Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for a shed is a perfect option for those who want to add a touch of rustic appeal to their garden. Any DEFRA-exempted shed log burner should be placed in a smoke control zone and the flue pipe should be protected.
It is also necessary to install non-combustible surfaces on 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 an attractive rustic look that brings warmth and ambience. But, before you choose the stove you want for your shed, or another off grid dwelling like a shepherd's hut or yurt, or an earthship, container home it's important to be aware of the regulations and safety standards.
When you are buying a stove for a log cabin, shed or other outdoor space the size is a crucial aspect to consider. It may be tempting to purchase a larger stove that is needed for the space, but this can lead to poor 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 ideal for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a great model. It is a gorgeous design inspired by the natural world that would fit any shed or log cabin. It also boasts a heat production of up to 4800 watts. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes less air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area and a multi-fuel grate, so it can burn wood or smokeless fuel.
Another alternative is an alternative to the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which is available in a variety of colours and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. While this model requires a little more distance to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm to both the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is used. It also has a large viewing area which makes it an ideal choice for any log cabin or shed.
Depending on the dimensions and design of your shed, you may need to fit non-combustible materials around your stove and flue pipe to ensure compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly important when you have a building constructed from wood. The wood should be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was built from a different material, you must consult with a professional installer so that the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great choice to keep your garden retreat warm and cozy in the cold winter months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, you must ensure that it is installed correctly. This will shield your shed from damage caused by fire and also make sure that the stove is compliant with the regulations for building and safety standards. It is also essential to ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes ensuring the space around the fireplace is free of any combustible material. If the ventilation is not adequate, the shed could become dangerous due to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
The first step to installing the stove in a shed is to determine the size of the space where you wish to install it. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove as well as any other equipment that might be required. Then, refer to the guidelines of the manufacturer regarding the safe distance from combustible substances. Also, you must take into account the insulation levels of the shed as they can influence the amount of heat generated by the stove.
After you have 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 ensure the proper places. Also, make sure you leave enough space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to guard the walls of the shed from heat generated by the stove. This is supplied with the kit and simply lines up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that the shed has an uncombustible hearth that is usually made of slate, granite or concrete. The hearth should be minimum of 12mm thick, 225mm wide in the front, and 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe should be protected, and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
After the stove and hearth are installed, you must wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to allow the mortar and sealants that you use to fully cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it could cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air flows around the stove when it is operating and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and aiding in circulation of air. Vents should be the same size as the chimney or flue and be located as close as possible to the stove.
There are several rules that you have to follow, particularly with regards to ventilation when you install a wood burning stove in a shed. You could be fined in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, you should hire a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and give you an official 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 the combustible material like ceilings or walls, is also included. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage by either heat shielding or an insulative panel.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board on the hearth of the shed, and also in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gases from getting drawn into walls that are not properly insulated, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also shield the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from possible sources of moisture. This includes windows that leak and any areas where rainwater could spill onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the amount of moisture present in the air, creating an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It also helps to prevent mould and fungus growing on the exterior 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 will have an effect on its performance as well. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can damage the flue and stove, and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in the flue gasses. Don't burn any rubbish such as tyres, cardboard or paper as they are harmful for the environment and can cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner in an outdoor shed. However, it is important to follow the proper instructions for installation and to ensure that you are taking all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is built to meet the requirements to install log burners and that your chimney system is in good working order. It is also a good idea that you have the right fire insurance.
If you are searching for a building to install a wood stove, the first thing you need to be aware of is the material used in its construction. freestanding wood burner , specifically those built with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for installation of log burners due to fire safety concerns. It is also important to be aware that using wood as a construction material for this type of installation could be a violation by local planning regulations.
The next step is to ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide can cause health issues due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. Lack of ventilation could also lead to damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Be sure that the shed isn't situated too close to a stairwell, because this can cause heated air to rise and lose heat as it rises. Your shed should also not be too far from a window, as this could result in drafts, which could cause certain stoves, such as the open-window detection system to go into.
Lastly, it's crucial to inspect the shed roof to make sure it's waterproof and properly sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. It is recommended that you hire a professional roofer to complete the work to ensure that it is completed to a high quality and in compliance with building and fire regulations. It is also recommended to keep an extinguisher that is class A in the shed to respond quickly to any fire or smoke issues. It is recommended to check your shed at least once per year to look for signs of wear or damage that requires to be fixed, and make sure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote build-up.