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 touch of homely style to their garden. Be aware that any DEFRA exempt shed log burner will need to be located within a smoke control area and the flue pipe protected.
You should also fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls behind and adjacent to the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
A wood burning stove for a shed is an excellent option for any space, not only providing efficient heating but also adding a beautiful rustic touch that adds warmth and ambiance. When you are choosing a wood burning stove for your shed or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut, yurt, or container home, it's important to consider the safety and rules.
When you are buying a stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to take into consideration. Although it can be tempting to buy a larger stove than what the space is required for, this can often lead to a lack of performance, or even overheating. To avoid this we recommend using our KW calculator to figure out the approximate KW output needed for your kitchen and adding a few extra KW to ensure.
There are a variety of small log burners that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Charnwood Country 4 is a great example. It features a stunning design inspired by the natural world that will fit in 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 very little air pollution. It also features a large viewing window and a multi fuel grate, meaning you can burn smokeless and wood fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic alternative. It comes in a range of colours and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. The model has some extra space to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm to the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is used. It offers a wide viewing area and is a great option for any log cabin or shed.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may need to put in non-combustible material around the stove or flue pipe based on the dimensions and style of your shed. second hand wood burner is especially important if you have a shed constructed from wood. The wood must be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed from another material, it is recommended to seek out an experienced installer to ensure the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a fantastic way to make your garden retreat warm and cozy during the colder months. However, if you want to add one to your shed, you must ensure that it's installed correctly. This will protect your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with the building regulations and safety standards. Also, you must ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes making sure that the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. If there isn't enough ventilation, the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
The first step to install the stove in a shed is to measure the space where you wish to install it. Be sure to take into account the size of the stove, and any other necessary accessories. Also, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible materials. Also, you must be aware of the insulation levels of the shed because they affect the amount of heat produced by the stove.
Once you've determined the area then mark the location where you intend to create the opening in the shed wall. Use a plumb line to ensure the correct positions, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the stove's back and the wall, and between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. You will also need to install a heat shield that shields the wall of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. This is included with the kit and simply lines up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that the shed has a hearth that is not combustible, which is typically constructed of either slate or granite, or concrete. The hearth must be a 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 from surfaces that are combustible must not exceed 200mm.
Once the hearth and stove are installed, it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to allow the mortar and sealants used to cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. Without airflow, it can result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents ensure that the flow of air continues around the stove when it is in use, preventing carbon monoxide build up and aiding in air circulation. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue, and be located as close as is possible to the stove.
When you install a stove that burns wood in a shed, you must adhere to some rules, specifically regarding ventilation. You could face fines in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, you should hire an HETAS-registered installationist to complete your installation and give you a certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which governs the installation of chimneys and flues, must also be followed. This includes the distance that the flue pipe is away from combustible surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The stove and flue pipe must be secured against fire damage with either heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to place an board that is insulated behind and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop the flue gasses from passing through walls that aren't insulated, and causing potential fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness if you place it away from possible sources of moisture. This includes leaky windows or doors and any places where rainwater could be able to drip onto the stove or chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the amount of moisture in the air, resulting in an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It will also prevent mold and fungus from growing on the exterior of your shed. This can impact the performance of your stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log burner. Don't burn treated wood off-cuts or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system, and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gasses. Don't burn any rubbish like tyres, cardboard or paper, these are not good for the environment and can cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a wood burning stove in the shed, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and take proper safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is in compliance with the requirements needed to install the stove, and that your chimney system is in good shape. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the correct fire insurance.
The first thing to consider when scoping out a shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Some sheds may not be suitable for installing log burners due to fire safety issues. It is also important to be aware that using timber as a building material for this application may be prohibited by local plans regulations.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide could cause health problems due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. Additionally, a lack of ventilation can result in condensation, which could result in damp issues within the shed.
Ensure that the shed isn't positioned too close to a stairwell, since this could cause the warm air to rise and lose heat as it rises. Likewise, your shed should not be too far away from a window as this can also lead to drafts that can cause stoves to perform functions such as the open window detection system.
Lastly, it's crucial to inspect the roof of your shed to ensure that it is waterproof and properly sealed where the flue pipe passes through. It is best to employ a professional roofer for the job to ensure that the work is completed to a high standard and in compliance with fire and building regulations. It is recommended to have a class A fire extinguisher in the shed to be able to respond quickly to any smoke or fire problems. It is recommended that you inspect your shed at least once per year to find signs of wear or damage that need to be fixed, and have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to avoid creosote from accumulating.