Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood burning stove for sheds is a great option for those who want to add a touch of homely charm to their garden retreat. Be aware that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner has to be placed within a smoke control area and the flue pipe properly protected.
You will also need to fit non-combustible surfaces to the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds can be a great addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they also add a rustic touch to the space 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 important to consider the safety and regulations.
When purchasing a log stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space the size is a crucial aspect to consider. It can be tempting to buy a bigger 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 KW output needed for your area and then adding a few extra KW for safety.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners available that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features beautiful country-inspired designs that is suitable for any kind of log cabin or shed and boasts the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and causes little air pollution. It also has a huge view window and a multifuel grate, meaning you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
Another alternative is an alternative to the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a variety of colours and boasts a stunning heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space away from combustibles - 550mm on the sides and back, but this could be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It also has a large viewing window, making it an ideal option for any log or shed cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may need to put in non-combustible material around the flue or stove pipe based on the dimensions and shape of your shed. This is particularly important when you have a building constructed of wood. The wood should be kept at 200mm away from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed using a different material, you must seek out a professional installer so that the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood stove for your shed is a great choice to keep your garden retreat warm and cozy during the winter months. If you do decide to add one to your shed, ensure that it is installed properly. This will protect your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove meets building regulations and safety standard. In addition to making sure that the space surrounding the stove is free of combustible substances, you must ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. If the ventilation is not adequate the shed could be hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner for your shed starts with measuring the space you'd like to put it in. Make sure to consider the size of the stove and any other necessary accessories. Also, make indoor wood burner to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible materials. Also, you must consider the insulation levels of the shed because they influence the amount of heat produced by the stove.
After you have determined the area and marked the area the areas you'll need to create the opening in the wall of the shed. Use an arc-line to ensure that the right places. Also, leave plenty of space between the side walls and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. Install a heat shield to protect the shed wall against the heat produced by the stove. The kit comes with and simply aligns with the hearth plate.
You will also have to ensure that your shed has an open hearth constructed of non-combustible material, like slate, granite, or concrete. The hearth needs to be at least 12mm thick, and must be at least 225mm wide in the front and 150mm on both sides and the rear. The flue pipe must be shielded and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200mm.
After putting in the hearth and stove, you need 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 requires oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it can cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove when it is in operation to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same size as the chimney/flue, and be located as close as is possible to the stove.
There are many regulations you must adhere to, especially with regards to ventilation, when you install wood-burning stoves in an outdoor space. If you do not comply with these regulations, you could be punished. To avoid this, hire an HETAS registered installer to carry out your installation and give you a an official certificate of compliance.
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 must be away from combustible surfaces like ceilings and walls. The flue pipe and stove must be secured against fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to put an insulated board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop flue gases from being drawn into un-insulated walls and causing fire damage.
You can also safeguard your home from dampness by putting it away from possible sources of water. This includes 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 atmosphere. It can also keep fungus and mould from growing on the surfaces in your shed, which could affect the performance of the stove and cause damage.
The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on the performance of your log burner too. Avoid burning treated wood off-cuts or particle board. These types of material produce toxic chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Avoid burning rubbish such as tyres or cardboard. They're bad for the environment and can clog your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside the shed. However it is crucial to follow the right instructions for installation and to adhere to all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log stoves, and making sure that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the right fire insurance.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove, the first thing you need to be aware of is the material used in its construction. 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 wood as a construction material for this purpose could be prohibited by local regulations for planning.
It is also important to ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. Without it the combustion process isn't as efficient and could create the health risk of carbon monoxide accumulation. Lack of ventilation could also lead to damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Ensure that the shed isn't situated too close to a stairwell, as this will cause warmed air to rise and lose heat in the process. Likewise the shed should not be situated too far from a window as this could cause drafts that could cause certain stoves to operate functions such as the open window detection system.
It is also important to examine the roof of your shed to ensure that it is waterproof and properly sealed the area where the flue pipe runs through. It is best to employ a professional roofer for the job to ensure the work is completed to a high-quality standard and in accordance with the building and fire codes. Keep a fire extinguisher of class A inside the shed in case of a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended to inspect your shed at least once a year to check for signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired, and have the chimney and flue cleaned frequently to prevent creosote from accumulating.
