Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for your sheds is an ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of homely charm to their garden retreat. Any DEFRA-compliant shed log burner has to be installed in a smoke-control zone and the flue pipe should be protected.
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 addition to any space, not only providing efficient heating but also adding an attractive rustic look that adds warmth and ambiance. However, before you choose a stove for your shed, or another off grid dwellings like a shepherd hut or yurt, an earthship or container home, it is important to be aware of the regulations and safety rules.
When buying a log stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to consider. Although it can be tempting to purchase larger stoves than what the space is required for, this can frequently result in a loss of performance, or even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW calculator to figure out the approximate KW output needed for your area and then adding a few KW just to be safe.
There are a lot of small log burners available that are perfect for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has beautiful country-inspired designs that will fit in with any kind of shed or log cabin with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready which means it burns efficiently and causes very little air pollution. It also has a large viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate, so you can burn wood and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another excellent option. It comes in a range of colours and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more distance from combustibles - 500mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm by shielding. It offers a wide viewing area and is an ideal option for any log cabin or shed.
Depending on the dimensions and design of your shed you may have to install non-combustible materials around the stove and flue pipe to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety standards. This is particularly crucial when 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 was constructed using any other material, you should consult an expert installation contractor to ensure that the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a fantastic way to make your garden retreat warm and cozy during the colder months. If you are planning to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure that it is properly installed. This will protect your shed from damage caused by fire and also make sure that the stove is compliant with building regulations and safety standards. It is also essential to ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes ensuring that the space around the fireplace is free of 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 a shed wood stove is to measure the area where you wish to install it. Be sure to consider the dimensions of the stove and any other equipment you need. Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for the safe distance from flammable materials. Also, you must consider the insulation levels of the shed, as they can influence the amount of heat generated by the stove.
Note the position of the opening you'd like to create in the shed's wall after you have taken measurements. Use the plumb line to get the positions right and ensure that you leave a sufficient clearance between the back of the stove and the wall, as well as between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. You'll also need to fit a heat shield, which shields the wall of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. This is included with the kit and is simply lined up with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to make sure that the shed has an uncombustible hearth that is typically constructed of either slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum 12mm thick and at least 225mm wide in front, and 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe should be shielded, and the safe distance from combustible surfaces must not exceed 200mm.
Once the hearth and stove are in place, you should wait at least 24 hours prior to lighting it for the first time. This is to ensure that the mortar and sealants will be cured properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it could result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove while it is in operation, preventing carbon dioxide build-up and encouraging air circulation. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue, and be located close to the stove.
When installing a wood-burning stove in a shed, you must adhere to a few regulations, particularly regarding ventilation. If you do not comply with these, you could be punished. To avoid this, employ a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and provide the certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved Document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues, must be adhered to. This includes the distance the flue pipe can be from combustible materials such as ceilings and walls. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage by either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.
It is recommended to put an insulated board behind and in front of the outlet for the flue. This will stop flue gases from getting trapped in walls that are not insulated, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from potential sources of moisture. This includes leaky doors or windows and any places where rainwater could spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the moisture in the air, which can create a more pleasant environment. It also helps to prevent mould and fungus growing on the exterior of your shed. This could affect the performance and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log stove. Don't burn treated wood off-cuts or particle board. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can harm the flue and stove, and could cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in the flue gasses. Don't burn garbage like cardboard or tyres. They're bad for the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside a shed. However it is essential to follow the right instructions for installation and to take all necessary safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed is built to meet the requirements to install the stove and that your chimney system is in good condition. Additionally, it's important to ensure that you have the correct fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to consider when deciding on the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Some sheds, particularly ones with a corrugated roof, might not be suitable for installations of log burners due to fire safety issues. It is also important to note that using timber as a building material may be prohibited for this type of use by the building regulations, so be sure to consult with your local authority prior to you begin your work.
The next step is to ensure that your shed is equipped with adequate ventilation. Without it the combustion process isn't as efficient and could create a health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulating. A lack of ventilation can cause damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Be certain that your shed is not too close to the stairs. This will cause heated air to rise and lose heat. The shed should not be too far from a window, as this could result in draughts which can cause some stoves, such as the open-window detection system to go into.
Additionally, small wood burning stove is important to examine the shed roof to make sure it's waterproof and properly sealed the area where the flue pipe runs through. Ideally, you should hire an expert roofer to do the work to ensure that it is completed to a high standard and in compliance with fire and building regulations. You should also keep an extinguisher that is class A in the shed to be able to respond quickly to any smoke or fire issues. It is recommended to examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and tear and repair them. You should also have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of creosote.