Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood burning stove for sheds is an ideal choice for those who wish to add a touch of rustic appeal to their garden. Be aware that any DEFRA exempt shed log burner needs to be situated in a smoke-free area and the flue pipe shielded.
You will also need to install non-combustible surfaces 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 addition to any space, not only providing efficient heating, but also providing a rustic and beautiful look that creates warmth and atmosphere. But before you decide on the stove you want for your shed or other off grid dwellings like a shepherd's hut, yurt, earthship or container home, you must be aware of the regulations and safety requirements.
One of the most important things to take into consideration when purchasing a log burner for a shed or log cabin is sizing. It can be tempting to buy a larger stove than is required for the space, but this could lead to poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator tool to figure the estimated output needed for your space and then adding a couple of additional KW to ensure.
There are a variety of small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has beautiful country-inspired designs that would suit any type of shed or log cabin, while it boasts an output of up to 4.8kW. The model is Ecodesign equipped, ensuring that it burns extremely efficiently and causes minimal air pollution. It also has a large viewing area and an grate that can be used for multiple fuels so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
Another great alternative is another option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a variety of colours and has an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. very small wood burner has a little more distance to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm to both the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is used. It also has a large viewing area and is an ideal choice for any shed or log cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible material around the flue or stove pipe, based on the size and design of your shed. This is particularly important if your shed is constructed of any type of wood, which should be kept at least 200mm away from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was built using a different material, you should consult an expert installer to ensure that the right insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great choice to keep your garden warm and cozy throughout the cold winter months. If you plan to add a wood burner to your shed, be sure that it is properly installed. This will protect your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove meets building regulations and safety standard. In addition, to ensure that the area around the stove is free of flammable materials, you must ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. If there isn't enough ventilation the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts by measuring the space in which you'd like to place it. Be sure to take into account the dimensions of the stove and any other equipment you need. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the safe distance from flammable materials. It is also important 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 shed's wall after you have measured it. Use a plumb-line to ensure the proper locations. Also, leave plenty of space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack as well as the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to protect the wall of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. It is included in the kit and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that your shed has a hearth made of non-combustible materials such as slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick, 225mm wide in the front, and 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe should be protected and the distance from surfaces that are combustible must not exceed 200mm.
Once the stove and hearth are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours prior to 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 cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air flows around the stove while it is operating to prevent carbon monoxide build up and aiding in circulation of air. Vents should be the same size or bigger than the chimney/flue and should be placed as close to the stove as it is possible.
When you install a stove that burns wood in a shed, you must abide by some rules, specifically in relation to ventilation. You could be penalized if you do not comply. To avoid this, always hire a HETAS registered installer to perform your installation and issue you with a the certificate of conformity.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J which regulates the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and combustible material like ceilings or walls are also covered. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board on the hearth of the shed and also in front of the flue outlet. This will stop flue gases from getting trapped in walls that are not insulated, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also protect your home from dampness by positioning it away from potential sources of water. This can include leaky windows or doors as well as any other places where rainwater might spill onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to decrease the amount of moisture in air and create a more comfortable environment. It will also prevent mould and fungus growing on the surfaces of your shed. This can affect the efficiency of the 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 burner. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts or particle board. These kinds of materials release harmful chemicals that can harm the flue and stove, and could cause excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Avoid burning rubbish such as tyres or cardboard. They're bad for the environment and can clog your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner in a shed. However it is crucial to follow the right guidelines for installation and ensure that you are taking all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log stoves, and also making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good working order. It is important to ensure that you have the correct fire insurance.
If you are searching for a building to install a wood stove the first thing you need to consider is its construction material. Some sheds might not be suitable for the installation of log burners due to fire safety concerns. It's also worth noting that using timber as a building material might be restricted for this kind of application by planning regulations, so make sure to check with your local authorities before you start work.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is ventilated. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. Additionally, a lack of ventilation can cause condensation, which can lead to damp issues in the shed.
Be certain that your shed is not too close to the staircase. This can cause heated air to rise and lose heat. Also your shed shouldn't be situated too far from a window, as this could also cause draughts that can cause some stoves to operate functions such as the open windows detection system.
It's also important to check the shed roof for watertightness, and to make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. It is best to employ an expert roofer for the job to ensure that it's done to a high-standard and in accordance with building and fire regulations. Keep a fire extinguisher of class A inside the shed in the event there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended that you inspect your shed at least once per year to find signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired. Also, ensure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote from accumulating.