Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood burning stove for shed is a perfect option for those looking to add a touch of rustic charm to their garden retreat. Any DEFRA-compliant shed log burner has to be located in a smoke control zone and the flue pipe should be protected.
You should also put non-combustible materials on the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds can be an excellent addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they also add a rustic look to the space, creating warmth and ambiance. But before deciding on the stove you want for your shed or any other off grid dwellings like a shepherd's hut or yurt, an earthship or container home, it is important to consider the rules and safety requirements.
When purchasing a log stove for a shed, log cabin or any other outdoor space, the size is an important factor to consider. It may 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 figure out the KW required for your space and then adding a few KW to ensure.
There are a variety of small log burners that are perfect for sheds and log cabins. Charnwood Country 4 is a fantastic example. It features a stunning design inspired by the countryside that will fit in any shed or log cabin. It also has a power output of up to 4800 watts. This model is Ecodesign-ready, which means it burns efficiently and produces little air pollution. It also has a large viewing area and a multi-fuel grate, so you can burn wood and smokeless fuel.
large wood burner is another great option. It comes in a range of colours and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space away from combustibles - 550mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It offers a wide viewing area which makes it a great option for any shed or log cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may need to put in non-combustible material around the stove or flue pipe based on the dimensions and style of your shed. This is especially important when you have a building constructed of wood. The wood must be kept at 200mm away from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was constructed using a different material, you must consult an experienced installer to ensure the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great choice to keep your garden retreat warm and cozy in the winter months. If you do decide to add one to your shed, you must ensure that it's installed properly. This will shield your shed from fire damage and make sure that the stove meets safety and building regulations. Also, you must ensure that the shed is adequately ventilated. This includes ensuring that the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. The shed could become dangerous if it does not have adequate ventilation. This is because carbon monoxide can build up.
Installing a shed wood burner begins with measuring the space you'd like to place it. Be sure to consider the size of the stove and any other necessary accessories. Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for the safe distance away from any combustible materials. You'll also need to be aware of the insulation levels of the shed, as they could affect how much heat is produced by the stove.
Determine the exact position of the opening 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 enough space 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 a heat shield, which protects the walls of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. The kit comes with, and it simply aligns with the hearth plate.
It is also necessary to ensure that the shed has an uncombustible hearth that is usually made of slate or granite. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and at least 225mm wide in front, 150mm wide on the sides and rear. The flue pipe must be shielded and the safe distance between surfaces that are combustible cannot exceed 200mm.
After the stove and hearth are installed, you must wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is to ensure that the sealants and mortar can properly cure.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn - a lack of airflow can cause a fire that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide poisoning. Vents allow air to circulate around the stove when it is operating to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and encouraging air circulation. A vent should be the same size or bigger than the chimney/flue, and should be positioned as close to the stove as it is possible.
There are a number of regulations you must follow, particularly with regards to ventilation when installing a wood burning stove in an outdoor space. You could be fined if you do not comply. To avoid this, employ a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and provide an official certificate of conformance.
It is also essential to adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document PartJ which regulates the safe installation of flues and chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and combustible material, such as walls or ceilings are also included. The flue pipe and stove must be secured against fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is recommended to install an insulated board in the hearth of the shed, and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gases from getting trapped in walls that are not insulated and causing fire damage.
You can also safeguard your shed from dampness by positioning it away from possible sources of water. This includes any leaky windows or doors, as well as any areas where rainwater might spill onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture present in the air, creating an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It will also help to keep fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces of your shed, which can impact the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log stove can also affect its performance. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply or particle boards. These kinds of materials release harmful chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and may produce excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in the flue gases. Never burn rubbish like tyres or cardboard. They're bad for the environment and can block your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside an outdoor shed. However, it is important to follow the right instructions for installation and to adhere to all 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 working order. It's also a good idea that you have the right fire insurance.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove first thing you should think about is the construction material. Certain sheds, especially those built with a corrugated roof, may 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 might be restricted for this kind of application by regulations for planning, so be sure you check with your local authority prior to you start work.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is ventilated. Without this the combustion process won't be as efficient and could create the health risk of carbon monoxide accumulation. In addition, the lack of ventilation can lead to condensation, which could result in damp issues within the shed.
Make sure that the shed isn't placed too close to a stairwell because this can cause heated air to rise up and lose heat as it rises. The shed should not be too far away from a window since this could result in drafts, which could cause certain stoves such as the open-window detection system.
Additionally, it is essential to check the shed roof to ensure that it is watertight and well-sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. You should hire an expert roofer for the job to ensure it's done to a high-standard and in compliance with fire and building regulations. Keep a fire extinguisher of class A inside the shed in case of a smoke or fire emergency. It is recommended to examine your shed at least once a year for signs of wear and tear and repair them. You should also ensure that the flue and chimney cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of creosote.