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 retreat. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be located within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe adequately shielded.
You should also put non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they also add a rustic touch to the area, which creates warmth and atmosphere. Before you choose a wood burning stove for your shed or any other off grid dwelling, such as a shepherd's hut or yurt, or container home, it is important to consider the safety and regulations.
When buying a log stove for a log cabin, shed or other outdoor space, the size is a crucial factor to consider. While it might be tempting to buy an extra large stove than the room is actually required for, this can frequently result in a loss of performance, or even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW calculator to find out the KW required for your area and then adding a few more KW just to be 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 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. The model is Ecodesign ready, ensuring that it burns efficiently and creates minimal air pollution. wood burning stoves uk comes with a huge viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic option. It is available in a variety of colors and can produce heat up to 4.7kW. This model requires more distance 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 a great option for any shed or log cabin.
Depending on the dimensions and style of your shed you may have to install non-combustible materials around your flue pipe and stove to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly crucial in the case of a shed constructed of wood. The wood should be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed using a different material, you must consult with a professional installer so that the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great option to keep your garden warm and cozy during the winter months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, you must make sure that it is installed correctly. This will protect your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove meets safety and building regulations. You must also ensure that the shed is adequately ventilated. This includes ensuring that the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. If the ventilation is not adequate, the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
The first step to install a shed wood stove is to measure the space where you wish to install it. Be sure to consider the size of the stove, and any other equipment you need. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the safe distance from any combustible materials. You will also need to take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed as they can affect how much heat the stove produces.
Once you've taken measurements of the space then mark the location the location you plan to make the opening in the wall of the shed. Use a plumb line to get the right positions, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the back of the stove and the wall, and between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. You'll also need to install a heat shield, which shields the wall of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. It is included in the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that the shed is equipped with a non-combustible hearth, which is usually constructed from slate or granite. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, and 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe must be shielded and the distance from combustible surfaces must not exceed 200mm.
After the stove and hearth are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is so that the sealants and mortar can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. A lack of airflow will cause a fire that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Vents will ensure that the flow of air continues around the stove while it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and helping with air circulation. Vents should be the same size or bigger than the chimney or flue, and should be placed as close to the stove as is possible.
There are many regulations you must be aware of, especially in regards to ventilation when you install a wood-burning stove in an outdoor space. You could be fined if you do not comply. To avoid this, employ an HETAS-registered contractor to complete your installation and provide a certificate of conformance.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J that regulates the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials like walls or ceilings are also covered. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage with either heat shielding or an insulative panel.
It is recommended to install an insulated board behind and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent flue gasses from getting drawn through the walls that are not insulated and causing possible fire damage.
You can also protect your shed from dampness by placing it away from possible sources of water. This could include windows that leak, and also any places where rainwater could spill onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce moisture in the air and create a more pleasant environment. It can also keep fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces of your shed, which could impact 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 burner. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts or particle boards. These types of material produce toxic chemicals that can harm the flue and stove, and may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Don't burn garbage like tyres or cardboard. They are bad for the environment and can clog your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside a shed. However it is essential to follow the right installation guidelines and to ensure that you are taking all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log stoves, and also ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. It's also a good idea to make sure you have the correct fire insurance.
The first thing to consider when deciding on a shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Certain sheds, specifically those with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for installation of log burners due to fire safety concerns. You should also be aware that using timber as a construction material in this type of installation could be a violation by local planning regulations.
Also, you must ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. Lack of ventilation could cause damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Ensure that the shed is not situated too close to a staircase, because this can cause heated air to rise and lose heat as it rises. The shed should not be too far away from a window, as this could result in drafts, which could cause certain stoves such as the open-window detection system.
It's also important to check the roof of the shed for watertightness and to make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. It is recommended that you hire a professional roofer to carry out the job to ensure it is completed to a high quality and in compliance with fire and building regulations. You should also keep an extinguisher that is class A in the shed to be able to respond quickly to any smoke or fire problems. It is recommended to inspect your shed at least once a year to find signs of wear or damage that needs to be fixed, and ensure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation.