Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great option for gardeners who want to add a touch of homeliness to their home. Be aware that any DEFRA exempt shed log burner will need to be situated within a smoke control zone and the flue pipe properly protected.
You should also fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls behind and adjacent to the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
A wood-burning stove for a shed is an excellent addition to any space, not only providing efficient heating but also adding a beautiful rustic touch that brings warmth and ambience. Before you choose a wood-burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid dwelling, such as a shepherd's hut, yurt, or container home, it is essential to be aware of the safety and regulations.
When purchasing a log stove for a shed, log cabin or any other outdoor space, the size is a crucial factor to consider. It is tempting to buy a larger stove that is needed for the space, but this could cause poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW Calculator to find out the approximate output required for your home and then adding a few additional KW to make sure you are safe.
There are a lot of small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a excellent example. It has a beautiful design inspired by the natural world that will fit in any shed or log cabin. It also boasts a heat production of up to 4800 watts. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it is efficient in burning and creates little air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and multi fuel grates, which means you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
Another alternative is another option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a variety of colours and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space from combustibles, which is 500mm on the sides and back, but this can be reduced to 100mm with shielding. It also has a large viewing area and is a great option for any log cabin or shed.
Based on the size and design of your shed you may need to install non-combustible materials around your stove and flue pipe to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is especially important if your shed is made of any kind of timber, and must be kept at least 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed is constructed out of any other material, you should seek the advice of an expert installation contractor to ensure that the correct insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a fantastic way to make your garden cosy and comfortable during the winter months. If you decide to add one to your shed, you must ensure that it's installed properly. This will protect your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove complies with the building regulations and safety standards. In addition to ensuring that the space around the stove is clear of combustible substances You must also ensure that the shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. If there isn't enough ventilation the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a shed wood burner begins by measuring the space in which you want to install it. Make sure to take into account the size of the stove and any other necessary accessories. Then, consult the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the safe distance to combustible materials. You will also need to consider the shed's insulation levels as they can affect the amount of heat your stove generates.
After you have determined the area, mark out where you intend to create the opening in the wall of the shed. Use an arc-line to ensure that the right places. Also, leave enough space between the walls on the sides and the chimney stack and the back of your stove. You will also need to fit a heat shield, which protects the walls of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. The kit comes with and simply aligns with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that your shed is equipped with a hearth made of non-combustible materials, such as granite, slate or concrete. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick, and it should be at least 225mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and at the rear. The flue pipe should be shielded and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible should not exceed 200mm.
Once the hearth and stove are installed, you must wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to allow the sealants and mortar used to cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it could cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove while it is in use 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 possible.
There are a number of regulations that you must adhere to, especially with regards to ventilation when installing a wood-burning stove in a shed. If you don't adhere to these regulations, you could be penalized. To avoid this, you should hire an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and issue the certificate of conformance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which regulates the safe installation of flues and chimneys. This includes the distance that the flue pipe is from combustible materials such as walls and ceilings. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding or an insulative panel.
It is recommended to install an insulated board behind the hearth of the shed, and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop the flue gasses from being drawn through walls that aren't insulated, and causing potential fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness if you place it away from potential sources of moisture. This can include windows or doors that leak, and also any places where rainwater might splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the moisture in the air, resulting in a more pleasant environment. It can also stop mould and fungus growing 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 in your log stove can affect the performance of your log stove. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These materials may produce harmful chemicals that can damage the stove or flue system, and cause excessive emissions. They could also generate dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Also, never burn rubbish such as tyres, paper or plastic, these are not good for the environment and will clog up your stove.
outside wood burners
Although it is possible to install a wood-burning stove in a shed, it's essential to follow the proper installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners and ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good operating condition. It is also a good idea that you have the correct fire insurance.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove first thing you should consider is its construction material. Certain sheds might not be suitable to install log burners due to safety concerns. Be aware that using timber as a building material for this purpose could be prohibited by local plans regulations.
Then, you'll need ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Without this the combustion process won't be as efficient and may pose an health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulating. Lack of ventilation could cause damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Ensure that the shed isn't situated too close to a stairwell as this will cause warmed air to rise and lose heat in the process. The shed should not be too far away from a window as this could result in drafts, which could cause certain stoves like the open-window detection system to activate.
It's also important to inspect the roof of your shed for watertightness, and to make sure that the flue pipe is sealed. It is recommended to hire a professional roofer to do the job to ensure the work is completed to a high-standard and in compliance with the building and fire codes. Keep a class A extinguisher inside the shed in case of a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended that you examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and damage, and repair them. You should also have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of creosote.