Adding wood stove to detached garage

[Jobofly]

hey everyone,

i would like to add a wood stove to my 20x40 detached garage. I have looked at the codes for my state and know how to install the chimney properly. My questions is about cars and lawn equipment stored in there. Is there any danger in me parking my truck and atv in there while the wood stove is going? How about gas cans, obviously they wont be near the stove but is it dangerous to keep them in there as well? I will only have the stove going when i am out there working. Not overnight or unattended.

Thanks

 

[jonshonda]

Might want to check with your insurance as well to see what the rates are vs forced air heating.

 

[nadogail]

Might want to check with your insurance as well to see what the rates are vs forced air heating.

My thoughts too, when I still lived with my parents in Anchorage, we heated my fathers garage with wood and coal.

That was from '56 to '61; we had no problems but, I doubt that the insurance company was aware of what we were doing.

 

[yeldogt]

My guess is in many places an open flame and any "garage" with autos and other flued items is not going to fly ..... but, out in coal country PA .... I see it.

My house fire was started when my tractor went up and took out two cars .... and that was outside.

 

[jbfsr]

I had the same concern with my propane heater in the garage. I bought a " Xintex G-1bb" gas fume detector. Got a 120v to 12v power supply and mounted them in a wooden box with the sensor mounted outside. The detectors are used in the bilge of boats to detect fumes so you don't start the engine when fumes are present. Mounting in the box makes it portable. I can use it in the garage or shed. Gives peace of mind when using flame heaters. This model has a relay which I use to supply a receptacle mounted in the rear of same box. Allows a fan to be plugged in for clearing the air. Shop around as the prices vary. Good luck.

 

[TractorJeff]

Just build an 18 inch high base for the stove!
The tag on a Hot Water heater states "the bottom of the Tank on a gas fired Heater needs to be 18 inches off the Floor" (or something like that).
As long as your Fuel sources are Capped or closed, then should be no worry about Fumes.

 

[Highbeam]

I installed mine with a county permit, inspection, and actually switched insurance companies for one that was fine with it. My permit required 18" elevation of the stove.

 

[Jobofly]

Why the 18 inch elevation?

 

[tradesman]

in case anything spills on the floor.

 

[Natty Bumppo]

My guess is in many places an open flame and any "garage" with autos and other flued items is not going to fly ..... but, out in coal country PA .... I see it.

Agree. Not sure about NY, but just across the border in MA we went to the "international standard" a few years ago which does not permit open flames on the floor.

 

[ericm]

Why the 18 inch elevation?

Natural gas and propane are heavier than air. If the pilot light or flame is close to the ground, a gas leak is more likely to cause an explosion.

 

[Bretny]

I have one and am in NY. Insurance dosnt know about it. I do t burn it when I'm not in there.

 

[ford33]

Check with your insurance agent. An open flame heating appliance in a "garage" may not be allowed by your insurance contract. The reasons are obvious.

 

[shaggyant]

I have a wood furnace in my “workshop” that has cars and/or flammable liquids in it from time to time. It was permitted and inspected. My insurance is a smaller in-state agency that I just renewed with this fall. I sent them photos of the install and they were good with it.

FYI - I asked Geico for a quote as I have them for auto insurance and they told me no way.

 

[u2slow]

House insurance will typically want a WETT certification for the stove installation. I did mine myself and paid the local chimney guy $75 to approve it. (This was in my house).

I would have to do similar for the shop, and even then, its up to insurance if they will cover that in a building that normally holds automotive flammables. Another snag is I can't have a used woodstove certified as a new install. A new stove is required for a new install.

I may just have to take my chances with the good-used stove I got for free.

 

[Jobofly]

Thanks everyone. I decided to go with a 26000 btu electric ceiling mounted heater for safety purposes.

 

[toyotadriver]

Natural gas and propane are heavier than air. If the pilot light or flame is close to the ground, a gas leak is more likely to cause an explosion.

Minor correction....natural gas is lighter than air and rises. Propane is heavier and falls and pools in low areas.