Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, which can burn both smokeless and wood. It can hold larger pieces of wood than most tiny stoves and boasts an impressive burning time and heat output.
It is also possible to shield with a heatshield to comply with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves aren't only beautiful to look at but they also serve as a fantastic source of heat for a home. To ensure that freestanding wood burner work efficiently and effectively, they should be maintained properly. It is sometimes an issue to keep the glass in good condition. But a few simple techniques can make a huge difference.
It is crucial to only burn wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. This means that the wood should have been chopped and stored for at least one year prior to use to help to limit the amount of smoke that is released. The burning of unseasoned wood could cause the flue to overheat. This could lead to the fire bursting out of control or even sparking a chimney fire.
It is also recommended to only burn clean wood in your wood-burning stove. Avoid paper or other non-wood substances such as rubber and plastics, because they can release toxic fumes that aren't good for your health. Avoid burning treated or painted wood as this can release dangerous chemicals such as arsenic into the air, which is not good for you.
It is also a good idea to clean up the inside of your stove. This can be done quite easily with a standard household vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. You can also purchase several cleaners specifically designed to be used on stove glass. However, it is important to make sure any product you purchase does not void the warranty on your stove before using it.
It is also important to examine the fire rope seals on the top and the bottom of your wood stove. They stop smoke or soot from the stove. It is crucial to ensure that they are properly installed and are not worn out.
Another thing to remember is to regularly remove any birds that have a nest of your chimney. Seagulls can be a problem because they can be a nuisance to chimneys during summer. This can cause all sorts of debris to fall in the flue and cause damage to your stove. There are a number of different bird guards and spikes available that can be fitted to your chimney to prevent this from happening.
Paper Burning
Burning paper is an easy method of getting a fire started, but the wrong kind of paper can cause dangerous smoke. Some types of paper such as glossy magazines or gift wrap contain toxic chemicals that emit toxic fumes when burnt. To avoid creating a hazardous environment burn only clean paper on your wood burner.
If you have only a few pieces of paper to burn, think about using a tub. Place a stack of papers on top of a tub and light one corner. The water will capture the embers, preventing them from setting fire to nearby trees or grass. If you're concerned about the smell, put baking soda or vinegar nearby to neutralize it.
To make sure the paper is burning properly, start with a base of small twigs or newspaper that has been shredded. Add 3-4 medium-sized logs of wood and let them burn. Then, put the paper on the top. The paper will burn quickly, so it is important to be close by and observe the flame as it is burning.
It is best to burn your paper outside on the day there is no wind. A strong wind gust can blow embers into the grass or directly onto your home. Furthermore, the smoke of burning papers can cause breathing problems when inhaled.
You can also make use of a BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is recommended when you only have a couple of sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface, you can take it off it and burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you start burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully functional and that the fire pit is free of branches, twigs and other flammable materials. In case there is an emergency, it's a good idea also to keep a fire extinguisher in the vicinity. Contact your local government and homeowners' association to find out whether it is legal to burn paper outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood burning stoves can be fantastic sources of comfort and enjoyment but only if you operate them with care. While it might seem obvious to some however, the reality is that all too many people fail to follow simple safety precautions.
Make sure that your stove is properly insulated, and that any flue pipes that run outside are well-protected. You will also want to make sure that children and pets stay away from the stove.
Make sure that no paper or trash is placed in the firebox. The chimney and fireplace could overheat if the items are burned. They can also create creosote, which is a major fire hazard and must be cleaned on a regular basis.
Make sure the smoke alarms are in good working in good condition and test them regularly. Also, it's recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can save lives and are affordable.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency. Do not build a huge pile of logs. Only burn dry, seasoned wood. Burning a stack of logs in a row results in incomplete combustion and can increase CO emissions. It is also crucial to keep an eye on the fire and if it gets out of control, extinguish it quickly.
Whenever you are finished using your stove, be certain that the fire is completely out and that all combustible materials have been cleared from around the flue pipes and the firebox. The required clearances will vary depending on the model of your stove and the method by which you intend to install your stove in your home.
Consider using a DEFRA approved model if you are planning to install your wood-burning stove in a controlled area. These stoves have been designed to operate in smoke-controlled areas. They come in various sizes and colors. Some models can be customised to match your style and also have a an air intake that is designed to provide greater performance in smoke-controlled zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a popular option for heating small areas. They can be put in yurts, sheds and even cabins. They also offer a warm, comfortable fire without the need for electricity or oil. It is important to carefully follow the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer to install your wood stove properly. These guidelines will help you avoid potentially dangerous issues, and ensure that your stove is safe to use.
Before installing your stove, you should remove the surrounding area of any fire-prone material. Also, you should leave at least 16" between the stove and the nearest combustible walls. If you cannot meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad can be put in place. This non-combustible mat will come with spacers of 1" to allow the stove to be positioned further away from walls, which could reduce the clearance requirements by up to 66%.
To prevent smoke from blowing back into the room, you should take out combustible things like curtains and furniture. Additionally, you should install a carbon monoxide and smoke alarm in your shed. The last thing to do is ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. It is important to regularly inspect your stove and chimney for safety.
It is a smart idea to buy a wood stove that has EPA certification. This certification means that the stove is more than 75% efficient. It means that it will absorb and convert a higher amount of heat produced by the wood. You should also select the right wood stove based on the recommended capacity of heating for the space in which it will be put. This will prevent overloading your stove which can lead to creosote build-up and smokeouts.
After you have cleared the area and removed combustible items, you should prepare the foundation for your stove. This includes taking out all combustibles and making the hearth ready. Verify that the vents are free and open. If not, you'll require new vents.
After installing your stove, you should test its functionality by lighting three or four small fires. This will make sure that the paint and fire bricks on your stove, and ensure that you can safely light a large fire.
