Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood burning stove for sheds is a great option for those looking to add a little homely appeal to their garden. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner has to be installed in a smoke control area and the flue pipe should be adequately shielded.
You should also put non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
A wood-burning stove for a shed is a great addition to any space, not only providing efficient heating but also adding a beautiful rustic touch that brings warmth and ambience. Before you decide on a wood burning stove for your shed or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut or yurt, or container home, it's essential to be aware of the safety and rules.
When purchasing a log stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is a crucial factor to consider. Although it can be tempting to purchase an extra large stove than the room is actually required for, this could often result in a lack of performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW Calculator to figure the estimated output needed for your room and then adding a couple of extra KW to be safe.
There are many small log burners that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a great model. It has a beautiful design inspired by the countryside that will fit in any shed or log cabin. It also boasts a heat production of up to 4800 watts. This model is also Ecodesign ready, ensuring that it burns efficiently and creates very little air pollution. It also has a huge view window and a multifuel grate, which allows you to burn smokeless and wood fuel.
Another great option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a variety of colours and boasts a stunning heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space away from combustibles - 500mm on the sides and back, but this can be reduced to 100mm by shielding. It has a large viewing area, making it a great option for any shed or log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed you may need to install non-combustible materials around the flue pipe and stove to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly crucial if you have a shed constructed of wood. The wood must be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was built from a different material, you must consult with an experienced installer to ensure the right insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a great way to make your garden warm and cozy during the winter months. If you are planning to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure it's installed correctly. This will protect your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes ensuring the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. If there isn't enough ventilation the shed could be dangerous due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
The first step in installing the stove in a shed is to measure the area in which you want to place it. Make sure to consider the size of the stove and any other necessary accessories. Then, refer to the guidelines of the manufacturer regarding the safe distance from combustible materials. Also, you must be aware of the insulation levels of the shed as they could influence the amount of heat produced by the stove.
Note the location of the opening you'd like to create in the wall of the shed once you've measured it. Use a plumb-line to make sure you are in the correct places. Also, leave enough space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack as well as the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to guard the walls of the shed from heat produced by the stove. This comes with the kit and simply aligns with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that your shed has an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials such as slate, granite, or concrete. The hearth needs to be a minimum of 12mm thick, and it should be at least 250mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and at the rear. The flue pipe must be shielded, and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible should not exceed 200mm.
Once the hearth and stove are installed, you must wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to ensure that the mortar and sealants can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn - a lack of airflow can cause a fire that isn't burning or even poisoning with carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that the flow of air continues around the stove when it is in use and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and aiding in circulation of air. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney or flue and be placed as close as possible to the stove.
When you install a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must abide by a few regulations, particularly with regards to ventilation. You could be penalized if you do not comply. To avoid this, always employ an HETAS registered installer to carry out your installation and provide you with an official certificate of compliance.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J which regulates the safe installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and combustible material, such as walls or ceilings are also included. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board in the hearth of the shed, and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent the flue gasses from being drawn into walls that are not properly insulated and causing fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from possible sources of moisture. This includes windows that leak, and also any places where rainwater might drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, creating an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It can also stop mold and fungus from growing on the surfaces of your shed. This can affect the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel you burn on your log burner will have an effect on the performance of your log burner too. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Never burn rubbish like tyres or cardboard. They're bad for the environment and can block your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner in an outdoor shed. However, it is important to follow the proper installation guidelines and to adhere to all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners, and also ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good operating condition. In addition, it's recommended to make sure that you have the appropriate fire insurance in place.
The first thing to consider when scoping out the perfect shed for a wood stove is the construction materials. Certain sheds, specifically those built with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for log burner installations because of fire safety issues. Wood burner clearance sale should also be aware that using timber as a building material for this application may be prohibited by local planning regulations.
Next, you'll need to make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide could cause health problems because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation could also lead to damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Be sure that your shed isn't situated too close to a staircase, because this can cause heated air to rise and lose heat as it rises. Your shed should also not be too far away from a window as this could result in draughts which can cause some stoves such as the open-window detection system to go into.
Additionally, it is essential to check the roof of your shed to ensure that it is watertight and well-sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. You should hire a professional roofer for the job to ensure that it is done to a high-quality standard and in accordance with fire and building regulations. Keep a fire extinguisher of class A inside the shed in case there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended that you examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and damage and repair them. It is also recommended to have the flue and chimney cleaned regularly to prevent creosote accumulation.