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 touch of homely style to their garden. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner should be installed in a smoke control area and the flue pipe must be adequately shielded.
To protect yourself from fire, you will also need to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
A wood burning stove for a shed is an excellent accessory to any room and not only provide efficient heating, but also providing a rustic and beautiful look that creates warmth and atmosphere. However, before you decide on the stove you want for your shed or other off grid dwelling like a shepherd hut, yurt, earthship or container home, it is important to take into account the regulations and safety standards.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when purchasing a log burner for a log cabin or shed is the size. While it may be tempting to buy an extra large stove than the room is actually required for, this could often lead to a lack of performance or even overheating. To avoid this we recommend using our KW calculator to figure out the KW required for your kitchen and adding a few more KW just to be safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners that are perfect for sheds and log cabins. Charnwood Country 4 is a fantastic model. It is a gorgeous design inspired by the countryside that will fit in any shed or log cabin. It is also equipped with a heat output of up to 4800 watts. This model is Ecodesign-ready which means it burns efficiently and causes less air pollution. It also has a large view window and a multifuel grates, which means you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
Another alternative is an alternative to the Saltfire Peanut stove range, that is available in a variety of colours and has an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model does require a little more distance to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is employed. It has a large viewing area, making it an ideal choice for any shed or log cabin.
Based on the size and design of your shed you may need to fit non-combustible material around the flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly crucial when your shed is constructed from any kind of timber, which must be at least 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed is constructed out of any other material, you should seek the advice of a professional installer to ensure that the correct insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a great option to make your garden warm and cozy during the colder months. If you plan to add a wood burner to your shed, make sure it is installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with the building regulations and safety standards. Also, you must ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes making sure that the area around the fireplace is free of any 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. Consider the size of the wood stove, as well as any other accessories that may be required. Refer to the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance away from any combustible materials. You will also need to take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed, as these can impact the amount of heat that the stove produces.
Mark the location 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 locations. Also, leave enough space between the side walls and the chimney stack, as well as the back of your stove. It is also necessary to fit a heat shield that shields the wall of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. This comes with the kit and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that your shed is equipped with hearths made of non-combustible material, such as slate, granite, or concrete. corner wood burning stove needs to be at least 12mm thick and should be at least 250mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and at the rear. The flue pipe must be protected and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200mm.
Once the hearth and stove are installed, it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to let the mortar and sealants used to cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. A lack of airflow will result in a fire that doesn't burn or even carbon monoxide poisoning. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove when it is operating to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and promoting air circulation. Vents should be the same size or larger than the chimney/flue, and should be positioned as close to the stove as possible.
There are a number of regulations you must be aware of, especially in regards to ventilation, when installing a wood-burning stove in the shed. If you do not comply with these, you could be punished. To avoid this, hire a HETAS registered installer to perform your installation and issue you with a an official certificate of conformity.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which governs the safe installation of flues and chimneys. This includes the distance the flue pipe can be from combustible materials such as ceilings and walls. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage with either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board in the hearth of the shed, and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop the flue gasses from getting drawn through un-insulated walls and causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness if you place it away from any possible sources of moisture. This can include windows or doors that leak as well as any other places where rainwater could splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to reduce moisture in the air and create a pleasant atmosphere. It will also prevent mould and fungus growing on the exterior of your shed. This can affect the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner will have an impact on its performance too. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts or particle board. These types of materials produce harmful chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system and could cause excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gasses. Don't burn any rubbish like tyres, cardboard, paper or plastic These are harmful for the environment and will slow down your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a wood burning stove in the shed, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners and also making sure that your chimney and flue system is in good operating condition. It's important to ensure that you have the right fire insurance.
The first thing you should consider when deciding on a shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Some sheds might not be suitable to install log burners due to fire safety issues. You should also be aware that using wood as a construction material in this purpose could be prohibited by local planning regulations.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide could cause health issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. In addition, the lack of ventilation can result in condensation, which can lead to damp issues in the shed.
Be sure that your shed is not too close to the stairwell. small wood burner can cause heated air to rise and lose heat. Additionally the shed should not be placed too far from a window as this could also cause drafts that can cause stoves to perform functions like the open window detection system.
Lastly, it's important to examine the roof of the shed to make sure it's watertight and properly sealed where the flue pipe passes through. Ideally, you should hire a professional roofer to carry out the work to ensure that it is completed to a high quality and is in compliance with building regulations and fire codes. It is also recommended to keep an extinguisher that is class A in the shed in order to respond swiftly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended that you inspect your shed at least once per year to check for signs of wear or damage that requires to be repaired. Also, make sure that the chimney and flue are cleaned regularly to avoid creosote accumulation.