Installing a Wood Burning Stove For a Shed
A wood-burning stove for your shed is a perfect option for those who want to add a touch of homely 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 the flue pipe shielded.
For fire safety it is also necessary to install non-combustible surfaces on the walls adjacent to and behind the stove.
Size
A wood-burning stove for the shed is a wonderful option for any space and not only provide efficient heating but also adding an attractive rustic look that adds warmth and ambiance. Before you decide on a wood-burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid dwelling such as a shepherd's hut or yurt, or container home, it's crucial to think about safety and regulations.
One of the most important aspects to think about when buying log burners for a log cabin or shed is sizing. It is tempting to buy a larger stove than is required 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 couple of extra KW to be safe.
There are a variety of small log burners that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Charnwood Country 4 is a fantastic example. It has a beautiful design inspired by the countryside that would fit any log cabin or shed. It also has a power output of up to 4800 watts. The model is Ecodesign equipped, ensuring that it burns very efficiently and causes the least amount of air pollution. It also has a large view window and a multifuel grate, which allows you to burn both smokeless and wood fuel.
Another option is the Saltfire Peanut stove range, which comes in a range of colors and boasts an impressive heat output of up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more distance from combustibles - 500mm on the sides and back, but this can be reduced to 100mm with shielding. It also has a huge viewing window which makes it an ideal option for any shed or log cabin.
To ensure that you are in compliance with local regulations, you may be required to install non-combustible materials around the flue or stove pipe, based on the size and design of your shed. This is especially important in the case of a shed made of any kind of timber, which must be at least 200mm from the stove to prevent fires. If your shed was constructed using any other material, you should speak with a professional installer to ensure that the appropriate insulating measures are in place.
Installation
A wood burner for your shed is a great option to make your garden warm and cozy during the colder months. If you are planning to add a wood burner to your shed, make sure it's installed correctly. This will safeguard your shed from fire damage and ensure that the stove meets the building regulations and safety standards. You must also ensure that the shed is adequately ventilated. This includes ensuring the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. If there isn't enough ventilation, the shed could become dangerous due to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
Installing a shed wood burner begins with measuring the space you'd like to put it in. Be sure to take into account the size of the stove, and any other necessary accessories. Also, make sure to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer regarding the safe distance to combustible materials. It is also important to take into consideration the insulation levels of the shed, as these can impact the amount of heat that the stove generates.
Once you've determined the area, mark out where you intend to create the opening in the shed wall. Use a plumb-line to make sure you are in the correct places. 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 install an insulation 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 have to ensure that your shed has an open hearth constructed of non-combustible materials, such as slate, granite or concrete. The hearth must be minimum of 12mm thick, at least 225mm wide in front, and 150mm wide on the sides and back. The flue pipe must be protected, and the safe distance from surfaces that are combustible should not exceed 200mm.
After you have installed the stove and hearth, you need to wait at least 24 hours before lighting it up for the first time. This is to allow the sealants and mortar used to set 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 continues to flow around the stove while it is operating, preventing carbon monoxide build up and aiding in 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 is possible.
There are wood burners for sale of regulations that you must be aware of, especially in regards to ventilation, when you install a wood burning stove in the shed. If you don't comply with these regulations, you could be fined. To avoid this, you should hire an HETAS-registered contractor to complete your installation and give you a certificate of conformance.
You must also adhere to the Building Regulation Approved Document Part J that regulates the safe installation of flues as well as chimneys. The distance between the flue pipe and the combustible material like walls or ceilings are also covered. The stove and the flue need to be protected from fire damage with either heat shielding or an insulation panel.
It is recommended to install an insulated board behind and in front of the flue outlet. This will stop the flue gasses from getting drawn through un-insulated walls and causing fire damage.
You can also shield your home from dampness by placing it away from potential sources of water. This could include windows that leak, and also any places where rainwater might splash onto the stove or flue pipe.
A dehumidifier also helps to reduce the amount of moisture present in the air, resulting in an atmosphere that is more pleasant. It will also help to stop fungus and mould from forming on the surfaces within your shed, which could hinder the performance of your stove and cause damage.
The kind of fuel you burn on your log burner will have an impact on the performance of your log burner too. Do not burn treated off-cuts, ply wood or particle boards. These types of materials produce harmful chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system and could cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Don't burn any rubbish like tyres, cardboard, paper or plastic as they are harmful for the environment and could clog up your stove.
Safety
While it is possible to install a wood burning stove in a shed, it's essential 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 to install log burners, and that your chimney is in good condition. It's also recommended to make sure that you have the right fire insurance in the correct location.
The first thing you should consider when deciding on the perfect shed for a wood stove is its construction materials. Some sheds might not be suitable for installing log burners due to safety concerns. It's also worth noting that using 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 start work.
It is also important to make sure that your shed is ventilated. Without it, the combustion process isn't as efficient and may pose the health risk of carbon monoxide accumulation. Lack of ventilation could also lead to damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Be sure that your shed is not too close to the staircase. This will cause heated air to rise, and then lose heat. Also your shed shouldn't be placed too far from a window, as this can also lead to drafts that can cause stoves to operate functions like the open window detection system.
It's also important to inspect the roof of the shed for watertightness and ensure that the flue pipe is sealed. Ideally, you should employ a professional roofer to complete the work to ensure that it is completed to a high quality and is in compliance with building and fire regulations. Keep an extinguisher in class A inside the shed in the event there is a fire or smoke emergency. It is recommended to check your shed at least once a year to check for signs of wear or damage that need to be repaired. Also, ensure that the chimney and flue are swept regularly to prevent creosote accumulation.