Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for a sheds is a great option for those who want to add a little homely appeal to their garden. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be located within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe protected.
You should also put non-combustible materials on the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
A wood-burning stove for the shed is a wonderful addition to any space, not only providing efficient heating but also adding a rustic and beautiful look that creates warmth and atmosphere. Before you decide on the right wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut, yurt, or container home, it's crucial to think about safety and rules.
One of the most important things to consider when buying a log burner for a shed or log cabin is the size. It may be tempting to buy a larger stove to fit the space, but this could cause poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this we recommend using our KW calculator to find out the approximate KW output needed for your space and then adding a few more KW just to be safe.
There are numerous small log burners that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a fantastic example. It is a gorgeous design inspired by the natural world that will fit in any log cabin or shed. It also boasts a heat production of up to 4800 watts. This model is also Ecodesign ready, ensuring that it burns extremely efficiently and produces very little air pollution. It also has a huge viewing window and a multi fuel grates, which means you can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
Wood Burning Stoves is another fantastic option. It is available in a variety of colours and can produce heat up to 4.7kW. While this model requires some extra space to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm to the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm when shielding is utilized. It also has a large viewing window which makes it a great option for any shed or log cabin.
Based on the size and design of your shed you may need to install non-combustible materials around the flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly important when you have a building constructed of wood. The wood must be kept at a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed from another material, you should consult with an experienced installer to ensure the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood burner is a fantastic way to make your garden retreat cosy and comfortable 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 safeguard your shed from fire damage and also ensure that the stove complies with the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes ensuring the area around the fireplace is free of combustible material. The shed could become dangerous if it does not have sufficient ventilation. This is because carbon monoxide is a gas that can accumulate.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins by measuring the space in which you want to install it. Make sure to take into account the size of the stove, and any other necessary accessories. Refer to the instructions of the manufacturer to determine the safe distance from any combustible materials. It is also important to take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed as they can affect how much heat the stove produces.
Mark the position of the opening you'd like to create in the shed's wall after you have taken measurements. Use a plumb line to get the right positions and make 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. You will also need to install an insulation that shields the wall of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. The kit comes with, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
You will also need to ensure that the shed is equipped with a hearth that is not combustible, which is usually made of slate or granite, or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and with a width of 225mm in the front, and 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200mm.
After putting in the stove and hearth, you need to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is to ensure that the sealants and mortar can cure properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen in order to burn. A lack of airflow can result in a fire that doesn't burn or even poisoning with carbon monoxide. Vents ensure that air flows around the stove when it is in use and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and helping with air circulation. 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 several regulations you must adhere to, especially with regard to ventilation, when you install wood-burning stoves in an outdoor space. If you don't adhere to these regulations, you could be fined. To avoid this, employ a HETAS registered installer to perform your installation and issue you with a a certificate of compliance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which governs the installation of chimneys and flues must be adhered to. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material, such as ceilings or walls, is also included. The stove and flue pipe must be secured against fire damage with either heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to put an board that is insulated behind and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent the flue gases from being drawn into walls that are not properly insulated and causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness if you place it away from potential sources of moisture. This includes leaky windows or doors, as well as any places where rainwater could drip onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier also helps to reduce the moisture in the air, which can create an environment that is more comfortable. It also helps to prevent mold and fungus from growing on the exterior of your shed. This can affect the performance and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel you burn in your log stove can also affect its performance. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These materials may produce toxic chemicals that can harm the stove or flue system and create excessive emissions. They can also cause dangerously high temperatures and high temperatures in flue gas. Also, never burn rubbish like tyres, cardboard paper, plastic or paper, these are not good for the environment and can clog up your stove.
Safety
While 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 making sure that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log burners as well as making sure that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. It's also important to ensure that you have the right fire insurance in the correct location.
When you are looking for a shed to install a wood stove the first thing to consider is its construction material. Some sheds, particularly ones with a corrugated roof, may not be suitable for log burner installations because of fire safety concerns. You should also be aware that using timber as a construction material for this type of installation could be a violation by local planning regulations.
Then, you'll need make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause problems due to the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation could also lead to condensation and damp problems in the shed.
Be sure that your shed is not too close to the stairs. This can cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. Additionally your shed shouldn't be situated too far from a window, as this could cause draughts that can cause some stoves to perform functions such as the open windows detection system.
It's also important to check the roof of the shed for watertightness, and to make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. It is recommended to hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure it is done to a high-quality standard and in accordance with the building and fire codes. It is also recommended to keep an extinguisher of class A in the shed to respond quickly to any smoke or fire problems. It is recommended to check your shed every year for signs of wear and damage, and repair them. It is also recommended to have the chimney and flue cleaned regularly to prevent creosote accumulation.