Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for your sheds is a great option for those looking to add a touch of rustic appeal to their garden. Any DEFRA-approved shed log burner has to be installed in a smoke control zone and the flue pipe should 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
A wood-burning stove for a shed is an excellent option for any space and not only provide efficient heating but also adding a rustic and beautiful look that brings warmth and ambience. Before you decide on a wood-burning stove for your shed or any other off grid home, like a shepherd's hut or yurt, or container home, it is important to consider the safety and rules.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when purchasing a log burner for a log cabin or shed is the size. It can be tempting to buy a bigger stove that is needed for the space, but this can result in poor performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW Calculator to find the required output for your space and then adding a few extra KW to be safe.
There are many small log burners that work well 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 log cabin or shed with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it is efficient in burning and creates very little air pollution. It also features a large viewing area and a multi-fuel grate so you can burn wood and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great option. It comes in a variety of colors and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more distance from combustibles - 550mm on the sides and back, but this could be reduced to 100mm by shielding. It also has a large viewing area which makes it a great option for any shed or log cabin.
Depending on the dimensions and design of your shed you may have to install non-combustible material around the flue pipe and stove to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly important in the case of a shed constructed of any type of wood, which should be kept at least 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was built using a different material, you must seek out a professional installer so that the right insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a great way to make your garden retreat cosy and comfortable during the winter months. If you plan to add a wood stove to your shed, make sure it's installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed from damage caused by fire and also make sure that the stove is compliant with the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that the shed is adequately ventilated. This includes making sure that the area around the fireplace is free of combustible materials. The shed could become dangerous if it does not have enough ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide is a gas that can accumulate.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins with measuring the area you'd like to place it. Be sure to consider the size of the stove, and any other necessary accessories. Check the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance away from any combustible materials. You will also need to consider the shed's insulation levels because they will affect the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Once you've determined the area, mark out the areas you'll need to create the opening in the wall of your shed. Use the plumb line to get the correct positions and make sure to leave enough space between the stove's back and the wall, as well as between the side walls of the shed and the chimney stack. You will also need to install an insulation that protects the shed wall from the heat produced by the stove. This comes with the kit, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
You will also have to make sure that your shed has a hearth made of non-combustible materials like slate, granite, or concrete. The hearth needs to be at least 12mm thick and must be at least 250mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides as well as the rear. The flue pipe should be shielded and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
Once the stove and hearth are installed, it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is so that the mortar and sealants can cure properly.
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 ensure that air flows around the stove when it is operating to prevent carbon monoxide build up and helping with air circulation. A vent should be the same size or bigger than the chimney/flue and should be positioned as close to the stove as is possible.
There are a number of regulations that you must adhere to, especially with regard to ventilation, when you install a wood burning stove in the shed. You could be penalized in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, hire an HETAS-registered installationist 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 also be followed. This includes the distance the flue pipe can be away from combustible surfaces such as ceilings and walls. The stove and flue must be protected from fire damage by either heat shielding or an insulative panel.
It is recommended to put an board that is insulated behind and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent flue gasses from being drawn into un-insulated walls, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from potential sources of moisture. This includes any leaky doors or windows, as well as any locations where rainwater may spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can create a more pleasant environment. It can also help keep fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces within your shed, which could impact the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The type of fuel you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log burner. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These types of materials produce harmful chemicals that can harm the flue and stove, and may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Also, do not burn garbage such as tyres, cardboard, paper or plastic as they are harmful for the environment and can clog up your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside a shed. However it is crucial to follow the correct guidelines for installation and adhere to all safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners and making sure that your chimney and flue system is in good working order. It's also recommended to make sure that you have the correct fire insurance in the correct location.
When you are looking for a shed to install a wood stove the first thing you need to consider is its construction material. Certain sheds, specifically ones with a corrugated roof, might not be suitable for installations of log burners due to fire safety issues. try this out should also be aware that using timber as a construction material in this application may be prohibited by local regulations for planning.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is ventilated. Without this combustion, it will not be as efficient and could create a health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulation. Additionally, a absence of ventilation could cause condensation, which can cause damp issues in the shed.
Be sure that your shed isn't positioned too close to a staircase, as this will cause warmed air to rise up and lose heat in the process. Additionally the shed should not be too far away from a window, since this can also lead to draughts that can cause some stoves to operate functions such as 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 properly sealed. It is recommended to hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure the work is completed to a high-standard and in accordance with building and fire regulations. You should also keep an extinguisher of class A in the shed to respond quickly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended to inspect your shed at least every year to find signs of wear or damage that needs to be repaired. Also, ensure that the chimney and flue are cleaned regularly to avoid creosote from accumulating.