Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent option for gardeners looking to add a touch of homeliness to their retreat. Any DEFRA-approved shed log burner must be located in a smoke-control zone and the flue pipe should be protected.
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, not only providing efficient heating but also adding a rustic and beautiful look that brings warmth and ambience. Before you choose 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.
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a log burner for a log cabin or shed is the size. Although it can be tempting to purchase a larger stove than what the space is required for, this can frequently result in a loss of performance or even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator to find out the approximate output required for your space and then adding a couple of additional KW to make sure you are safe.
There are many small log burners that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has beautiful country-inspired designs that would suit any type of shed or log cabin and boasts a heat output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign capable, which means that it burns very efficiently and causes minimal air pollution. It also has a huge viewing window and multi fuel grate, which allows you to burn smokeless and wood fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great option. It comes in a variety of colours and can produce heat up to 4.7kW. This model does require some extra space to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm to the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is employed. It also comes with a large viewing window which makes it a great option for any log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed, you may have to install non-combustible materials around the stove and flue pipe to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is especially important when your shed is made of any kind of timber, which must be at least 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was built using a different material, you must consult with an expert installer to ensure that the right insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great way 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 that it is properly installed. This will safeguard your shed against fire damage and make sure that the stove meets the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes ensuring that the area around the fireplace is free of combustible material. Without indoor wood burning stove could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins with measuring the space you'd like to put it in. Make indoor wood burner to consider the size of the stove and any other accessories you may require. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the safe distance from flammable materials. Also, you must consider the insulation levels of the shed, as they can affect the amount of heat generated by the stove.
Once you've taken measurements of the space and marked the area the areas you'll need to create the opening in the shed wall. Use a plumb line to get the positions right, and be sure to leave enough space between the stove's back and the wall, and between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. Install an insulation layer to shield the walls of the shed from heat produced by the stove. It is included in the kit and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
Also, you must make sure that the shed has an uncombustible hearth that is usually constructed from slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum 12mm thick and at least 225mm wide in front, 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between surfaces that are combustible cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
Once 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 sealants and mortar can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen in order to burn. A absence of airflow could cause a fire that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Vents will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove while it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and helping with circulation of air. A vent should have the same size as the chimney/flue, and be located as close as possible to the stove.
There are many regulations that you must follow, particularly with regard to ventilation, when installing a wood burning stove in the shed. If you do not comply with these regulations, you could end up being fined. To avoid this, employ an HETAS-registered contractor to complete your installation and issue the certificate of conformance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which governs the installation of flues and chimneys. This includes the distance the flue pipe is away from combustible surfaces like ceilings and walls. The flue pipe and stove should also be protected from fire damage with either heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to put an insulated board in the hearth of the shed and also in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop the flue gasses from being drawn through un-insulated walls and causing potential fire damage.
You can also protect your home from dampness by putting it away from potential sources of water. This could include windows that leak as well as any other places where rainwater could splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture present in the air, resulting in an environment that is more comfortable. It can also prevent mould and fungus from growing on the surfaces in your shed, which can affect the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The type of fuel you burn on your log burner will have an impact on the performance of your log burner too. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These types of materials produce toxic chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gasses. Also, do not burn garbage like tyres, cardboard or paper, these are not good for the environment and could slow down your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log stove in an outdoor shed. However, it is important to follow the proper guidelines for installation and take all necessary safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log stoves, and also making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good working order. It is important to ensure that you have the right fire insurance.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove the first thing you need to consider is its construction material. Certain sheds, especially those built with a corrugated metal roof, might not be suitable for installation of log burners because of fire safety concerns. You should also be aware that using timber as a construction material in this purpose could be prohibited by local planning regulations.
Then, you'll need ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation could also lead to condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Make sure that the shed isn't situated too close to a staircase, since this could cause the warm air to rise up and lose heat in the process. Likewise your shed shouldn't be too far away from a window, since this can also lead to drafts that can cause stoves to operate functions such as the open windows detection system.
It is also essential to examine the roof of the shed for watertightness and to make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. It is best to employ a professional roofer to do the job to ensure that it's done to a high-quality standard and in compliance with the building and fire codes. You should also keep an extinguisher that is class A in the shed in order to respond swiftly to any smoke or fire problems. 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, and have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to avoid creosote accumulation.