Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for your shed is a perfect option for those who want to add a little homely appeal to their garden. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner will need to be placed in a smoke-free area and the flue pipe protected.
It is also necessary to fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
A wood-burning stove for a shed is an excellent option for any space that not only provides efficient heating, but also providing a beautiful rustic touch that brings warmth and ambience. When you are choosing a wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid home, like a shepherd's hut, yurt or container home, it's important to consider the safety and regulations.
When buying a log stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space, the size is a crucial aspect to consider. It can be tempting to purchase a larger stove that is needed for the space, but this could result in poor performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator tool to figure out the approximate output required for your space and then adding a couple of extra KW to be safe.
There are numerous small log burners that work well for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features 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 burns efficiently and produces little air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great alternative. It is available in a variety of colours and can produce heat up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space away from combustibles - 500mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm by shielding. It has a large viewing area which makes it an ideal choice for any shed or log cabin.
To ensure compliance with local regulations, you may have to install non-combustible materials around the flue or stove pipe, based on the size and shape of your shed. This is especially important in the case of a shed constructed of wood. The wood must be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is constructed using any other material, you should speak with an expert installer to ensure that the correct insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood stove for your shed is a great option to keep your garden retreat warm and cozy during the cold winter months. If you're planning to add a wood burner to your shed, be sure it's installed correctly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with building regulations and safety standard. In addition to ensuring that the space surrounding the stove is free of combustible substances It is essential to ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. If the ventilation is not adequate, 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'd like to place it. Be sure to take into account the dimensions of the stove and any other equipment you need. Then, refer to the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible materials. It is also important to be aware of the insulation levels in the shed, as these can impact how much heat the stove produces.
Note the area of the opening that you want to make in the wall of the shed after you've measured it. Use a plumb-line to ensure the proper places. Also, make sure you leave enough space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack as well as the back of your stove. Install an insulation layer to shield the shed wall against the heat produced by the stove. This is supplied with the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that your shed has an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials, such as slate, granite or concrete. The hearth should be minimum of 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe should be shielded and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible should not exceed 200mm.
Once the stove and hearth are installed, it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is so that the mortar and sealants can properly cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen in order to burn. A lack of airflow can result in a non-burning fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Vents ensure that air flows around the stove when it is in use to prevent carbon monoxide build up and aiding in air circulation. Vents should be the same size or larger than the chimney/flue, and should be placed as close to the stove as is possible.
When you install a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must adhere to some rules, specifically regarding ventilation. If you don't comply with these, you could be fined. To avoid this, always hire an HETAS certified installer to carry out your installation and issue you with a the certificate of compliance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J that regulates the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials like walls or ceilings are also included. The stove and flue pipe should also be protected from fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to put an board that is insulated behind and in front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop the flue gasses from getting drawn through the walls that are not insulated and causing possible fire damage.
You can also protect your shed from dampness by placing it away from potential sources of water. This can include windows or doors that leak, and also any places that rainwater may drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a pleasant environment. It can also keep fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces within your shed, which could impact the performance of the stove and cause damage.
The kind of fuel you use on your log burner can have an impact on the performance of your log burner too. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can harm the flue and stove, and may produce excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Also, never burn rubbish such as tyres, cardboard paper, plastic or paper, these are not good for the environment and could cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in a shed, it's important to follow the proper installation guidelines and follow the proper safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners, and making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good operating condition. It's also a good idea to make sure you have the appropriate fire insurance.
If you are searching for a building to install a wood stove, the first thing to be aware of is the material used in its construction. Some sheds, particularly ones with a corrugated metal roof, may not be suitable for installations of log burners because of fire safety issues. It's also worth noting that using timber as a building material could be prohibited for this type of application by building regulations, so be sure you check with your local authority prior to you begin work.
It is also important to 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. A lack of ventilation can also lead to condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Be certain that your shed isn't too close to the staircase. This will cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. Your shed should not be too far from a window, as this could result in draughts which can cause some stoves like 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 properly sealed. You should hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure it's done to a high-standard and in compliance with fire and building regulations. Keep a class A extinguisher inside the shed in case of a smoke or fire emergency. It is recommended that you inspect your shed once a year for signs of wear and damage, and repair them. You should also have the flue and chimney cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of creosote.