Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great option for gardeners who want to bring a touch of comfort to their outdoor space. Be aware that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner has to be situated in a smoke-free area and have the flue pipe properly protected.
For freestanding wood burning stove , you will also need to install non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are great additions to. They not only provide efficient heating, but also add a rustic look to the area, which creates warmth and ambiance. 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's important to consider 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 the size. While it might be tempting to purchase an extra large 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 approximate KW output needed for your kitchen and adding a few KW to ensure.
There are many small log burners that work well for sheds and log cabins. 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 the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. It 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 grate, meaning you can burn smokeless and wood fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great option. It is available in a range of colours and can generate heat up to 4.7kW. The model has an extra distance to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is utilized. It offers a wide viewing area which makes it a great 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 depending on the size and style of your shed. This is especially important when you have a building made of wood. The wood should be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to avoid fires. If your shed was built using a different material, you should consult a professional installer so that the right insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood stove for your shed is a great way to keep your garden retreat warm and cozy in the cold winter months. If you're planning to add a wood stove to your shed, make sure that it is properly installed. This will safeguard your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove complies with the building regulations and safety standards. It is also essential to ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes ensuring the area around the fireplace is free of combustible material. The shed could be dangerous if it does not have adequate ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can get sucked up.
The first step in installing a shed wood stove is to measure the area where you wish to install it. Take into consideration the size of the wood stove, as well as any other equipment that might be required. Follow the full details of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance away from any combustible materials. You will also need to consider the shed's insulation levels as they can affect the amount of heat your stove generates.
Once you've determined the area and marked the area the location you plan to make the opening in the wall of the shed. Use an arc-line to ensure that the right locations. Also, leave enough space between the side walls 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. This comes with the kit, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to make sure that your shed has hearths made of non-combustible materials such as granite, slate or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and back. The flue pipe has to be shielded and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200mm.
After installing the hearth and stove, you need to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is to ensure that the sealants and mortar can properly cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. Without airflow, it can result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove when it is operating and prevent carbon dioxide build-up and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same size or bigger than the chimney/flue, and should be located as close to the stove as possible.
There are several rules that you have to adhere to, especially with regards to ventilation, when you install a wood burning stove in an outdoor space. If you don't adhere to these regulations, you could end up being penalized. To avoid this, you should hire a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and give you a certificate of conformance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which regulates the installation of flues and chimneys. This includes the distance the flue pipe must be away from combustible objects such as ceilings and walls. The stove and the flue pipe must be secured against fire damage with either heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board in the hearth of the shed, and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent the flue gasses from being drawn into un-insulated walls which could cause fire damage.
You can also shield the shed from dampness by ensuring you place it away from any possible sources of moisture. This includes windows that leak as well as any other places where rainwater could drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier also helps to reduce the moisture in the air, resulting in an environment that is more comfortable. It also helps to prevent mould and fungus growing on the exterior of your shed. This could affect the performance and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log stove can also affect its performance. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These materials can produce toxic chemicals which can damage the stove or flue system, and cause excessive emissions. They may also produce dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Never burn rubbish 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 a shed, it's essential to follow the proper installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners and making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good functioning order. 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 you need to consider is its construction material. Certain sheds, especially ones with a corrugated roof, might not be suitable for log burner installations because of fire safety issues. It's also worth noting that the use of timber as a building material could be restricted for this kind of application by regulations for planning, so be sure you check with your local authority before you begin your work.
It is also important to make sure that your shed is ventilated. Without it combustion, it won't be as efficient and could create a health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulating. Additionally, a lack of ventilation can result in condensation, which can result in damp issues within the shed.
Make sure that your shed isn't placed too close to a stairwell, since this could cause the warm air to rise and lose heat in the process. The shed should not be too far away from a window as this could cause draughts which can cause some stoves, such as the open-window detection system to activate.
It is also essential to check the shed roof to ensure it's waterproof and properly sealed where the flue pipe passes through. You should hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure it is done to a high-quality standard and in accordance with the building and fire codes. Keep a class A extinguisher inside the shed in case there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended that you inspect your shed once a year for signs of wear and tear and repair them. You should also ensure that the flue and chimney cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of creosote.