Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a fantastic alternative for gardeners looking to add a touch of homeliness to their retreat. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be placed within a smoke control area and the flue pipe properly shielded.
To protect yourself from fire it is also necessary to put non-combustible flooring on the walls adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
A wood-burning stove for a shed is a great accessory to any room and not only provide efficient heating but also adding an attractive rustic look that creates warmth and atmosphere. When you are choosing a 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.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when purchasing the log burner for your shed or log cabin is sizing. Although it can be tempting to purchase a larger stove than the space actually 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 KW required for your kitchen and adding a few more KW to ensure.
There are many small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a excellent example. It has a beautiful design inspired by the countryside that can be a perfect fit for any log cabin or shed. It also has a power output of up to 4800 watts. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and produces very little air pollution. It also has a large viewing area and a multi-fuel grate, so you can burn wood as well as smokeless fuel.
Another option is another option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, that is available in a range of colors and boasts a stunning heat output of up to 4.7kW. The model has a little more distance to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm to the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is utilized. It has a large viewing area and is an ideal choice for any shed or log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed you may need to fit non-combustible materials around your flue pipe and stove to ensure compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly important when you have a building constructed from wood. The wood should be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed is built from any other material then you should speak with an expert installer to ensure that the proper insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A wood stove for your shed is a great way to keep your garden warm and cozy in the cold winter months. If you do decide to add one to your shed, you need to ensure that it is installed properly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with safety and building regulations. It is also essential to ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes making sure that the space around the fireplace is free of any combustible material. If the ventilation is not adequate, the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a shed wood burner begins by measuring the space in which you want to install it. Consider the size of the wood stove, as well as any other accessories that may be required. Check the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance away from any combustible materials. Also, you must be aware of the insulation levels of the shed, as they can affect the amount of heat produced by the stove.
Determine the exact position of the opening you want to make in the shed's wall after you have measured it. Use a plumb line to get the positions right, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the back of the stove and the wall, as well as between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. Install a heat shield to protect 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.
It is also necessary to ensure that your shed has hearths made of non-combustible materials such as granite, slate or concrete. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick and with a width of 225mm in the front, and 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe has to be protected, and the safe distance between surfaces that are combustible cannot exceed 200mm.
After putting in the stove and hearth, you need to wait at least 24 hrs before lighting it up for the first time. This is to allow the sealants and mortar used to cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. Without airflow, it could result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove when it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and aiding in circulation of air. A vent should be the same size or bigger than the chimney or flue, and should be positioned as close to the stove as possible.
There are several regulations you must adhere to, especially with regards to ventilation, when you install a wood burning stove in an outdoor space. You could be fined in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, employ an HETAS registered installer to carry out your installation and give you a a certificate of conformity.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J that governs the installation of flues and chimneys. This includes the distance that the flue pipe must be away from combustible objects, such as ceilings and walls. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage by either heat shielding or an insulation panel.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board behind the hearth of the shed, and also in front of the flue outlet. This will stop the flue gasses from passing through the walls that are not insulated and causing possible fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you position it away from any possible sources of moisture. This includes any leaky windows or doors, as well as any locations where rainwater may spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to decrease the amount of moisture in air and create a pleasant atmosphere. It will also help to prevent mould and fungus from forming on the surfaces within your shed, which could affect the performance of the stove and cause damage.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log stove can affect the performance of your log stove. Avoid burning treated wood off-cuts, or particle boards. These materials may produce toxic chemicals which can damage the stove or flue system and create excessive emissions. They could also generate dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Never burn rubbish like cardboard or tyres. They're harmful to the environment and can clog your stove.
second hand wood burning stoves
While it is possible to install a wood-burning stove in a shed, it's essential to follow the correct installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets all the requirements to install the stove and that your chimney is in good shape. It's also recommended to make sure that you have the appropriate fire insurance in place.
The first thing you should consider when deciding on a shed for a wood stove is the construction materials. Some sheds might not be suitable for the installation of log burners due a fire safety issues. It is also important to be aware that using timber as a construction material for this type of installation could be a violation by local plans regulations.
Then, you'll need ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. In addition, the lack of ventilation can result in condensation, which could result in damp issues within the shed.
Make sure that the shed isn't positioned too close to a stairwell, since this could cause the warm air to rise up and lose heat as it rises. Also your shed shouldn't be situated too far from a window as this could also cause drafts that could cause certain stoves to perform functions such as the open window detection system.
It's also important to check the shed roof for watertightness and to make sure that the flue pipe is sealed. You should hire a professional roofer for the job to ensure that it is done to a high-standard and in compliance with fire and building 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 once per year to check for signs of wear or damage that requires to be repaired. Also, ensure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote build-up.