Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for a sheds is an ideal choice for those looking to add a touch of homely style to their garden. Be aware that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner has to be placed within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe shielded.
To protect yourself from fire, you will also need to install non-combustible materials on the walls in front of and behind the stove.
Size
A wood burning stove for a shed is an excellent option for any space, not only providing efficient heating but also adding an attractive rustic look that creates warmth and atmosphere. But before you choose a stove for your shed, or another off grid dwelling like a shepherd's hut or yurt, an earthship or container home it's important to be aware of the regulations and safety rules.
When purchasing a log stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space the size is an important factor to consider. It may be tempting to buy a bigger stove to fit the space, but this can lead to poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this we recommend using our KW calculator to find out the approximate KW output required for your space 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; this model has a beautiful country inspired design that is suitable for any kind of shed or log cabin with a heat output of up to 4.8kW. The model is Ecodesign ready, ensuring that it burns very efficiently and creates the least amount of air pollution. It also has a large viewing area as well as a multi-fuel grate so you can burn wood as well as smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic alternative. It is available in a range of colours and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. While this model requires a little more distance to combustibles than other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is employed. It also has a large viewing area, making it an ideal option for any log cabin or shed.
Depending on the size and design of your shed, you may have to install non-combustible materials around the flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety standards. This is especially important if you have a shed constructed from wood. The wood should be kept at least 200mm away from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was built using a different material, it is recommended to seek out an expert installer 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 cosy and comfortable during the colder months. If you plan to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure that it is properly installed. This will protect your shed against fire damage and make sure that the stove meets building regulations and safety standard. In addition to ensuring that the space around the stove is free of combustible materials, you must ensure that the shed has adequate ventilation. The shed could be dangerous if it doesn't have enough ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can build up.
The first step in installing a shed wood stove is to measure the area where you'd like to put it. Make sure to consider the size of the stove and any other necessary accessories. Refer to the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance away from combustible material. Also, you should consider the shed's insulation levels because they will affect the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Once you've taken measurements of the space and marked the area the location you plan to make the opening in the wall of your shed. Use a plumb-line to ensure the proper places. Also, leave enough space between the side walls and the chimney stack as well as the back of your stove. Install an insulation layer to shield the walls of the shed from heat produced by the stove. It is included in the kit and simply aligns with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that the shed is equipped with a hearth that is not combustible, which is usually made of slate or granite. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick, at least 225mm wide in front, and 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe must be protected and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200 millimetres.
After installing the hearth and stove, you need to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is to allow the sealants and mortar used to cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen in order to burn. A lack of airflow can cause a fire that isn't burning or even poisoning with carbon monoxide. A vent will ensure that air continues to flow around the stove while it is operating to prevent carbon monoxide build up and assisting with air circulation. A vent should be the same size as the chimney/flue and be close 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 be penalized if you do not comply. To avoid this, hire a HETAS certified installer to perform your installation and issue you with a the certificate of compliance.
You must also follow the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which governs the installation of flues and chimneys. This includes the distance the flue pipe must be away from combustible objects such as walls and ceilings. The stove and flue should be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding or an insulation panel.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board in the hearth of the shed and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent the flue gases from being drawn into walls that are not properly insulated, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also shield your home from dampness by placing it away from potential sources of water. This includes any leaky doors or windows and also any areas where rainwater might drip onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier can also help to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more pleasant environment. It also helps to prevent the growth of fungus and mould on the surfaces of your shed. This could affect the performance of your stove and cause damage to the stove.
shed wood burner of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on its performance too. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These materials may produce harmful chemicals that can damage the stove or flue system and cause excessive emissions. They may also produce dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Avoid burning rubbish such as cardboard or tyres. They're harmful to the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in the shed, it is 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 making sure that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. Additionally, it's a good idea to ensure that you have the right fire insurance in place.
When you are looking for a shed to install a wood stove first thing you need to think about is the construction material. Certain sheds, specifically those with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for installation of log burners due to fire safety concerns. Be aware that using timber as a building material for this purpose could be prohibited by local plans regulations.
Then, you'll need ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide could cause health issues due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. Lack of ventilation could cause damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Ensure that the shed isn't situated too close to a stairwell since this could cause the warm air to rise up and lose heat as it rises. Your shed should also not be too far away from a window since this could result in drafts that can trigger certain stoves, such as the open-window detection system to activate.
It is also essential to examine the roof of the shed for watertightness and make sure that the flue pipe is sealed. Ideally, you should hire an expert roofer to complete the work to ensure that it is completed to a high standard and is in compliance with building and fire regulations. It is also recommended to keep a class A fire extinguisher in the shed to respond quickly to any fire or smoke problems. It is recommended to inspect your shed at least every year to look for signs of wear or damage that need to be fixed, and ensure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote from accumulating.