consider a DEFRA-approved model. These stoves are specifically designed to work in smoke controlled areas and are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Certain models can be customized to suit your decor and include a direct air intakes designed for greater performance in smoke-controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a very popular choice for heating small areas. They can be placed in sheds, yurts and even cabins. They also offer a warm, comfortable fire without the use of oil or electricity. It is important to carefully follow the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer in order to install your wood stove correctly. These instructions will ensure that your wood stove is safe to use and can use it without any problems.
Before installing your stove you must remove all combustible items from the area. Also, ensure that you have at least 16" of space between the stove and the nearest wall that is combustible. If you're not able to meet these requirements, you could install a hearth pad or stove board. The non-combustible pads come with 1" spacers to allow the stove to be positioned further away from the wall, which could reduce the clearance requirement by as much as 66 percent.
shed wood burner is also recommended to remove items that are combustible, such as curtains and furniture to stop smoke from blowing into the room. Also, top wood burning stoves should install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in your shed. Not to mention, ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. It is important to regularly inspect your stove and chimney to ensure security.
It is a smart idea to purchase a wood stove with EPA certification. This means that the stove is more than 75% efficient. It means it can capture and convert a greater amount of heat generated by the wood. You should also select your wood stove according to the recommended capacity of heating for the space in which it will be put. This will prevent you from overloading your wood stove which could cause smokeouts and creosote.
Once you have cleared the area and removed fire-prone items, you need to prepare the foundation for your stove. This includes taking out any combustible items and preparing the hearth. Also, you should check for any existing vents to ensure they are not blocked and clear. You will need to install vents if they are not working.
When your stove is set up and you are ready to test it by lighting three or four small fires. This will help make sure that the fire bricks are cured and the paint on your stove and ensure that it is safe to burn a large fire.