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 little homely style to their garden. Be mindful that any DEFRA-exempt shed log burner needs to be situated in a smoke-free area and have the flue pipe shielded.
It is also necessary to put non-combustible materials on the walls adjacent and behind the stove for fire safety reasons.
Size
A wood-burning stove for the shed is a wonderful option for any space that not only provides efficient heating but also adding an attractive rustic look that brings warmth and ambience. When you are choosing a wood burning stove for your shed, or any other off grid home, like a shepherd's hut, yurt, or container home, it's crucial to think about safety and rules.
When purchasing a log stove for a shed, log cabin or other outdoor space, the size is a crucial aspect to consider. It can be 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 out the approximate KW output needed for your space and then adding a few extra KW to ensure.
There are many small log burners that are perfect for log cabins and sheds. Take the Charnwood Country 4 for example This model features beautiful country-inspired designs that will fit in with any kind of shed or log cabin with a heat output of up to 4.8kW. This model is Ecodesign-ready which means it is efficient in burning and creates less air pollution. It also has a large viewing window and multi fuel grates, which means you can burn both smokeless and wood fuel.
The Saltfire Peanut stove is another fantastic alternative. It comes in a range of colours and can produce heat of up to 4.7kW. This model requires a bit more space away from combustibles - 550mm on the sides and back - but this can be reduced to 100mm with shielding. It also has a large viewing area and is a great option for any log cabin or shed.
Based on the size and design of your shed, you may need to fit non-combustible materials around the stove and flue pipe to ensure compliance with local safety regulations. This is especially important when your shed is constructed from any kind of timber, and must be at least 200mm from the stove in order to prevent fires. If your shed is built from any other material then you should seek the advice of an expert installer to ensure that the correct insulation measures are in place.
Installation
A shed wood stove is a great option to keep your garden warm and cozy during the cold winter months. If you are planning to add a wood stove to your shed, be sure that it is properly installed. This will shield your shed from damage caused by fire and make sure that the stove is compliant with the regulations for building and safety standards. It is also essential to ensure that your shed is properly ventilated. This includes ensuring the space around the fireplace is free of combustible material. The shed could become dangerous if it does not have sufficient ventilation. This is due to the fact that carbon monoxide can get sucked up.
Installing a wood burner in a shed begins with measuring the space you'd like to place it. Consider the size of the wood stove, as well as any other accessories that may be required. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the safe distance from any combustible materials. It is also important to be aware of the insulation levels in the shed as they can affect the amount of heat that the stove produces.
Once you have taken measurements of the space and marked the area the location you plan to make the opening in the wall of your shed. Use a plumb line to ensure 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. Install an insulation layer to shield the walls of the shed from heat generated by the stove. This is included with the kit and is simply lined up with the hearth plate.
Also, you must make sure that your shed has hearths made of non-combustible materials, like slate, granite or concrete. The hearth should be at least 12mm thick, and must be at a minimum of 225mm wide in the front and 150mm on both sides and at the rear. The flue pipe has to be protected and the safe distance between combustible surfaces cannot exceed 200mm.
After putting in the hearth and stove It is important to wait at least 24 hrs before lighting it up for the first time. This is to allow the mortar and sealants used to set properly.
Ventilation
A wood stove needs oxygen in order to burn. A absence of airflow could result in a non-burning fire or even carbon monoxide poisoning. A vent will allow air to circulate around the stove while it is operating to prevent carbon dioxide accumulation and promoting air circulation. A vent should have the same dimensions as the chimney/flue and be located as close as is possible 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 a shed. You could be penalized for not complying with. To avoid this, employ an HETAS-registered contractor to complete your installation and provide an official certificate of conformance.
The Building Regulation Approved Document Part J, which regulates the installation of chimneys and flues must also be adhered to. The distance between the flue pipe and any combustible materials like walls or ceilings are also covered. The stove and flue must be protected from fire damage through either heat shielding or an insulation panel.
It is advisable to fit an insulated board in the hearth of the shed, and in the front of the outlet for the flue. This will prevent flue gases from getting drawn into un-insulated walls and causing fire damage.
It is also possible to protect the shed from dampness if you place it away from potential sources of moisture. This includes any leaky doors or windows, as well as any areas where rainwater might drip onto the stove and chimney pipe.
A dehumidifier will also help to decrease the amount of moisture in air and create a more pleasant atmosphere. It can also stop fungus and mould from growing on the surfaces of your shed, which could impact the performance of the 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. Avoid burning treated off-cuts, ply wood, or particle boards. These kinds of materials release toxic chemicals that can harm the stove and flue system, and can cause excessive emissions and potentially dangerously high temperatures in flue gases. Never burn rubbish like tyres or cardboard. They are bad for the environment and could clog your stove.
Safety
It is possible to install a log stove in an outdoor shed. However, it is important to follow the correct installation guidelines and to adhere to all safety precautions. This includes making sure that your shed is in compliance with the requirements for installing log stoves, as well as making sure that your chimney and flue system are in good working order. It is important to ensure that you have the appropriate fire insurance.
The first thing you should consider when looking for the best shed to install a wood stove is its construction materials. Certain sheds, specifically ones with a corrugated metal roof, may not be suitable for installations of log burners due to fire safety concerns. It is also important to note that the use of timber as a building material might be restricted for this kind of use by the regulations for planning, so be sure you check with your local authority prior to you start work.
It is also important to make sure that your shed is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide is a health risk and can cause issues because of the inefficiency of the combustion process. A lack of ventilation can cause damp and condensation issues in the shed.
Make wood burning stove for shed that your shed isn't too close to the stairwell. This can cause heated air to rise and lose heat. Your shed should not be too far away from a window since this could result in drafts, which could cause certain stoves like the open-window detection system.
Lastly, it's essential to check the roof of the shed to make sure it's watertight and properly sealed in the areas where the flue pipe flows through. It is recommended to hire a professional roofer for the job to ensure it is done to a high-quality standard and in accordance with building and fire regulations. You should also keep a class A fire extinguisher in the shed in order to respond swiftly to any smoke or fire issues. It is recommended to check your shed at least every year to look for signs of wear or damage that requires to be repaired, and ensure that the chimney and flue are cleaned frequently to prevent creosote build-up.