Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for a sheds is an ideal choice for those who want to add a little homely charm to their garden retreat. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be located within a smoke control area and the flue pipe properly protected.
You will also need to put non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent and behind the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they also add a rustic touch to the area, which creates warmth and ambiance. But before you decide on a stove for your shed or other off grid dwellings like a shepherd hut or yurt, or an earthship, container home it's important to be aware of the regulations and safety 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. While it might be tempting to buy an extra large stove than the room is actually required for, this can often lead to a lack of performance and 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. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has an attractive country-inspired design that is suitable for any kind of shed or log cabin, while it boasts the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is also Ecodesign ready, ensuring that it burns very efficiently and creates very little air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area and an grate that can be used for multiple fuels so you can burn wood and smokeless fuel.
Another 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. This model requires more space from combustibles, which is around 550mm on the sides as well as back - but this can be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It also has a huge viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any shed or log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed, you may need to fit non-combustible materials around the stove and flue pipe to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety standards. This is especially important if your shed is constructed of any type of timber, which must be kept at least 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is constructed using any other material, you should seek the advice of an expert installer to ensure that the proper 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're planning to add a wood burner to your shed, make sure it is installed correctly. This will shield your shed from damage caused by fire and ensure that the stove is in compliance with building regulations and safety standards. In addition to ensuring that the space around the stove is clear of combustible substances It is essential to ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. If there isn't enough ventilation the shed could be dangerous due to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins with measuring the space you'd like to put it in. Be sure to consider the size of the stove and any other equipment you need. Also, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible materials. Also, woodburning fireplace must consider the insulation levels of the shed because they affect the amount of heat generated by the stove.
Once you have measured the space, mark out where you intend to create the opening in the shed wall. Use a plumb-line to ensure the right places. Also, leave plenty of space between the side walls and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to protect the shed wall against the heat generated by the stove. It is included in the kit and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
You will also have to ensure that your shed is equipped with an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials, such as granite, slate, or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and should be at least 225mm wide in the front and 150mm on both sides and at the rear. The flue pipe must be protected and the safe distance from combustible surfaces 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 sealants and mortar used to set properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn - a absence of airflow could result in a non-burning fire or even poisoning with carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove when it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building 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 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 face fines for not complying with. To avoid this, you should hire an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and provide the certificate of conformance.
It is also essential to adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which regulates the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials, such as walls or ceilings are also included. The stove and the flue pipe must be secured against fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to put an insulated board on the hearth of the shed and also in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gasses from passing through walls that aren't insulated, and causing potential fire damage.
You can also shield your home from dampness by positioning it away from potential sources of water. This includes leaky windows or doors, as well as any areas where rainwater might be able to drip onto the stove or chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more comfortable atmosphere. It can also help stop fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces in your shed, which could impact the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The kind of fuel you use on your log burner can have an impact on its performance too. Do not burn treated wood off-cuts or particle boards. These materials may produce 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. Also, do not burn garbage such as tyres paper, plastic or paper as they are harmful for the environment and will cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner in the shed. However it is crucial to follow the proper guidelines for installation and adhere to all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners as well as making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good functioning order. In addition, it's a good idea to ensure that you have the correct fire insurance in place.
When you are looking for a shed to install a wood stove the first thing you need to consider is its construction material. Some sheds, particularly those built with a corrugated metal roof, might not be suitable for installation of log burners due to fire safety issues. Be aware that using wood as a construction material for this type of installation could be a violation by local planning regulations.
You'll also need to ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. Without this, the combustion process won't be as efficient and could create an health risk due to carbon monoxide build-up. Lack of ventilation could also lead to damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Make sure that your shed isn't too close to the stairs. This can cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. The shed should not be too far from a window as this could cause drafts, which could cause certain stoves such as the open-window detection system to activate.
It is also essential to examine the roof of the shed for watertightness, and to make sure that the flue pipe is sealed. It is best to employ a professional roofer to do the job to ensure that the work is completed to a high standard and in compliance with fire and building regulations. It is recommended to have an extinguisher that is class A in the shed to be able to respond quickly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended to examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and damage, and repair them. It is also recommended to have the flue and chimney cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of creosote.