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 outdoor space. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner should be located in a smoke control area and the flue pipe should be adequately shielded.
It is also necessary to put non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
A wood-burning stove for a shed is a great addition to any space that not only provides efficient heating, but also providing a rustic and beautiful look that creates warmth and atmosphere. Before you decide on the right wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid home, like 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 log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is a crucial factor to consider. It can be tempting to buy a bigger stove than is required for the space, but this could cause poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW Calculator to find the estimated output needed for your space and then adding a few additional KW to make sure you are safe.
There are a variety of small log burners that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has beautiful country-inspired designs that would suit any type of shed or log cabin, while it boasts an output of up to 4.8kW. This model is also Ecodesign equipped, ensuring that it burns very efficiently and creates minimal air pollution. It also has a large viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate so you can burn wood as well as smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic alternative. It is available in a variety of colors and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more distance from combustibles - around 550mm on the sides as well as back - but this can be reduced to 100mm with shielding. It offers a wide viewing area which makes it a great option for any log cabin or shed.
To ensure cast iron wood burning stove with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible materials around the stove or flue pipe, based on the size and design of your shed. This is especially important if you have a shed constructed from wood. The wood should be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is constructed from any other material then you should speak with an expert installation contractor to ensure that the proper insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a fantastic way to make your garden retreat cosy and comfortable during the winter months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, you need to ensure that it's installed properly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with the building regulations and safety standards. In addition to ensuring that the space surrounding the stove is free of flammable materials, you must ensure that the shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. The shed could become dangerous if it does not have adequate ventilation. This is because carbon monoxide is a gas that can accumulate.
The first step to install a shed wood stove is to determine the size of the space where you wish to install it. Be sure to consider the dimensions of the stove and any other accessories you may require. Then, refer to the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance to combustible materials. You'll also need to be aware of the insulation levels of the shed, as they could affect the amount of heat produced by the stove.
Once you have determined the area and marked the area the areas you'll need to create the opening in the wall of the shed. Use a plumb line to get the positions right, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the stove's back and the wall, and between the sides of the shed and the chimney stack. It is also necessary to fit a heat shield that protects the shed wall from the heat produced by the stove. This is supplied with the kit and is simply lined up with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to make sure that your shed has an open hearth constructed of non-combustible material, such as granite, slate or concrete. The hearth needs to be a minimum of 12mm thick, and it should be at least 225mm wide in the front and 150mm on both sides and at the rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between surfaces that are combustible cannot 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 so that the sealants and mortar can properly cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn - a lack of airflow can cause a fire that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Vents will ensure that air flows around the stove when it is operating to prevent carbon monoxide build up and helping with circulation of air. A vent should be the same size or bigger than the chimney/flue, and should be positioned as close to the stove as it is possible.
When you install a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must follow a few regulations, particularly regarding ventilation. You could be penalized in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, hire a HETAS certified installer to complete your installation and issue you with a an official certificate of compliance.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J which governs the installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material like ceilings or walls are also covered. The stove and flue must be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding or an insulative panel.
It is recommended to put an insulated board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gasses from passing through walls that aren't insulated, and causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from potential sources of moisture. This includes leaky doors or windows and also any places where rainwater could be able to drip onto the stove or chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce moisture in the air and create a more pleasant environment. It can also stop the growth of fungus and mould on the surfaces of your shed. This can impact the performance of your stove and cause damage to the stove.
The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on its performance as well. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These materials can produce toxic chemicals which can damage the stove or flue system and create excessive emissions. They can also cause dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Also, never burn rubbish like tyres, cardboard, paper or plastic, these are not good for the environment and will cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a wood-burning stove in a shed, it's essential to follow the correct installation guidelines and take the appropriate safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners, and ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good working order. Additionally, it's a good idea to ensure that you have the right fire insurance in place.
The first thing to consider when scoping out the perfect shed for a wood stove is the construction materials. Certain sheds might not be suitable to install log burners due a fire safety issues. It's also worth noting that the use of wood as a building material may be prohibited for this type of use by the regulations for planning, so be sure to check with your local authority before you begin work.
Then, you'll need ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide could cause health issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation can also lead to damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Make sure that the shed isn't situated too close to a staircase, as this will cause warmed air to rise up and lose heat as it rises. Also your shed shouldn't be too far away from a window as this could also cause drafts that could cause certain stoves to be unable to function, such as the open window detection system.
Lastly, it's crucial to inspect the roof of the shed to make sure it's watertight and well-sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. 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 building and fire regulations. You should also keep a class A fire extinguisher in the shed to be able to respond quickly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended that you inspect your shed once a year for signs of wear and damage, and repair them. You should also ensure that the chimney and flue cleaned frequently to prevent creosote accumulation.