Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a fantastic alternative for gardeners looking to add a touch of warmth to their retreat. Any DEFRA-approved shed log burner should be located in a smoke control area and the flue pipe should be adequately shielded.
You should also fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls adjacent and behind the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
A wood burning stove for a shed is an excellent accessory to any room that not only provides efficient heating but also adding a rustic and beautiful look that creates warmth and atmosphere. But, before you decide on a stove for your shed, or another off grid residences such as a shepherd hut or yurt, or an earthship, container home, it is important to be aware of the regulations and safety rules.
When purchasing a log stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to consider. It is tempting to buy a larger stove that is needed for the space, but this can result in poor 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 few additional KW to make sure you are safe.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners that are perfect for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has a beautiful country inspired design that would suit any type of log cabin or shed, while it boasts 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 has a large viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate so you can burn wood as well as smokeless fuel.
Another alternative is an alternative to the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a range of colors and has an impressive heat output 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 also comes with a large viewing window which makes it a great option for any log or shed cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may have to install non-combustible material around the stove or flue pipe based on the dimensions and shape of your shed. This is particularly important if your shed is made of any kind of wood, which should be at least 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is constructed from any other material then you should consult a professional installer to ensure that the correct insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a great option to make your garden retreat cozy and comfortable during colder months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, you need to ensure that it is installed properly. This will safeguard your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes ensuring the space around the fireplace is free of combustible materials. If the ventilation is not adequate the shed could be dangerous due to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins with measuring the area you want to install it. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove and any other accessories that might be required. Then, consult 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 they can affect the amount of heat that the stove produces.
Once you've taken measurements of the space then mark the location where you intend to create the opening in the wall of the shed. Use a plumb-line to ensure the proper positions. Also, leave plenty of space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack as well as the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to guard the walls of the shed from heat produced by the stove. This is supplied with the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that the shed has an uncombustible hearth that is usually made of slate or granite, or concrete. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick and with a width of 225mm in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between surfaces that are combustible cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
After you have installed the hearth and stove It is important to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is so that the mortar and sealants can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it could result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents 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. A vent should be the same size or larger than the chimney/flue and should be positioned as close to the stove as is possible.
When you install a stove that burns wood in a shed, you must follow a few regulations, particularly with regards to ventilation. If you don't adhere to these, you could be fined. To avoid this, always employ a HETAS certified installer to carry out your installation and issue you with a a certificate of compliance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J that regulates the safe installation of flues as well as chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials like walls or ceilings are also included. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding, or an insulative panel.
It is recommended to install an insulation board behind and in front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop the flue gasses from being drawn through walls that aren't insulated, and causing fire damage.
You can also protect your shed from dampness by placing it away from possible sources of water. This includes any leaky windows or doors, as well as any locations where rainwater may be able to drip onto the stove or chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier also helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can create an atmosphere that is more pleasant. understanding will also prevent the growth of fungus and mould on the surfaces of your shed. This could affect the performance and cause damage to the stove.
The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on the performance of your log burner too. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These types of material produce toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system and may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Also, never burn rubbish such as tyres, cardboard or paper, these are not good for the environment and can clog up your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in the shed, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and follow the proper safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is in compliance with the requirements needed to install a log burner, and that your chimney is in good condition. In addition, it's a good idea to ensure that you have the appropriate fire insurance in the correct location.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove, the first thing to consider is its construction material. Some sheds may not be suitable to install log burners due to safety concerns. second hand wood burner 's also worth noting that using timber as a building material might be restricted for this kind of use by the planning regulations, so make sure to check with your local authority prior to you begin your work.
The next step is to make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide can cause health problems because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. Lack of ventilation could also lead to condensation and damp problems 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 away from a window since this can lead to drafts that can trigger certain stoves such as the open-window detection system to activate.
It is also crucial to inspect the roof of your shed to ensure that it is waterproof and properly sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. Ideally, you should hire an expert roofer to carry out the work to ensure that it is completed to a high quality and is in compliance with fire and building regulations. Keep a class A extinguisher inside the shed in case of a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended to examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and damage and repair them. You should also ensure that the flue and chimney cleaned regularly to prevent creosote accumulation.