Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner, that can burn smokeless and wood. It can handle larger pieces of wood than most tiny stoves and boasts a long burning time and heat output.
The wood stove may be shielded by an heatshield to ensure compliance with Approved Building Document J which stipulates that wood stoves must be kept at least 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves not only look beautiful, but they are also a great way to warm your home. Therefore, they have to be maintained properly to ensure that they operate smoothly and efficiently. This can be a little bit of a hassle, particularly when it comes to keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make all the difference.
First of all, it is crucial to only use the wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. It must be cut into pieces and kept for a minimum of one year prior to using to reduce the amount of smoke. The burning of wood that is not seasoned can cause the flue to overheat. This could result in the fire bursting out of control and sparking an explosion in the chimney.
It is also recommended to only burn clean wood in your wood burning stove. Avoid burning paper or other non-wood items like rubber or plastics, as they can emit toxic fumes that are harmful for your health. Burning treated or painted wood may release harmful chemicals like arsenic that is harmful for your health.
It is also important to clean the inside of your stove frequently. This can be done quite easily with a common household vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. You can also purchase several cleaners specifically designed to be used on glass stoves. However it is crucial to ensure that any product you purchase does not invalidate the warranty of your stove prior to using it.
Additionally, it is essential to inspect regularly the fire rope seals on the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals help to prevent smoke or soot from getting out of the stove and are crucial to ensure that they're securely in place and not deteriorating.
The last thing you should do is to regularly remove any birds that have a nest of your chimney. Seagulls are a nuisance as they will sit on chimneys in the summer. This could cause all kinds of debris to fall into the flue, which can damage your stove. There are a number of different bird guards and spikes available on the market that can be fitted to your chimney to stop this from happening.
Paper Burning
The right paper won't just start a fire quickly, but it can also release dangerous smoke. Certain types of papers such as glossy magazines or gift wrap contain toxic chemicals that can emit toxic fumes when burnt. Burn only clean paper in your wood stove to avoid creating a hazardous environment.
If you have only a few pieces of paper to burn, think about using a tub. Set a stack over the tub and then light one corner. The water will catch the embers and prevent them from burning nearby trees or grass. If you're worried about the smell of burning paper, put a bowl full of baking soda or vinegar close by to neutralize the smell.
Start with a base made of small twigs or newspaper that has been shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns properly. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs, and let them burn. Then, place the paper over the fire. The paper will begin to burn quickly and you must watch the fire closely.
It is a good idea to choose a wind-free day to burn papers outside. A strong wind gust could cause embers to fly into your home or into the grass. Inhaling smoke from burning paper can also cause breathing problems.
You can also burn paper on a BBQ grill, but it is best to use this method if you only have a few sheets to burn. If you have a grilling surface that is removable from the metal surface, you can remove it to burn the paper directly onto the charcoal.
Before you begin burning paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully functional and that the fire pit has been cleared of branches, twigs, and other materials that could ignite. It is recommended to keep an extinguisher for fire in the vicinity in case of emergency. Consult with your local authorities and homeowners association to see whether it is permitted for you to burn papers outside.
Safety Precautions
Wood-burning stoves can provide hours of comfort and pleasure, but that joy is only achievable if you take the steps necessary to use them safely. While it may appear obvious to some, the fact is that a lot of people fail to follow simple safety precautions.
Make sure your stove is adequately protected and insulated, and that all pipes that go to the outside are shielded. Also, make sure that children and pets stay away from the stove.
Make sure that no garbage or paper is left in the fireplace. The fireplace and chimney can overheat if these materials are burned. They can also cause creosote that is a significant fire hazard and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Make sure the smoke alarms are in good condition and test them every month. In addition, it's an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can save lives and are inexpensive.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned logs, and never build a stack of logs that are too large. A large pile of logs burning together will result in incomplete combustion, which increases CO emissions. It is important to keep an eye on and control the fire. If it gets out of hand it must be put out immediately.
When you have finished using your stove, ensure that the fire has been extinguished and that all combustible materials are removed from the space around the fireboxes and flue pipes. There are certain clearance requirements based on the model of your stove and also on the method you intend to install it in your home.
If you are planning to install your wood stove in a smoke controlled zone, look for a DEFRA approved model. These stoves are specifically designed to operate in smoke-controlled areas and are available in a variety of sizes and colours. Some models can be customized to match your personal design and come with direct air intake for better performance in smoke control zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a popular choice for heating small spaces. They can be used in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. In modern wood burning stove , they create a warm and cozy fire without the need for electricity or oil. It is crucial to follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer to install your wood stove properly. These guidelines will ensure that your wood stove is safe and can use it with no problems.
Before installing your stove, you should remove the area around it of fire-prone material. You should also leave at least 16" between the stove and the closest combustible walls. If you cannot meet these requirements, a stove board or hearth pad could be put in place. This non-combustible mat will come with spacers of 1" to help the stove stand further away from walls, which could reduce clearance requirements by as much as 66%.
To prevent smoke from escaping back into the room, you should take out combustible things like curtains and furniture. Additionally, you should install a carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarm in your shed. In addition, you must ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the shed. It is essential to regularly check your stove and chimney for safety.
It is recommended to buy a wood stove that is EPA certified. This certification signifies that the stove is over 75% efficient, which means it will take in and convert more heat from wood than it expels. It is recommended to choose the wood stove you want to use based on the recommended heating capacity of the area where it will be installed. This will ensure that you do not risk over-loading your stove, which can lead to creosote build-up and smokeouts.
Once you have cleared the space and removed combustible items, you should prepare the stove's foundation. This will include taking out any combustible items and preparing the hearth. Make sure that the vents are open and free. You'll need to put in vents if the existing ones aren't working.
After installing your stove, test its capabilities by lighting three or four small fires. This will cure the paint and fire bricks that are on your stove and ensure that you can safely light large flames.