Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose log burner is certified by DEFRA and Ecodesign. It is able to burn wood or smokeless fuel. It can burn larger pieces of wood compared to most smaller stoves, and it has a high heat output and burn time.
It can also be protected by a heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from combustible surfaces on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves are not only beautiful to look at but they also serve as a fantastic source of warmth for a home. They need to be maintained properly to ensure that they operate smoothly and efficiently. It is sometimes an issue to keep the glass in good condition. However, a few simple tips can make a big difference.
First foremost, it is important to only burn seasoned wood in your wood stove. It must be cut into pieces and stored for at least one year prior to using, as this will reduce the amount of smoke. Unseasoned wood can cause a flue to overheat and result in an explosion that is out of control.
You should also only burn clean wood on your wood burning stove. Avoid burning paper or other non-wood products such as rubber or plastics, as they release toxic fumes that are bad for your health. Avoid burning treated or painted wood, because this could release harmful chemicals like arsenic into the air that isn't healthy for you.
It is also recommended to clean up the interior of your stove. It is easy to do this by using a regular vacuum cleaner with an attachment for brush. You can also purchase various cleaners that are designed specifically for use on stove glass However, it is crucial to ensure that the product you select does not invalidate the warranty of your stove prior to using it.
It is also important to check regularly the fire rope seals that surround the doors at the top and bottom of your wood burner. These seals prevent smoke or soot escaping from the stove. It is important that they are securely installed and not worn out.
Last but not least, you should remove any birds who have settled in your chimney. Seagulls are a nuisance as they will perch on chimneys during the 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 put on your chimney to stop this from happening.
Paper Burning
The right paper won't just start an fire quickly, but it can also produce dangerous smoke. Some types of paper such as glossy magazines or gift wrap contain harmful chemicals that release toxic fumes when burned. Make sure to burn only clean paper on your wood stove to avoid creating a hazardous environment.
If you have only just a few pieces of paper to burn, consider using the tub. Place a stack of papers over the tub and then light the corner. The water will capture the embers, preventing them from burning nearby grass or trees. If you're concerned about the smell, put baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize the smell.
Begin with a base of small twigs or newspaper that has been shredded. This will ensure that the newspaper burns correctly. Then, add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs to the flame and let them begin to burn. Next, layer the paper on top of the fire. The paper will quickly burn, so you should monitor the flame closely.
It is best to burn your papers outdoors on days when there is no wind. A strong wind gust could send embers into your property or into the grass. Additionally, the smoke from burning papers could cause breathing issues if it is inhaled.
You can also make use of a BBQ grill to ignite paper, but this method is ideal for those with only just a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface, you can remove it and burn the paper directly over the charcoal.
Before you start burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is functional and that the fire pit is free of branches, twigs and other materials that could ignite. In case there is an emergency, it's an excellent idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, make sure to check with your county government as well as your homeowner's association to confirm that it is legal to burn paper outside in your area.
Safety Precautions
Wood-burning stoves can offer many hours of relaxation and pleasure however, this joy is only possible if you take the practical steps to use them safely. Although it may appear to some as if it's obvious, the fact is that a lot of people don't take the time to adhere to simple safety guidelines.
Make sure that your stove is properly insulated, and that any flue pipes running outside are adequately protected. contemporary wood burning stoves should also make sure that pets and children are kept away from the stove.
Make sure that any paper or trash is removed from the fireplace. The fireplace and chimney can overheat if these materials are ignited. They can also create creosote which is a serious fire hazard that must be cleaned regularly.
Check that the smoke alarms are in good working condition and test them every month. Installing carbon monoxide alarms could also save lives. They are also inexpensive.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your bag in case of emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned logs, and don't build a stack of logs that are too large. Burning a stack of logs will result in a lack of combustion, which can lead to increased CO emissions. It is essential to keep an eye on and manage the flame. If it gets too much, it should be extinguished immediately.
When you have finished using your stove, ensure that the fire has been put out and that all combustible material is removed from the space around the fireboxes and flue pipes. The required clearances will vary in accordance with the model of your stove as well as the way you plan to install the stove in your home.
If you are 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 range of sizes and colours. Some models can even be customised to your specific decor and are designed with direct air intake to improve performance in areas with smoke control.
Installation
Wood stoves can be used to heat small areas. They can be put in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. In addition, they provide a warm and cozy fire without the need for electricity or oil. It is crucial to follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to set up your wood stove correctly. These guidelines will ensure that your wood stove is safe and can use it without any problems.
Before installing your stove, you must remove all combustible items from the area. Also, make sure 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, then you can install a hearth pad or stove board. The non-combustible mat comes with spacers of 1" to help the stove stand further away from walls, which can reduce clearance requirements by as much as 66%.
It is also recommended to remove the furniture and curtains to prevent smoke from blowing into the room. Additionally, you should install a carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarm in your shed. The last thing to do is make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. It is important to regularly inspect your stove and chimney for security.
It is a good idea to purchase wood stoves that are EPA certified. This certification signifies that the stove is at least 75 percent efficient, meaning it will capture and convert more heat from the wood than it expels. You should also choose the right wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity for the room in which it will be installed. This will stop you from overloading your wood stove, which could result in creosote and smokeouts.
After you have cleared the space and removed any combustible materials, you will need to build the foundation for your stove. This includes the removal of any combustible material and making the hearth ready. Verify that the vents are free and open. You'll need to install vents if they aren't functioning properly.
After your stove has been installed, you should test it by lighting three or four small fires. This will help cure the fire bricks and the paint on your stove. It will also ensure that it's safe to burn large flames.