Carmon Edmonson
Blog entry by Carmon Edmonson
Installing a wood burning stove for shed Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for your shed is a perfect option for those who wish to add a touch of rustic style to their garden. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner has to be placed in a smoke-free area and the flue pipe adequately shielded.
To protect yourself from fire it is also necessary to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls in front of and behind the stove.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they also add a rustic look to the area, which creates warmth and ambience. Before you choose a wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut, yurt or container home, it is crucial to think about safety and regulations.
When purchasing a log stove for a shed, log cabin or any other outdoor space, the size is a crucial aspect to consider. Although it can 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 tool to figure the required output for your space and then adding a couple of additional KW to make sure you are safe.
There are many small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has beautiful country-inspired designs that will fit in with any kind of log cabin or shed, while it boasts the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready which means it is efficient in burning and creates very little air pollution. It also features a large viewing window and a multi fuel grates, which means you can burn both outside wood burners and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic option. It is available in a variety of colours and can generate heat 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 also has a large viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed you may have to install non-combustible materials around your flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly important in the case of a shed made of wood. The wood should be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed out of any other material, you should consult a professional installer to ensure that the appropriate insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a great way to make your garden cosy and comfortable during the colder months. If you plan to add a wood burner to your shed, be sure that it is properly installed. This will shield your shed from damage caused by fire, and also ensure that the stove is in compliance with building regulations and safety standards. It is also essential to ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes making sure that the space around the fireplace is free of any combustible material. The shed can be dangerous if it does not have sufficient ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can build up.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts by measuring the space in which you want to install it. Make sure to consider the size of the stove, and any other equipment you need. Then, refer to the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible materials. Also, you should take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed as they can affect the amount of heat your stove produces.
Mark the position of the opening you'd like to create in the wall of the shed once you have taken measurements. Use an arc-line to ensure that the correct positions. Also, make sure you leave enough space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. It is also necessary to install an insulation that shields the wall of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. It is included in the kit, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that your shed has a hearth made of non-combustible materials, like slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and should be at least 225mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and the rear. The flue pipe must be protected and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible must not exceed 200mm.
After putting in the stove and hearth It is important to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is to allow the mortar and sealants used to cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it can cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air flows around the stove when it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and aiding in air circulation. A vent should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue, and be as close as possible to the stove.
When you install a stove that burns cast iron wood burner in a shed, you must follow a few regulations, particularly regarding ventilation. If you do not comply with these regulations, you could end up being penalized. To avoid this, always hire a HETAS registered installer to complete your installation and issue you with a the certificate of compliance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues must also be followed. This includes the distance that the flue pipe can be away from combustible surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding or an insulative panel.
It is recommended to put an board that is insulated behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gasses from getting drawn through walls that aren't insulated, and causing fire damage.
You can also shield your home from dampness by putting it away from potential sources of water. This includes any windows or doors, as well as any places where rainwater could be able to drip onto the stove or chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, creating an environment that is more comfortable. It can also stop the growth of fungus and mould on the exterior of your shed. This can affect the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log stove can affect the performance of your log stove. Don't burn treated wood off-cuts, or particle boards. These materials may produce toxic chemicals that can harm the stove or flue system, and cause excessive emissions. They could also generate dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Don't burn garbage like tyres or cardboard. They're harmful to the environment and can clog your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log stove in an outdoor shed. However, it is important to follow the correct instructions for installation and to take all necessary safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements to install log burners, and that your chimney is in good working order. It's also important to ensure that you have the appropriate fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to think about when deciding on the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Some sheds, particularly ones with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for installation of log burners due to fire safety issues. It's also worth noting that the use of timber as a building material might be restricted for this kind of project by regulations for wood burning stove for shed planning, so be sure to check with your local authority prior to you start work.
You'll also need to make sure that your shed is ventilated. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation could cause damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Be sure that your shed isn't too close to the stairs. This will cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. Likewise the shed should not be placed too far from a window as this can also lead to drafts that could cause certain woodburning stoves to perform functions such as the open windows detection system.
It is also essential to check the shed roof to make sure it's watertight and properly sealed where the flue pipe passes through. You should hire a professional roofer for the job to ensure the work is completed to a high standard and in compliance with building and fire regulations. Keep an extinguisher in class A inside the shed in case of a smoke or fire emergency. It is recommended to check your shed at least every year to find signs of wear or damage that requires to be fixed, and ensure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote from accumulating.