Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a fantastic option for gardeners looking to add a touch of homeliness to their outdoor space. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be situated within a smoke control zone and the flue pipe 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
A wood burning stove for a shed is an excellent addition to any space, not only providing efficient heating, but also providing a beautiful rustic touch that creates warmth and atmosphere. However, before you choose a stove for your shed, or another off grid dwelling like a shepherd hut or yurt, or an earthship, container home, it is important to be aware of the regulations and safety rules.
When you are buying a stove for a log cabin, shed or other outdoor space the size is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. It can be tempting to purchase a larger stove than is required for the space, but this could lead to poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW calculator to find out the KW required for your kitchen and adding a few extra KW just to be safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners available that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a great example. It is a gorgeous design inspired by the countryside that would fit any log cabin or shed. It also boasts a heat production of up to 4800 watts. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it is efficient in burning and creates very little air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and multi fuel grates, which means you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
Another great option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, that is available in a variety of colours and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space from combustibles, which is around 550mm on the sides as well as back, but this can be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It also comes with a large viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any shed or log cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may have to install non-combustible materials around the flue or stove pipe based on the dimensions and design of your shed. This is especially important when you have a building constructed from wood. The wood must be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to avoid fires. If your shed is constructed from any other material then you should consult an expert installer to ensure that the proper insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a fantastic way to make your garden retreat cozy and comfortable during winter months. If you plan to add a wood stove to your shed, make sure it is installed correctly. This will protect your shed from damage caused by fire and also ensure that the stove is in compliance with building regulations and safety standards. In addition, to ensure that the area surrounding the stove is free of combustible substances It is essential to ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. The shed could become dangerous if it does not have adequate ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide is a gas that can accumulate.
small woodburners to installing a wood stove in a shed is to measure the area where you wish to install it. Consider the size of the wood stove and any other accessories that might be required. Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for the safe distance from combustible material. Also, you must be aware of the insulation levels of the shed as they could affect how much heat is produced by the stove.
After you have determined the area, mark out where you intend to create the opening in the wall of the shed. Use the plumb line to get the positions right and ensure that you leave enough space between the stove's back and the wall, and between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. You will also need to install a heat shield that protects the shed wall from the heat generated by the stove. This comes with the kit and simply aligns with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that the shed is equipped with a non-combustible hearth, which is usually made of slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be minimum 12mm thick and at least 225mm wide in front, and 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe should be protected, 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 let the mortar and sealants that you use to fully cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen in order to burn. A lack of airflow will result in a non-burning fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove while it is in operation to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and promoting air circulation. Vents should be the same size as the chimney or flue and be located close to the stove.
When you install a stove that burns wood in a shed, you must adhere to certain rules, especially in relation to ventilation. If you don't adhere to these regulations, you could end up being fined. To avoid this, always hire a HETAS registered installer to complete your installation and provide you with the certificate of compliance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J that governs the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials, such as ceilings or walls are also included. The stove and the flue pipe should also be protected from fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to put an insulated board behind the hearth of the shed and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop the flue gasses from getting drawn through the walls that are not insulated and causing potential fire damage.
You can also safeguard your shed from dampness by positioning it away from potential sources of water. This includes any doors or windows and any locations where rainwater may spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can create an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It also helps to prevent mold and fungus from growing on the surfaces of your shed. This could affect the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner will have an effect on its performance as well. Don't burn treated wood off-cuts or particle boards. These types of material produce harmful chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Never burn rubbish like cardboard or tyres. They're bad for the environment and could clog 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 ensure that you are taking all safety precautions. small wood burning stove includes making sure that your shed meets all the requirements needed to install log burners, and that your chimney is in good shape. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the correct fire insurance.
When you are looking for a shed to install a wood stove, the first thing to be aware of is the material used in its construction. Some sheds, particularly ones with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for installation of log burners due to fire safety issues. It is also important to be aware that using wood as a construction material for this type of installation could be a violation by local planning regulations.
You'll also need to make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Without it combustion, it isn't as efficient and may pose the health risk of carbon monoxide accumulation. Additionally, a absence of ventilation could cause condensation, which can cause damp issues in the shed.
Make sure that the shed isn't positioned too close to a stairwell because this can cause heated air to rise and lose heat as it rises. Your shed should also not be too far from a window, as this could cause drafts, which could cause certain stoves like the open-window detection system to activate.
Lastly, it's essential to check the shed roof to ensure it's watertight and well-sealed the area where the flue pipe runs through. You should hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure the work is completed to a high-standard and in compliance 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 to inspect your shed at least every year to find signs of wear or damage that needs to be repaired. Also, make sure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote from accumulating.