Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent alternative for gardeners looking to add a touch of warmth to their retreat. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner must be installed in a smoke control zone and the flue pipe should be properly shielded.
It is also necessary to put non-combustible materials on the walls behind and adjacent to the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
A wood burning stove for a shed is a great accessory to any room that not only provides efficient heating, but also providing a beautiful rustic touch that adds warmth and ambiance. But before deciding on a stove for your shed or other off grid residences such as a shepherd's hut or yurt, or an earthship, container home it's important to take into account the regulations and safety rules.
When buying a log stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is a crucial factor to consider. Although it can be tempting to buy an extra large stove than what the space is required for, this could frequently result in a loss of performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW calculator to find out the KW required for your space and then adding a few extra KW for safety.
There are a lot of small log burners which are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features an attractive country-inspired design that will fit in with any kind of log cabin or shed with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready which means it burns efficiently and causes less air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and multi fuel grate, which allows you to burn both smokeless and wood fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great alternative. It comes in a range of colours and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space from combustibles, which is 550mm on the sides and back, but this can be reduced to 100mm by shielding. It also comes with a large viewing window which makes it a great option for any log or shed cabin.
Based on the size and design of your shed, you may need 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 any type of timber, which must be kept at least 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed from a different material, it is recommended to consult an experienced installer to ensure the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood stove for your shed is a great choice to keep your garden warm and cozy throughout the winter months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, you need to make sure that it is installed properly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove meets the building regulations and safety standards. In addition to making sure that the space around the stove is clear of flammable materials You must also ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Without proper ventilation the shed could be hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
The first step in installing a wood stove in a shed is to measure the space in which you want to place it. Be sure to consider the dimensions of the stove and any other equipment you need. Then, refer to the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible materials. You will also need to be aware of the insulation levels in the shed as they can affect the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Once you've measured the space, mark out where you intend to create the opening in the wall of the shed. Use wood burning fires -line to make sure you are in the proper locations. Also, make sure you leave enough space between the side walls and the chimney stack, as well as the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to protect the walls of the shed from heat generated by the stove. This is included with the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that your shed has hearths made of non-combustible materials, such as slate, granite or concrete. The hearth needs to be a minimum of 12mm thick and should be at least 225mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides as well as the rear. The flue pipe must be shielded and the safe distance between surfaces that are combustible cannot exceed 200mm.
Once the stove and hearth are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is to allow the mortar and sealants that you use to fully cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. Without airflow, it could result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents allow air to circulate around the stove when it is operating, preventing carbon dioxide build-up and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be placed as close as is possible to the stove.
When installing a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must follow certain rules, especially with regards to ventilation. You could be fined for not complying with. To avoid this, always employ a HETAS certified installer to complete your installation and provide you with the certificate of compliance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues must also be adhered to. This includes the distance the flue pipe is from combustible materials like walls and ceilings. The stove and flue pipe must also be protected against fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to put an insulated board in the hearth of the shed, and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent flue gasses from passing through un-insulated walls and causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from possible sources of moisture. This could include leaky windows or doors as well as any other places where rainwater might splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more pleasant atmosphere. It can also keep fungus and mould from growing on the surfaces in your shed, which can hinder the performance of your stove and lead to damage.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log burner could also affect its performance. Don't burn treated wood off-cuts or particle boards. These types of material produce harmful chemicals that can harm the flue and stove, and could cause excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Also, do not burn garbage like tyres, cardboard paper, plastic or paper These are harmful for the environment and will slow down your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner in a shed. However it is crucial to follow the proper installation guidelines and to adhere to all safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners and that your chimney system is in good shape. It's important to ensure that you have the right fire insurance.
The first thing you should consider when scoping out a shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Certain sheds, especially those with a corrugated roof, might not be suitable for installations of log burners because of fire safety issues. You should also be aware that using wood as a building material for this application may be prohibited by local planning regulations.
Also, you must ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. Without it, the combustion process will not be as efficient and could create the health risk of carbon monoxide accumulating. In addition, a absence of ventilation could lead to condensation, which can result in damp issues within the shed.
Ensure that the shed is not situated too close to a stairwell, as this will cause warmed air to rise and lose heat as it rises. Additionally the shed should not be placed too far from a window, as this could also cause drafts that can cause stoves to be unable to function, like the open window detection system.
It's also important to inspect the roof of the shed for watertightness, and to ensure that the flue pipe is sealed. Ideally, you should employ an expert roofer to complete the work to ensure that it is completed to a high standard and in compliance with building regulations and fire codes. You should also keep a class A fire extinguisher in the shed to respond quickly to any fire or smoke problems. 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 frequently to avoid the accumulation of creosote.