Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a fantastic alternative for gardeners looking to bring a touch of comfort to their home. Any DEFRA-compliant shed log burner must be located in a smoke-control zone and the flue pipe should be properly shielded.
It is also necessary to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls behind and adjacent to the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds can be an excellent addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but also add a rustic look to the space that creates warmth and ambiance. However, before you decide on the stove you want for your shed or any other off grid dwellings like a shepherd's hut or yurt, an earthship or container home it's important to consider the rules and safety standards.
When purchasing a log stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to consider. It can be tempting to buy a bigger stove than is required for the space, but this can result in poor performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator to find the required output for your space and then adding a couple of extra KW to be safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features beautiful country-inspired designs that will fit in with any kind of shed or log cabin and boasts a heat output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and produces less air pollution. It also has a huge viewing window and a multi fuel grate, meaning you can burn smokeless and wood fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another excellent alternative. It is available in a range of colours and can produce heat up to 4.7kW. second hand wood burner does require an extra distance to combustibles compared to other models on this list - 550mm to both the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is employed. It also has a large viewing area, making it an ideal choice for any log cabin or shed.
Depending on the dimensions and design of your shed, you may need to install non-combustible material around the stove and flue pipe to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly crucial in the case of a shed constructed from any kind of timber, and must be kept at least 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed from another material, you must consult 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 colder months. If you plan to add a wood burner to your shed, make sure it's installed correctly. This will shield your shed against fire damage and make sure that the stove meets building regulations and safety standard. Also, you must ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes ensuring that the area around the fireplace is free of any combustible material. The shed could be dangerous if it doesn't have adequate ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide is a gas that can accumulate.
The first step to install the stove in a shed is to measure the area where you wish to install it. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove, as well as any other accessories that might be required. Then, refer to the guidelines of the manufacturer regarding the safe distance from combustible materials. cheap wood burner is also important to consider the shed's insulation levels because they will affect the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Mark the location of the opening you want to make in the wall of the shed after you have measured it. Use a plumb line to ensure the positions right and make sure to leave enough space between the back of the stove and the wall, and between the side walls of the shed and the chimney stack. You'll also need to fit a heat shield that protects the shed wall from the heat generated by the stove. The kit comes with and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that the shed is equipped with a non-combustible hearth, which is usually constructed from slate or granite, or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and back. The flue pipe should be protected, and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
After the stove and hearth are installed, you must wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is so that the mortar and sealants will be cured properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. A lack of airflow will cause a fire that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide poisoning. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove while it is in operation and prevent carbon dioxide build-up and encouraging 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 rules that you have to follow, particularly with regard to ventilation, when installing a wood burning stove in an outdoor space. You could be fined for not complying with. To avoid this, hire an HETAS registered installer to carry out your installation and issue you with a an official certificate of compliance.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which governs the safe installation of flues as well as chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials like walls or ceilings are also covered. The stove and the flue pipe should also be protected from fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to install an insulation board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent the flue gases from getting drawn into walls that are not properly insulated which could cause fire damage.
You can also protect your shed from dampness by placing it away from potential sources of water. This includes windows or doors that leak as well as any other places where rainwater might splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the moisture in the air, creating an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It will also prevent the growth of fungus and mould on the exterior of your shed. This can impact the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on the performance of your log burner too. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These materials can release toxic chemicals which can damage the stove or flue system, and cause excessive emissions. They can also cause dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Never burn rubbish like cardboard or tyres. They are bad for the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood-burning stove in the shed, it is important to follow the proper installation guidelines and follow the proper safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners, and making sure that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. It's important to ensure that you have the appropriate fire insurance.
The first thing you should consider when looking for the perfect shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Some sheds, particularly ones with a corrugated metal roof, might not be suitable for installations of log burners due to fire safety concerns. It is also important to note that the use of wood as a building material could be restricted for this kind of use by the building regulations, so be sure you check with your local authority prior to you start work.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause issues due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. Lack of ventilation could also lead to condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Be certain that your shed isn't too close to the stairs. This can cause heated air to rise and then lose heat. Likewise, your shed should not be placed too far from a window, as this could cause drafts that can cause stoves to operate functions such as the open windows detection system.
It's also important to check the shed roof for watertightness and to ensure that the flue pipe is sealed. You should hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure that it's done to a high standard and in compliance with building and fire regulations. It is recommended to have a class A fire extinguisher in the shed in order to respond swiftly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended to check your shed at least once a year to check for signs of wear or damage that needs to be repaired. Also, make sure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prevent creosote from accumulating.