Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for a shed is a perfect option for those who want to add a little homely charm to their garden retreat. Be aware that any DEFRA exempt shed log burner has to be located within a smoke control zone and the flue pipe adequately protected.
You should also install non-combustible surfaces on the walls behind and adjacent to the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but provide a rustic feel to the space that creates warmth and atmosphere. But before deciding on the stove you want for your shed or other off grid dwelling like a shepherd hut, yurt, earthship or container home it's important to take into account the regulations and safety requirements.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when purchasing log burners for a shed or log cabin is sizing. While it might be tempting to buy a larger stove than what the space is required for, this could often result in a lack of performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW calculator to figure out the approximate KW output needed for your kitchen and adding a few extra KW for safety.
There are a lot of small log burners that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features 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 capable, which means that it burns very efficiently and causes minimal air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate, so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
Another alternative is an alternative to the Saltfire Peanut stove range, that is available in a range of colors and boasts a stunning heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more space away from combustibles - around 550mm on the sides as well as back, but this can be reduced to 100mm by shielding. It also has a large viewing area, making it a great option for any log cabin or shed.
Depending on the dimensions and design of your shed, you may have to install non-combustible materials around the flue pipe and stove to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly crucial when your shed is constructed of any type of timber, which must be kept at least 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is built out of any other material, you should seek the advice of an expert installation contractor to ensure that the correct insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a great option to make your garden retreat cozy and comfortable during colder months. If you do decide to add one to your shed, make sure that it is installed correctly. This will shield your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove meets the building regulations and safety standards. In addition to ensuring that the space around the stove is clear of combustible substances It is essential to ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. The shed could become dangerous if it does not have sufficient ventilation. This is because carbon monoxide can get sucked up.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins with measuring the space you'd like to place it. Take into consideration the size of the wood stove as well as any other equipment that might be required. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the safe distance from any combustible materials. You'll also need to consider the insulation levels of the shed, as they could influence the amount of heat produced by the stove.
Determine the exact position of the opening you'd like to create in the wall of the shed once you have measured it. Use a plumb line to ensure the right positions, and be sure to 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 an insulation layer to shield the wall of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. This is supplied with the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that your shed has a hearth made of non-combustible material, such as slate, granite or concrete. The hearth needs to be at least 12mm thick and must be at least 225mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides as well as the rear. The flue pipe should be shielded and the distance from surfaces that are combustible must not exceed 200mm.
After the stove and hearth are installed, you must wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is to ensure that the mortar and sealants can properly cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. Without airflow, it could cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. Vents will ensure that air flows around the stove while it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and helping with air circulation. A vent should be the same dimensions as the chimney or flue and be as close as possible to the stove.
There are small wood burner must adhere to, especially with regard to ventilation, when installing a wood burning stove in a shed. If you do not comply with these, you could be punished. To avoid this, you should hire a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and provide an official certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved Document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues, must be adhered to. This includes the distance the flue pipe is away from combustible surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The stove and flue pipe should also be protected from fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to put an insulated board on the hearth of the shed, and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop flue gasses from being drawn into walls that are not properly insulated which could cause fire damage.
You can also shield the shed from dampness by ensuring you position it away from possible sources of moisture. This can include windows that leak as well as any other places that rainwater may drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier also helps to reduce the amount of moisture present in the air, creating a more pleasant environment. It will also prevent mold and fungus from growing on the surfaces of your shed. This could affect the performance of your stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log burner can also affect its performance. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system, and may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Don't burn any rubbish such as tyres, cardboard paper, plastic or paper as they are harmful for the environment and will slow down your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a wood-burning stove in a shed, it's important to follow the proper installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is built to meet the requirements needed to install log burners, and that your chimney is in good condition. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the right fire insurance.
If you are searching for a building to install a wood stove first thing you need to consider is its construction material. Certain sheds might not be suitable to install log burners due to safety issues. Be aware that using timber as a building material for this type of installation could be a violation by local plans regulations.
The next step is to make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Without it the combustion process will not be as efficient and could pose an health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulating. A lack of ventilation can cause damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Ensure that the shed isn't positioned too close to a stairwell, because this can cause heated air to rise up and lose heat as it rises. Likewise your shed shouldn't be situated too far from a window, as this can also lead to drafts that could cause certain stoves to operate functions like the open window detection system.
Lastly, it's important to examine the shed roof to ensure it's waterproof and properly sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. Ideally, you should hire a professional roofer to carry out the job to ensure it is completed to a high standard and is in accordance with building and fire regulations. Keep an extinguisher in class A inside the shed in case there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended that you examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and damage and repair them. You should also have the chimney and flue cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation.