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 outdoor space. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner should be placed in a smoke-control zone and the flue pipe should be protected.
You will also need to fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls adjacent and behind 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 also add a rustic touch to the space, creating warmth and ambience. 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 is important to consider the safety and regulations.
When purchasing a log stove for a log cabin, shed or other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to consider. It may be tempting to purchase a larger stove that is needed for the space, but this could cause poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator tool to figure the required output for your space and then adding a few additional KW to make sure you are safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners which are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features a beautiful country inspired design that would suit any type of shed or log cabin, while it boasts a heat output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it is efficient in burning and creates little air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate, so you can burn wood and smokeless fuel.
Another alternative is an alternative to the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which is available in a variety of colors and boasts a stunning heat output of up to 4.7kW. The model has some extra space to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is used. second hand wood burning stoves comes with a large viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any log cabin.
Based on the size and design of your shed you may have to install non-combustible materials around the flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly crucial in the case of a shed made of any kind of timber, and must be kept at least 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed is constructed out of any other material, you should consult an expert installation contractor to ensure that the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a great option to make your garden retreat warm and cozy during the colder months. If you decide to add one to your shed, ensure that it is installed properly. This will safeguard your shed from fire damage and make sure that the stove meets safety and building regulations. In addition to ensuring that the space around the stove is free of combustible materials, you must ensure that the shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. The shed can be dangerous if it doesn't have adequate ventilation. This is because carbon monoxide can get sucked up.
The first step in installing a shed wood stove is to measure the area in which you want to place it. Be sure to consider the dimensions of the stove and any other necessary accessories. Also, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible materials. You will also need to consider the shed's insulation levels because they will affect the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Once you have taken measurements of the space, mark out where you intend to create the opening in the wall of your shed. Use the plumb line to get the correct positions and ensure that you leave enough space between the stove's back and the wall, as well as between the sides of the shed and the chimney stack. Install a heat shield to guard the walls of the shed from heat produced by the stove. It is included in the kit and simply aligns with the hearth plate.
You will also need to ensure that the shed is equipped with a hearth that is not combustible, which is usually made of slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and back. The flue pipe must be shielded and the safe distance from combustible surfaces 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 let the mortar and sealants used to set properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. Without airflow, it can cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove while it is operating to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and promoting air circulation. A vent should be similar in size or larger than the chimney/flue and should be placed as close to the stove as it is possible.
When you install a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must follow a few regulations, particularly with regards to ventilation. You could be penalized for not complying with. To avoid this, hire an HETAS certified installer to complete your installation and issue you with a a certificate of conformity.
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 from combustible materials like ceilings and walls. The stove and flue pipe must also be protected against fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to put an insulation board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop flue gases from getting drawn into un-insulated walls, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also safeguard your shed from dampness by placing it away from potential sources of water. This could include windows or doors that leak as well as any other places that rainwater may drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more pleasant atmosphere. It will also prevent mold and fungus from growing on the surfaces of your shed. This can impact the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log stove. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These materials may produce toxic chemicals that can harm the stove or flue system and cause excessive emissions. They may also produce dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Don't burn garbage like tyres or cardboard. They are bad for the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a wood-burning stove in the shed, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and take proper safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log stoves, and ensuring that your chimney and flue system are in good operating condition. It's also a good idea to ensure that you have the right fire insurance in place.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove the first thing to think about is the construction material. Some sheds, particularly those built with a corrugated metal roof, may not be suitable for installation of log burners due to fire safety concerns. You should also be aware that using wood as a construction material in this application may be prohibited by local plans regulations.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is ventilated. Without this combustion, it will not be as efficient and may pose a health risk due to carbon monoxide build-up. Lack of ventilation could cause damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Make certain that your shed isn't too close to the stairwell. This will cause heated air to rise and lose heat. Likewise your shed shouldn't be too far away from a window, since this can also lead to drafts that could cause certain stoves to perform functions such as the open window detection system.
It is also essential to check the roof of your shed to ensure that it is watertight and well-sealed where the flue pipe passes through. Ideally, you should employ a professional roofer to carry out the work to ensure that it is done to a high standard and is in compliance with fire and building regulations. It is recommended to have an extinguisher of class A in the shed in order to respond swiftly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended to inspect your shed once a year for signs of wear and damage and repair them. You should also have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of creosote.