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 rustic charm to their garden retreat. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner will need to be situated within a smoke control area and have the flue pipe protected.
To ensure safety from fire, you will also need to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
Wood burning stoves for sheds can be a great addition. They not only provide efficient heating, but they provide a rustic feel to the space, creating warmth and ambience. But before deciding on the stove you want for your shed, or another off grid dwelling like a shepherd's hut, yurt, earthship or container home, you must be aware of the regulations and safety standards.
When purchasing a log stove for a log cabin, shed or other outdoor space the size is an important aspect to consider. It may be tempting to buy a larger stove that is needed for the space, but this can cause poor performance and even overheating. To avoid this, we recommend using our KW Calculator to find the estimated output needed for your room and then adding a few extra KW to be safe.
There are numerous small log burners that are ideal for sheds and log cabins. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features an attractive country-inspired design that is suitable for any kind of shed or log cabin with the capacity to heat up to 4.8kW. It is Ecodesign capable, which means that it burns extremely efficiently and causes minimal air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and a multi fuel grate, which allows you to burn both smokeless and wood fuel.
Another great option is another option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, that is available in a variety of colours and has an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires more space from combustibles, which is 550mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm using shielding. It also comes with a large viewing window which makes it a great option for any log or shed cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible material around the flue or stove pipe, based on the size and design of your shed. This is particularly crucial if your shed is constructed from any kind of wood, which should be at least 200mm from the stove to avoid fires. If your shed was built from a different material, it is recommended to seek out an experienced installer to ensure the proper insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a great option to make your garden cosy and comfortable during the colder months. If you're planning to add a wood burner to your shed, be sure it's installed correctly. This will shield your shed from damage caused by fire, and also make sure that the stove is compliant with the building regulations and safety standards. Also, you must ensure that the shed is ventilated. This includes making sure that the area around the fireplace is free of combustible material. The shed could be dangerous if it does not have adequate ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can build up.
Installing a shed wood burner begins with measuring the space you want to install it. Consider the size of the wood stove as well as any other accessories that might be required. Refer to the guidelines of the manufacturer for the safe distance from combustible material. It is also important to take into account the insulation levels of the shed, as they could affect how much heat is generated by the stove.
Determine the exact area of the opening that you'd like to create in the shed's wall after you've measured it. Use an arc-line to ensure that the correct positions. Also, leave plenty of space between the walls of the side and the chimney stack, and the back of your stove. Install an insulation layer to shield the walls of the shed from heat generated by the stove. This comes with the kit and simply aligns with the hearth plate.
Also, you must ensure that the shed is equipped with a non-combustible hearth, which is typically constructed of either slate or granite. The hearth should be minimum of 12mm thick and with a width of 225mm in the front, 150mm wide on the sides and in the rear. The flue pipe should be shielded, and the safe distance from combustible surfaces must not exceed 200mm.
Once the stove and hearth are installed, it is necessary to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it for the first time. This is so that the mortar and sealants will be cured properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen to burn. Without airflow, it could cause a flame that isn't burning or even carbon monoxide. Vents will ensure that air flows around the stove when it is operating to prevent carbon monoxide build up and aiding in air circulation. Vents should be similar in size or larger than the chimney/flue and should be positioned as close to the stove as is possible.
When installing corner wood burning stove -burning stove in a shed, you must follow a few regulations, particularly regarding ventilation. You could be penalized in the event that you fail to comply with. To avoid this, you should hire a HETAS-registered installer to complete your installation and give you the certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved Document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues, must also be followed. This includes the distance the flue pipe can be away from combustible objects, such as ceilings and walls. 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 the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent the flue gases from getting drawn into walls that are not properly insulated, potentially causing fire damage.
You can also protect the shed from dampness by ensuring you put it away from any potential sources of moisture. This could include windows or doors that leak as well as any other places that rainwater may drip onto the stove and flue pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to reduce moisture in the air and create a more comfortable atmosphere. It can also help prevent mould and fungus from forming on the surfaces in your shed, which could impact the performance of the stove and lead to damage.
The type of fuel that you burn in your log burner can affect the performance of your log burner. Don't burn treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These types of material produce toxic chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system and may produce excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Don't burn any rubbish such as tyres, paper or plastic These are harmful for the environment and can cause a blockage in your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log burner inside the shed. However it is essential to follow the correct guidelines for installation and take all necessary safety precautions. This includes ensuring that your shed meets the requirements for installing log stoves, as well as ensuring that your chimney and flue system is in good working order. In addition, it's recommended to make sure that you have the appropriate fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing to consider when deciding on the best shed to install a wood stove is the construction materials. Some sheds may not be suitable to install log burners due a fire safety concerns. It's also worth noting that the use of timber as a building material could be prohibited for this type of application by building regulations, so be sure to check with your local authority before you begin work.
Also, you must make sure that your shed is ventilated. Without it combustion, it isn't as efficient and may pose an health risk due to carbon monoxide accumulating. Lack of ventilation could cause damp issues and condensation in the shed.
Be sure that your shed is not too close to the stairwell. This can cause heated air to rise and lose heat. Also your shed shouldn't be placed too far from a window, since this can also lead to drafts that can cause stoves to perform functions like the open window detection system.
Lastly, it's important to examine the shed roof to make sure it's watertight and properly sealed where the flue pipe passes through. Ideally, you should employ a professional roofer to carry out the work so that it is done to a high standard and is in accordance with building regulations and fire codes. Keep a fire extinguisher of class A inside the shed in the event there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended that you check your shed every year for signs of wear and damage and repair them. It is also recommended to have the flue and chimney cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of creosote.