Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for your sheds is a great option for those looking to add a little homely style to their garden. Be aware that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be placed within a smoke control area and the flue pipe properly protected.
To protect yourself from fire it is also necessary to install non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
A wood-burning stove for a shed is a great accessory to any room that not only provides efficient heating, but also providing an attractive rustic look that creates warmth and atmosphere. When you are choosing the right wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid home, like a shepherd's hut or yurt, or container home, it's important to consider the safety and regulations.
When you are buying a stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to take into consideration. Although it can be tempting to buy a larger stove than what the space is required for, this can often result in a lack of performance, or even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW calculator to find out the approximate KW output needed for your area and then adding a few more KW to ensure.
There are large wood burner of small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has a beautiful country inspired design that will fit in with any kind of shed or log cabin, while it boasts a heat output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes less air pollution. It also features a large viewing window and multi fuel grate, which allows you to burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic option. It is available in a range of colours and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. This model does require some extra space to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm to both the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is used. It also has a huge viewing window which makes it a great option for any shed or log cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may be required to put in non-combustible material around the stove or flue pipe based on the dimensions and style of your shed. This is especially important when you have a building constructed from wood. The wood should be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to avoid fires. If your shed is constructed using any other material, you should speak with a professional installer to ensure that the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a fantastic way to make your garden cozy and comfortable during winter months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, ensure that it is installed correctly. This will protect your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with the building regulations and safety standards. It is also essential to ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes making sure that the area around the fireplace is free of combustible material. If there isn't enough ventilation, the shed could become dangerous due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
The first step to install a wood stove in a shed is to determine the size of the space in which you want to place it. Make sure to consider the size of the stove, and any other necessary accessories. Check the guidelines of the manufacturer for the safe distance from flammable materials. You'll also need to consider the insulation levels of the shed as they can affect the amount of heat generated by the stove.
Determine the exact location of the opening you want to make in the wall of the shed once you've measured it. Use a plumb-line to make sure you are in the proper locations. Also, leave plenty of space between the walls on the sides and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. Install an insulation layer to shield the shed wall against the heat produced by the stove. It is included in the kit, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that the shed is equipped with an uncombustible hearth that is typically constructed of either slate, granite or concrete. The hearth should be a minimum of 12mm thick and must be at a minimum of 225mm wide in the front and 150mm on both sides and the rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
After installing the hearth and stove It is important to wait at least 24 hrs before lighting it up for the first time. This is to let the mortar and sealants used to set properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs 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 in operation to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same size or larger than the chimney/flue and should be placed as close to the stove as possible.
When installing a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must follow certain rules, especially in relation to ventilation. If you don't adhere to these regulations, you could end up being penalized. To avoid this, employ an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and provide the certificate of conformance.
It is also essential to adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J which regulates the safe installation of flues as well as chimneys. This includes the distance that the flue pipe can be from combustible materials such as ceilings and walls. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding or an insulation panel.
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 being drawn through un-insulated walls and causing potential fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you position it away from any possible sources of moisture. This includes any leaky doors or windows and also any locations where rainwater may drip onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more pleasant environment. 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 kind of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on its performance too. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts or particle board. These types of materials produce toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system and could cause excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Never burn rubbish like tyres or cardboard. They're bad for the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log stove in the shed. However, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and to ensure that you are taking all safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners and also making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good functioning order. Additionally, it's recommended to make sure that you have the appropriate fire insurance in the correct location.
When you are looking for a shed to install a wood stove first thing to consider is its construction material. Some sheds, particularly ones with a corrugated metal roof, may not be suitable for log burner installations due to fire safety issues. You should also be aware that using wood as a construction material for this type of installation could be a violation by local regulations for planning.
The next step is to make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide can cause health issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. In addition, a lack of ventilation could lead to condensation, which could cause damp issues in the shed.
Be certain that your shed is not too close to the stairwell. This will cause heated air to rise and lose heat. Likewise your shed shouldn't be situated too far from a window, since this can also lead to draughts that can cause some stoves to operate functions such as the open window detection system.
Lastly, it's important to examine the roof of your shed to ensure that it is waterproof and properly sealed the area where the flue pipe runs through. It is recommended to hire a professional roofer to do the job to ensure that it's done to a high-quality standard and in compliance with building and fire regulations. Keep a class A extinguisher inside the shed in case there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended to inspect your shed at least every year to find signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired. Also, ensure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation.