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 warmth to their outdoor space. Any DEFRA-compliant shed log burner should be located in a smoke control area and the flue pipe should be adequately shielded.
For fire safety, you will also need to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls that are adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds are a great addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but provide a rustic feel to the area, which creates warmth and atmosphere. But, before you choose a stove for your shed or other off grid dwellings like a shepherd's hut, yurt, earthship or container home, you must consider the rules and safety standards.
When you are buying a stove for a log cabin, shed or any other outdoor space, the size is an important aspect to take into consideration. It can be tempting to buy a larger 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 figure out the KW required for your area and then adding a few extra KW for safety.
There are many small log burners that work well for sheds and log cabins. 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 with a heat output of up to 4.8kW. This model is also Ecodesign equipped, ensuring that it burns very efficiently and causes minimal air pollution. It also comes with a huge viewing area and an grate that can be used for multiple fuels so you can burn wood and smokeless fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic alternative. It comes in a variety of colors and can generate heat up to 4.7kW. The model has a little more distance to combustibles than the other models on this list - 550mm from the sides and rear - it can be reduced by 100mm if shielding is used. It also comes with a large viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any log cabin.
Depending on the size and design of your shed you may have to install non-combustible materials around your flue pipe and stove to ensure that it is in compliance with local safety standards. This is especially important when you have a building constructed of wood. The wood must be kept at least 200mm away from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed is constructed from any other material then you should seek the advice of a professional installer to ensure that the proper insulating 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 do decide to add one to your shed, make sure that it is installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove meets the building regulations and safety standards. In addition to making sure that the area around the stove is clear of flammable materials It is essential to ensure that your shed has adequate ventilation. If the ventilation is not adequate the shed could become hazardous due to the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a shed wood burner begins with measuring the space you want to install it. Take into consideration the size of the wood stove, as well as any other accessories that may be required. Then, consult the instructions of the manufacturer on the safe distance from combustible substances. It is also important to take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed because they will affect the amount of heat your stove produces.
Once you have determined the area, mark out the areas you'll need to create the opening in the shed wall. Use an arc-line to ensure that the correct positions. Also, leave plenty of space between the walls on the sides and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. You'll also need to fit a heat shield, which protects the walls of the shed from the heat generated by the stove. It is included in the kit and connects up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that your shed has hearths made of non-combustible materials, such as granite, slate or concrete. The hearth must be a minimum of 12mm thick and at least 225mm wide in front, 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 200 millimetres.
After the stove and hearth are installed, it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it 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. Without airflow, it could result in a non-burning flame or even carbon monoxide. Vents ensure that air flows around the stove when it is in use, preventing carbon monoxide build up and aiding in circulation of air. A vent should have the same size as the chimney/flue, and be close to the stove.
There are many rules that you have to adhere to, especially with regards to ventilation when you install a wood-burning stove in the shed. You could be fined in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, employ an HETAS-registered contractor to complete your installation and provide the certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved document Part J, which governs the installation of chimneys and flues must also be adhered to. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials, such as walls or ceilings are also covered. The stove and flue pipe must also be protected against fire damage using either heat shielding or an insulation board.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board behind the hearth of the shed, and in front of the flue outlet. This will prevent the flue gasses from being trapped in walls that are not insulated which could cause fire damage.
You can also protect your shed from dampness by putting it away from potential sources of water. This could include leaky windows or doors, and also any places that rainwater may splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier is also able to decrease the amount of moisture in air and create a more pleasant environment. It can also stop mould and fungus growing on the surfaces of your shed. This could affect the efficiency of the stove and cause damage to the stove.
The type of fuel you burn on your log burner can have an impact on its performance too. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These types of materials produce toxic chemicals that can damage the stove and flue system, and can cause excessive emissions and dangerously high temperatures in flue gasses. Avoid burning rubbish such as cardboard or tyres. They are bad for the environment and can block your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log stove in the shed. However, it is important to follow the correct guidelines for installation and take all necessary safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed meets the requirements for installing log burners, as well as making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good functioning order. In addition, it's recommended to make sure that you have the right fire insurance in place.
The first thing to consider when scoping out the perfect shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Some sheds, particularly those with a corrugated metal roof, may not be suitable for installation of log burners because of fire safety issues. It is also important to note that using timber as a building material could be restricted for this kind of application by regulations for planning, so be sure you check with your local authority prior to you begin work.
You'll also need to make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Without it the combustion process won't be as efficient and could pose an health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulating. In addition, the absence of ventilation could cause condensation, which could cause damp issues in the shed.
Ensure that the shed is not placed too close to a stairwell, as this will cause warmed air to rise and lose heat as it rises. The shed should not be too far from a window since this could cause draughts which can cause some stoves like the open-window detection system.
It's also important to inspect the roof of your shed for watertightness and make sure that the flue pipe is properly sealed. Ideally, corner wood burner should hire a professional roofer to do the work to ensure that it is done to a high standard and in compliance with building regulations and fire codes. It is recommended to have an extinguisher that is class A in the shed in order to respond swiftly to any smoke or fire problems. It is recommended to inspect your shed at least once a year to check for signs of wear or damage that needs to be repaired. Also, ensure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote build-up.