Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood burning stove for sheds is an ideal choice for those looking to add a touch of rustic charm to their garden retreat. Any DEFRA-approved shed log burner should be installed in a smoke-control zone and the flue pipe should be protected.
To ensure safety from fire, you will also need to put non-combustible flooring on the walls in front of and behind the stove.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are an excellent addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they also add a rustic look to the area, which creates warmth and atmosphere. But, before deciding on a stove for your shed or any other off grid dwelling like a shepherd hut or yurt, an earthship or container home it's important to be aware of the regulations and safety standards.
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. While it might be tempting to buy an extra large stove than what the space is required for, this can frequently result in a loss of performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we suggest using our KW Calculator to find the required output for your room and then adding a couple of additional KW to ensure.
There are many small log burners that are ideal for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example; this model has a beautiful country inspired design that would suit any type of log cabin or shed, while it boasts a heat output of up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign ready, ensuring that it burns extremely efficiently and causes very little air pollution. It also features a large viewing area as well as an grate that can be used for multiple fuels so you can burn wood and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another excellent alternative. It comes in a variety of colours and can produce heat up to 4.7kW. This model does require some extra space to combustibles compared to other models on this list - 550mm to the sides and rear - this can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is utilized. It also has a large viewing area, making it an ideal choice for any log cabin or shed.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may have to install non-combustible materials around the stove or flue pipe depending on the size and style of your shed. This is particularly crucial if your shed is constructed from any kind of wood, which should be kept at least 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was built from a different material, you should seek out a professional installer so that the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood stove for your shed is a great choice to keep your garden warm and cozy in the winter months. If you're planning to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure it is installed correctly. This will shield your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove meets building regulations and safety standard. It is also essential to ensure that the shed is adequately ventilated. This includes ensuring the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. If the ventilation is not adequate the shed could be dangerous due to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a shed wood burner begins with measuring the space you'd like to put it in. Consider the dimensions of the wood stove and any other accessories that may be required. Refer to the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance away from combustible material. You will also need to consider the shed's insulation levels, as these can impact the amount of heat your stove produces.
Mark the area of the opening that you'd like to create in the shed's wall after you have measured it. Use the plumb line to get the positions right, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the back of the stove and the wall, and between the walls of the shed and the chimney stack. Install a heat shield to protect the wall of the shed from the heat produced by the stove. This is included with the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must make sure that your shed has hearths made of non-combustible material, like slate, granite, or concrete. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick, 225mm wide in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and back. The flue pipe should be shielded, and the safe distance from combustible surfaces must not exceed 200mm.
After you have installed the stove and hearth You must wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is to allow the sealants and mortar that you use to fully cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen in order to burn. Without airflow, it could cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove when it is in use and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and assisting with circulation of air. Vents should be the same size or larger than the chimney/flue and should be positioned as close to the stove as possible.
There are a number of regulations that you must follow, particularly with regard to ventilation, when installing wood-burning stoves in a shed. You could be penalized for not complying with. To avoid this, employ a HETAS registered installer to carry out your installation and give you a a certificate of conformity.
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 can be away from combustible surfaces like ceilings and walls. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding, or an insulation panel.
It is recommended to install an insulated board behind the hearth of the shed and also in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent the flue gases from getting trapped in walls that are not insulated which could cause fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness if you place it away from any possible sources of moisture. This can include leaky windows or doors, and also any places where rainwater could splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier can also reduce the moisture in the air, which can create a more pleasant environment. It can also help keep fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces within your shed, which could impact the performance of the stove and cause damage.
The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner will 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 harmful chemicals that can harm the flue and stove, and could cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Don't burn any rubbish such as tyres paper, plastic or paper, these are not good for the environment and could cause a blockage in 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 the appropriate safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners, and ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good operating condition. It's also a good idea to make sure you have the correct fire insurance.
The first thing you should consider when scoping out the perfect shed for a wood stove is the construction materials. Certain sheds, specifically those with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for installations of log burners due to fire safety concerns. Be aware that using wood as a construction material in this application may be prohibited by local plans regulations.
You'll also need to ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. large wood burner is a health risk and can cause issues due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. In addition, a lack of ventilation could result in condensation, which can lead to damp issues in the shed.
Make sure that your shed isn't positioned too close to a stairwell as this will cause warmed air to rise up and lose heat in the process. Your shed should also not be too far away from a window, as this could result in drafts that can trigger certain stoves like the open-window detection system.
It's also important to check the shed roof for watertightness, and to make sure that the flue pipe is sealed. You should hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure that it's done to a high standard and in accordance with building and fire regulations. Keep a class A extinguisher inside the shed in case of a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended to check your shed every year for signs of wear and tear and repair them. You should also ensure that the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to prevent creosote accumulation.