Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great option for gardeners looking to bring a touch of comfort to their outdoor space. Be wood burning stoves small that any DEFRA exempt shed log burner will need to be located in a smoke-free area and have the flue pipe properly protected.
It is also necessary to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are great additions to. They not only provide efficient heating, but also add a rustic touch to the space, creating warmth and ambiance. But, before deciding on a stove for your shed, or another off grid dwellings like a shepherd's hut or yurt, an earthship or container home, it is important to take into account the regulations and safety standards.
When buying a log stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space the size is an important aspect to take into consideration. While it might be tempting to buy larger stoves than the room is actually required for, this can often result in a lack of performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW calculator to find out the approximate KW output needed for your kitchen and adding a few KW just to be safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has an attractive country-inspired design that is suitable for any kind of log cabin or shed with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes very little air pollution. It also has a huge viewing window and a multi fuel grate, which allows you to burn smokeless and wood fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another excellent option. It is available in a variety of colors and can generate heat up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more distance from combustibles - 500mm on the sides and back, but this can be reduced to 100mm with shielding. It also has a large viewing window which makes it a great option for any log cabin.
To ensure compliance with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible material around the flue or stove pipe, based on the size and style of your shed. This is especially important when your shed is constructed from any kind of timber, and must be kept at least 200mm away from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed out of any other material, you should speak with an expert installation contractor to ensure that the correct insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a fantastic way to make your garden cozy and comfortable during colder months. If you decide to add one to your shed, you need to ensure that it is installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove meets safety and building regulations. You must also ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes ensuring that the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. If the ventilation is not adequate the shed could be hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a shed wood burner begins with measuring the space you'd like to place it. Be sure to consider the dimensions of the stove and any other accessories you may require. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the safe distance from combustible materials. It is also important to take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed as they can affect the amount of heat that the stove produces.
Note the area of the opening that you'd like to create in the shed's wall after you've taken measurements. Use an arc-line to ensure that the correct locations. Also, leave plenty of space between the walls on the sides and the chimney stack, as well as the back of your stove. It is also necessary to install an insulation that protects the shed wall from the heat generated by the stove. This is included with the kit and simply lines up with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to make sure that the shed has an uncombustible hearth that is usually constructed from slate or granite. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick, with a width of 225mm in the front, and 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe should be shielded and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible should not exceed 200mm.
After installing the hearth and stove You must wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is to ensure that the sealants and mortar can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it can result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents allow air to circulate around the stove while it is operating and prevent carbon dioxide build-up and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be located as close as possible to the stove.
There are several regulations you must adhere to, especially with regards to ventilation, when you install a wood-burning stove in the shed. You could be fined in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, employ a HETAS certified installer to carry out your installation and issue you with a an official certificate of compliance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues, must also be followed. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material like walls or ceilings, is also included. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage by either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.
It is recommended to place an insulated board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop the flue gasses from being drawn through walls that aren't insulated, and causing fire damage.
You can also shield the shed from dampness if you put it away from any potential sources of moisture. This includes leaky windows or doors, and also any places where rainwater could drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more comfortable environment. It will also prevent the growth of fungus and mould on the surfaces of your shed. This can affect the performance of your stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log burner. Don't burn treated wood off-cuts, or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Never burn rubbish like cardboard or tyres. They're bad for the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in a shed, it's important to follow the proper installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners, and also making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good operating condition. Additionally, it's a good idea to ensure that you have the correct fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to think about when looking for the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Some sheds might not be suitable for the installation of log burners due to safety concerns. It's also worth noting that the use of timber as a building material could be prohibited for this type of application by building regulations, so be sure to consult with your local authority prior to you begin work.
Then, you'll need ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause problems due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. In addition, a lack of ventilation can result in condensation, which can result in damp issues within the shed.
Be sure that your shed is not too close to the stairwell. This will cause heated air to rise and then lose heat. Likewise your shed shouldn't be placed too far from a window, as this could also cause draughts that can cause some stoves to operate functions like the open window detection system.
It is also crucial to inspect the roof of the shed to ensure that it is watertight and properly sealed the area where the flue pipe runs through. Ideally, you should employ a professional roofer to carry out the job to ensure it is completed to a high quality and is in accordance with fire and building regulations. You should also keep an extinguisher of class A in the shed to be able to respond quickly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended that you check your shed every year for signs of wear and damage, and repair them. It is also recommended to have the chimney and flue cleaned frequently to avoid the accumulation of creosote.