Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a fantastic alternative for gardeners looking to add a touch of homeliness to their home. Be aware that any DEFRA exempt shed log burner will need to be located within a smoke control zone and have the flue pipe properly shielded.
You will also need to put non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent and behind the stove to ensure that there is no fire risk.
Size
A wood-burning stove for the shed is a wonderful addition to any space and not only provide efficient heating but also adding a rustic and beautiful look that creates warmth and atmosphere. But before deciding on the stove you want for your shed or other off grid dwellings like a shepherd hut, yurt, earthship or container home, you must consider the rules and safety requirements.
When purchasing a log stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space, the size is a crucial aspect to consider. Although it can be tempting to buy larger stoves than what the space is required for, this can frequently result in a loss of performance and even overheating. To avoid this we recommend using our KW calculator to figure out the approximate KW output required for your kitchen and adding a few extra KW for safety.
Luckily, there are plenty of small log burners available that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example It has beautiful country-inspired designs that would suit any type of log cabin or shed with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. This model is also Ecodesign ready, ensuring that it burns extremely efficiently and causes minimal air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and multi fuel grate, which allows you to burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another great option. It comes in a range of colours and can generate heat up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more distance from combustibles - 550mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm with shielding. It offers a wide viewing area and is an ideal option for any shed or log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed, you may need to install non-combustible materials around the flue pipe and stove to ensure compliance with local safety regulations. This is particularly crucial if you have a shed constructed from wood. The wood must be kept at least a distance of 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed from a different material, you must seek out a professional installer so that the appropriate insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great way to keep your garden retreat warm and cozy in the cold winter months. If you're planning to add a wood burner to your shed, be sure it's installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed against fire damage and ensure that the stove is in compliance with building regulations and safety standard. It is also essential to ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes making sure that the area around the fireplace is free of combustible materials. Without proper ventilation the shed could become dangerous due to the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins with measuring the space you'd like to put it in. Take into consideration the size of the wood stove as well as any other equipment that might be required. Then, refer to the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible substances. Also, you should consider the shed's insulation levels because they will affect how much heat the stove produces.
Mark the location of the opening you'd like to create in the wall of the shed once you've taken measurements. Use a plumb line to ensure the right positions, and be sure to leave a sufficient clearance between the back of the stove and the wall, and between the side walls of the shed and the chimney stack. You will also need to fit a heat shield that protects the shed wall from the heat generated by the stove. This is supplied with the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
You will also need to ensure that the shed is equipped with an uncombustible hearth that is usually made of slate or granite, or concrete. The hearth should be a minimum of 12mm thick, and must be at a minimum of 225mm wide at the front and 150mm on both sides and the rear. The flue pipe must be protected and the safe distance from combustible surfaces should not 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 mortar and sealants will be cured properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove requires oxygen to burn. A lack of airflow will cause a fire that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide poisoning. A vent will ensure that air flows around the stove when it is in use and prevents carbon monoxide from building up and assisting with air circulation. Vents should be the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be as close as possible to the stove.
When installing understanding -burning stove in a shed, you must adhere to some rules, specifically with regards to ventilation. If you don't adhere to these, you could be penalized. To avoid this, always hire a HETAS certified installer to complete your installation and give you a an official certificate of conformity.
It is also essential to adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J which regulates the safe installation of flues as well as chimneys. This includes the distance the flue pipe can be away from combustible surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The stove and flue pipe must also be protected against fire damage by using heat shielding or an insulative board.
It is recommended to install an insulation board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent flue gases from getting drawn into un-insulated walls, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also protect your shed from dampness by placing it away from potential sources of water. This includes leaky windows or doors, and also any places where rainwater might drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and create a more pleasant environment. It can also help keep fungus and mould from growing on the surfaces of your shed, which can affect the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The type of fuel you burn in your log stove can also affect its performance. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These types of material produce toxic chemicals that can damage the flue and stove, and may produce excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in the flue gasses. Don't burn garbage like cardboard or tyres. They're harmful to the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
Although it is possible to install a wood burning stove in the shed, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and follow the proper safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners as well as ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good functioning order. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the appropriate fire insurance.
When looking for a shed to install a wood stove the first thing to consider is its construction material. Certain sheds might not be suitable for installing log burners due to fire safety concerns. It is also important to be aware that using wood as a construction material in this application may be prohibited by local planning regulations.
It is also important to ensure that your shed is ventilated. Without this, the combustion process isn't as efficient and could create a health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulation. Lack of ventilation could cause damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Make sure that your shed isn't placed too close to a staircase, as this will cause warmed air to rise up and lose heat as it rises. Your shed should also not be too far away from a window, as this could cause drafts that can trigger certain stoves such as the open-window detection system.
It is also essential to examine the roof of the shed for watertightness and make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. It is recommended to hire a professional roofer for the job to ensure that it is done to a high-standard and in compliance with fire and building regulations. Keep cheap wood burning stoves in class A inside the shed in the event there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended that you inspect your shed at least every year to check for signs of wear or damage that needs to be repaired, and make sure that the chimney and flue are cleaned regularly to avoid creosote from accumulating.