Blog entry by Randolph Franks
Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood burning stove for sheds is an ideal choice for those who want to add a little homely appeal to their garden. Be aware that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner will need to be situated in a smoke-free area and have the flue pipe properly shielded.
It is also necessary to put non-combustible materials on the walls behind and adjacent to the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they also add a rustic touch to the area, which creates warmth and atmosphere. When you are choosing the right wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut, yurt, or container home, it's essential to be aware of the safety and regulations.
When buying a log stove for a shed, log cabin or any other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to take into consideration. It is tempting to purchase a larger stove than is required for the space, but this can cause poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW calculator to find out the KW required for your space and then adding a few extra KW to ensure.
There are many small wood burning stove log burners that work well for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features an attractive country-inspired design that is suitable for any kind of shed or log cabin with an output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and produces little air pollution. It also has a large viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate, so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
Another great option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a variety of colours and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model does require a little more distance to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is employed. It also has a large wood burning stove viewing window which makes it a great option for any log cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible materials around the stove or flue pipe depending on the size and design of your shed. This is particularly crucial in the case of a shed constructed from wood. The wood must be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is constructed from any other material then you should seek the advice of a professional installer to ensure that the proper insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A freestanding wood burner burner for your shed is a fantastic way to make your garden retreat warm and cozy during the colder months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, make sure that it is installed correctly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and also ensure that the stove complies with building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes ensuring that the area around the fireplace is free of combustible material. The shed could be dangerous if it doesn't have adequate ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can get sucked up.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts by measuring the space in which you want to install it. Consider the size of the wood stove and any other accessories that may be required. Then, refer to the guidelines of the manufacturer regarding the safe distance from combustible substances. It is also important to take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed because they will affect the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Mark the position of the opening you want to make in the wall of the shed once you have measured it. Use the plumb line to get the positions right, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the stove's back and the wall, and between the sides of the shed and the chimney stack. Install a heat shield to guard the shed wall against the heat produced by the stove. This is included with the kit and is simply lined up with the hearth plate.
You will also have to ensure that your shed has a hearth made of non-combustible materials, such as slate, granite, or concrete. The hearth should be a minimum of 12mm thick, and must be at least 250mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides as well as the rear. The flue pipe must be protected and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible must 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 so that the mortar and sealants can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood burning stove for shed stove requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it could cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove while it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and helping with air circulation. A vent should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be located as close as possible to the stove.
When you install a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must follow a few regulations, particularly regarding ventilation. You could face fines in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, hire an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and give you the certificate of conformance.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J which governs the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material, such as walls or ceilings are also covered. The stove and the flue pipe must also be protected against fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to install an insulated board behind the hearth of the shed, and also in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent flue gasses from getting drawn through the walls that are not insulated and causing fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you place it away from possible sources of moisture. This could include leaky windows or doors, and also any places where rainwater could drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture present 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 impact on the performance of your log burner too. Avoid burning treated wood off-cuts or particle board. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system, and can cause excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in flue gasses. Also, do not burn garbage such as tyres or paper These are harmful for the environment and will slow down your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a indoor wood burner burning stove in a shed, it's essential to follow the proper installation guidelines and follow the proper safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets all the requirements for installing log burners, and that your chimney system is in good working order. It's important to ensure that you have the appropriate fire insurance.
The first thing you should consider when scoping out the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Some sheds, particularly those with a corrugated roof, might not be suitable for log burner installations because of fire safety issues. It is also important to note that using timber as a building material might be restricted for this kind of project by planning regulations, so make sure you check with your local authority prior to you begin your work.
You'll also need to make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause problems due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. Additionally, a absence of ventilation could cause condensation, which can cause damp issues in the shed.
Be sure that the shed is not situated too close to a stairwell because this can cause heated air to rise up and lose heat as it rises. The shed should not be too far away from a window as this can lead to drafts that can trigger certain stoves like the open-window detection system.
Additionally, it is important to examine the shed roof to make sure it's waterproof and properly sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. Ideally, you should hire an expert roofer to carry out the work to ensure that it is completed to a high standard and is in accordance with fire and building regulations. It is recommended to have an extinguisher of class A in the shed to respond quickly to any smoke or fire issues. It is recommended that you inspect your shed at least once a year to look for signs of wear or damage that requires to be repaired. Also, make sure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote build-up.