Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for a shed is a perfect option for those looking to add a little homely appeal to their garden. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner should be placed in a smoke control area and the flue pipe must be adequately shielded.
You should also fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are great additions to. They not only provide efficient heating, but also add a rustic look to the space, creating warmth and atmosphere. Before you decide on 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 log cabin or shed is sizing. While it may be tempting to buy larger stoves than what the space is required for, this could often lead to a lack of performance and 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 extra KW just to be safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners which are perfect for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has beautiful country-inspired designs that would suit any type of log cabin or shed and boasts a heat output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign equipped, ensuring that it burns efficiently and causes the least amount of air pollution. It also has a large viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate, so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
Another option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a range of colors and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model does require some extra space to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is used. It also comes with a large viewing window, making it an ideal option for any log or shed cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may have to install non-combustible material around the flue or stove pipe based on the dimensions and style of your shed. This is particularly important when your shed is constructed of any type of wood, which should be at least 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed from a different material, you must consult with an experienced installer to ensure the right insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a great way to make your garden warm and cozy during the colder months. If you're planning to add a wood burner to your shed, be sure it's installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove meets the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes ensuring the area around the fireplace is free of any combustible material. If the ventilation is not adequate the shed could be dangerous due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
The first step to installing a shed wood stove is to measure the area in which you want to place it. Take into consideration the size of the wood stove as well as any other equipment that might be required. Refer to small wood burning heater for the safe distance from combustible material. It is also important to be aware of the insulation levels of the shed, because they influence the amount of heat generated by the stove.
Mark the area of the opening that you'd like to create in the wall of the shed once you have measured it. Use the plumb line to get the positions right and make sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the back of the stove and the wall, and between the sides of the shed and the chimney stack. You'll also need to install a heat shield that protects the walls of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. This comes with the kit and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
You will also have to ensure that your shed is equipped with an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials, like slate, granite or concrete. The hearth should be minimum of 12mm thick, with a width of 225mm in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe has to be shielded and the safe distance between surfaces that are combustible cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
After putting in the hearth and stove You must wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is so that the mortar and sealants can properly cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it can result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents allow air to circulate around the stove when it is in operation, preventing carbon dioxide build-up and promoting air circulation. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be as close as is possible to the stove.
When installing a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must adhere to certain rules, especially with regards to ventilation. If you do not comply with these, you could be punished. To avoid this, employ a HETAS registered installer to perform your installation and issue you with a an official certificate of compliance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which governs the installation of chimneys and flues, must be adhered to. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material, such as ceilings or walls, is also included. The stove and the flue pipe should also be protected from fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to put an board that is insulated behind and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent the flue gases from getting trapped in walls that are not insulated which could cause fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness if you place it away from possible sources of moisture. This includes any leaky doors or windows and also any locations where rainwater may be able to drip onto the stove or chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the moisture in the air, which can create a more pleasant environment. It also helps to prevent mould and fungus growing on the exterior of your shed. This can affect the performance of your stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log stove. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and could cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in the flue gasses. Don't burn any rubbish such as tyres paper, plastic or paper as they are harmful for the environment and could cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner in a shed. However it is essential to follow the proper instructions for installation and to adhere to all safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets the requirements for installing log stoves, and also ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good operating condition. In addition, it's important to ensure that you have the correct fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to consider when looking for the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Certain sheds, specifically those with a corrugated metal roof, may not be suitable for log burner installations due to fire safety concerns. It is also important to be aware that using wood as a building material for this purpose could be prohibited by local regulations for planning.
Also, small wood burning heater must make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Without it combustion, it isn't as efficient and could create an health risk due to carbon monoxide build-up. A 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 then lose heat. Additionally your shed shouldn't be too far away from a window, as this could cause drafts that could cause certain stoves to operate functions such as the open windows detection system.
It is also essential to examine the roof of your shed for watertightness and to make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. It is recommended to hire a professional roofer for the job to ensure the work is completed to a high-standard and in accordance with the building and fire codes. Keep a fire extinguisher of class A inside the shed in the event of 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. It is also recommended to have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of creosote.