Installing Small Woodburners Safely
Whether you live in a small home or cabin, a small woodburner will provide a warm and cozy atmosphere to your living space. There are some regulations that you must adhere to in order to put your stove in the right place.
These rules require certain distances between the stove and combustible material. To help you, we've created this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners are available in a wide variety of outputs and it is crucial to consider the size of your space when selecting a stove. Many people make the mistake of purchasing a stove that is too big for their house. This can adversely affect the performance and efficiency. It is crucial to visit a showroom to determine the size of the woodburner that will work best for your home and to make use of a stove-sizing calculator in order to calculate how much heat it will produce.
Multiply the length, width, and the height of the room in meters. Then divide the result by 14 to discover the approximate amount of heat required. This is however only a rough guide and other factors like the insulation quality in the home and whether there are exterior walls or how big the windows are in the room could affect the actual heat output required.
A ventillation kit, also known as a basic air brick, is essential for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the wood is burnt efficiently and that the stove doesn't get too hot. This could reduce the effectiveness of the stove and lead to soot accumulate on the glass and inside the chimney.
It is crucial to remember that your small woodburner must be installed at a specified distance from both combustibles and non-combustible surfaces. This distance will be established. These specifications will be provided in the handbook of the manufacturer so make sure you adhere to these when installing your stove and follow these guidelines. Making sure your stove is free of combustible and non-combustible materials will help you avoid any fire safety issues and ensure safety of your log burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the passageway through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning stove pass through to be expelled out. This helps maintain clean indoor air by preventing the accumulation of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue also prevents heat transfer to combustible substances in your home, reducing the risk of fire and smoke damage.
The flue is a vital element of your stove or fireplace and it is essential to maintain it. You can accomplish this by regularly cleaning the flue, and ensuring it has proper ventilation. If your chimney is clogged, you may need to get an expert to check and clean. The flammable byproducts of burning wood in your stove could cause creosote to build up inside the flue. If it builds up to an excessive level it could cause chimney fires to, among other problems.
There are several different types of flues that you can choose from for your woodburning stove or fireplace, including masonry chimneys and double-wall flue systems. Masonry chimneys are usually constructed out of mortar and bricks, while double-wall flues are made up of chimney liners made from stainless steel. Masonry chimneys can be used with virtually any fireplace however, it is recommended to have them checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer with a flue gas analyser in order to ensure that the lining is not damaged and that the chimney is working correctly.
If you have an older masonry chimney that needs relining, you can opt for a flexible chimney liner to ensure a smooth and unbroken surface from the fireplace to the outlet. They are available in a range of diameters and can be installed either externally or internally depending on your fireplace layout. They also come with insulation, which keeps the flue gas warmer and enhances efficiency.
The twin wall flue system is a popular choice for homes without chimneys. They are simple to set up and feature a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and textured on the outside, which is ideal for high temperatures. They can be used in conjunction with double-wall chimneys and masonry chimneys, but they can only be installed in houses that meet strict building regulations.
Distances from combustible Surfaces
When selecting a woodburner the space around your stove is a major factor. It isn't necessary to place your woodburner in close proximity to combustibles as they can get very hot and start a fire.
The majority of woodburners have guidelines on the distance from combustible surfaces you should keep them, this information can be found in the stove's instruction manual and is typically stated in terms of distances from the front, rear and sides. However, these guidelines could differ based on the kind of wood burner used and the heat output they offer.
To prevent any potential hazards from occurring, we strongly advise to follow the guidelines set by the manufacturer for your woodburner. Also, regular checks and maintenance by professionals are crucial to ensure your woodburner is safe.
During these inspections, your woodburner technician will check for any potential safety or health issues and make sure you're following the right guidelines to safeguard your family and home. It's also advisable to install carbon monoxide detectors close to your woodburner, and keep them in working order.
Some woodburners require a very large space to be protected from combustible materials in order to minimize the chance of them reaching their ignition point. This is usually stated by the manufacturer in the stove's instruction manual, which is available to be downloaded from their website.
To preserve this space, you could utilize a wall shield to limit the clearances for your stove. They have been tested and approved by the manufacturer to reduce the clearances in a safe manner.
A wall shield is a thin, metal frame that protects the flue system on the back of the stove. It serves as a barrier to stop the walls from heating up and igniting any combustible materials that are behind them. This is a particularly good option for new build homes, where the construction is often composed of a sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which does not provide much protection from the high temperatures generated by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves produce a lot of heat, which means that there is a risk of causing damage to walls around the stove and in its vicinity. Installing indoor wood burner can reduce the heat generated by the stove while protecting the wall. Wall protectors come in many designs, ranging from simple heat shields to more complex built-in models. The most effective wall protections blend brick and metal to block the heat from the stove from getting to the walls and reflecting it back.
The kind of wood used in the stove must also be considered. Some types of wood tend to produce creosote that can block the chimney and increase the chance of sparks. It is recommended to only use seasoned hardwoods for your stove. This will ensure that the fire burns sufficiently hot to eliminate any moisture and reduce the buildup of creosote.
Some examples of seasoned hardwoods that are suitable include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is not a good choice, as it tends to produce lots of smoke and has an oily appearance, which can lead to tar-like creosote deposits within the flue system. Larch is a different kind of wood that should not be used because it is susceptible to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and can cause health problems when removed from its natural habitat.
Whether you need a small woodburner for your loft apartment or country nook, there is a stove to suit your budget and living space. Choosing the right woodburner is vital to maximize efficiency and comfort. By avoiding bigger and more expensive stoves you can save on running expenses while enjoying the warm ambience that is a part of a traditional woodburner.