Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great option for gardeners who want to bring a touch of comfort to their outdoor space. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be located within a smoke control area and the flue pipe adequately protected.
It is also necessary to install non-combustible surfaces on 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 and not only provide efficient heating but also adding a beautiful rustic touch that creates warmth and atmosphere. When you are choosing a wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid home, like a shepherd's hut, yurt or container home, it is crucial to think about safety and rules.
When buying a log stove for a shed, log cabin or any other outdoor space, the size is a crucial factor to consider. It may be tempting to purchase a larger stove than is required for the space, but this could lead to poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW Calculator to figure out the approximate output required for your space and then adding a couple of additional KW to ensure.
There are numerous small log burners that are perfect for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features an attractive country-inspired design that is suitable for any kind of log cabin or shed with an output of up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes very little air pollution. It also has a huge viewing window and a multi fuel grate, which allows you to burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great option. It is available in a variety of colors and can generate heat up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space away from combustibles - 550mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It also comes with a large viewing window which makes it a great option for any log cabin.
Depending on the dimensions and style of your shed you may need to fit non-combustible materials around the stove and flue pipe to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly crucial when your shed is made of any kind of timber, which must be kept at least 200mm away from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed out of any other material, you should consult an expert installation contractor to ensure that the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a great way to make your garden warm and cozy during the winter months. If you plan to add a wood stove to your shed, make sure that it is properly installed. This will safeguard your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with safety and building regulations. In addition to ensuring that the area around the stove is clear of combustible substances You must also ensure that the shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. The shed could be dangerous if it does not have adequate ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can build up.
The first step to install a shed wood stove is to measure the area where you'd like to put it. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove and any other accessories that might be required. Refer to the guidelines of the manufacturer for the safe distance from flammable materials. You will also need to consider the shed's insulation levels as they can affect the amount of heat that the stove produces.
Once you have determined the area then mark the location the areas you'll need to create the opening in the wall of your shed. Use a plumb-line to make sure you are in the right locations. Also, leave enough space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. You'll also need to fit a heat shield that protects the shed wall from the heat generated by the stove. It is included in the kit and is simply aligned with the hearth plate.
You will also have to ensure that your shed has a hearth made of non-combustible materials like slate, granite, or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe should be shielded and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
Once the stove and hearth are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is to ensure that the mortar and sealants can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it can result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air flows around the stove when it is in use and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and helping with air circulation. A vent should have the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be located as close as possible to the stove.
When you install a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must follow certain rules, especially in relation to ventilation. You could face fines in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, always employ a HETAS certified installer to complete your installation and give you a the certificate of compliance.
The Building Regulation Approved Document Part J, which governs the installation of chimneys and flues, must also be adhered to. This includes the distance the flue pipe is from combustible materials such as walls and ceilings. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage by either heat shielding, or an insulative panel.
It is recommended to put an insulated board on the hearth of the shed, and also in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop flue gases from getting trapped in walls that are not insulated and causing fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness if you position it away from potential sources of moisture. This could include leaky windows or doors, and also any places where rainwater might drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more pleasant environment. It can also stop the growth of fungus and mould on the exterior of your shed. This can affect the performance and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log stove can affect the performance of your log stove. 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 may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Also, do not burn garbage like tyres, cardboard paper, plastic or paper as they are harmful for the environment and could slow down your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a wood burning stove in a shed, it's important to follow the correct installation guidelines and take proper safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is built to meet the requirements to install the stove, and that your chimney is in good working order. It is important to ensure that you have the correct fire insurance.
The first thing to think about when deciding on the perfect shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Certain sheds might not be suitable to install log burners due a fire safety concerns. It is also important to be aware that using wood as a building material for this purpose could be prohibited by local planning regulations.
Also, you must ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. Without it, the combustion process won't be as efficient and may pose a health risk due to carbon monoxide build-up. wood heater stove of ventilation could cause condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Make certain that your shed isn't too close to the stairs. This will cause heated air to rise and lose heat. 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.
Lastly, it's crucial to inspect the roof of your shed to ensure it's waterproof and properly sealed the area where the flue pipe runs 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 accordance with the building and fire codes. 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 to check your shed at least once a year to find signs of wear or damage that need to be fixed, and have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to avoid creosote accumulation.