Installing Small Woodburners Safely
If you reside in a small home or cabin, a small woodburner will add a cosy feel to your living space. There are some regulations you need to follow to set up your stove in a safe manner.
These rules include keeping certain distances between your stove and combustible items. To help you, we've prepared this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners can be found in a variety of outputs. It is important to consider the size of your room when selecting the right stove. Many people make the error of buying a wood burner that is too large for their space and this can affect the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it is essential to visit a showroom to determine what the best size for a woodburner would be for your household and make use of a stove sizing calculator to figure out the amount of heat the stove will produce.
A good rule of thumb is to take the length, width and height of the room in metres and multiply these together. Then, divide this number by 14 to discover the approximate heat output required. This is an approximate guide. Other factors, such as the amount of insulation present in a property and the number of exterior walls or the size of the windows in a room, can influence the actual heat output required.
A ventillation kit, or basic air brick, is required for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the wood is burnt efficiently and the stove isn't too hot. This could reduce the effectiveness of the stove and lead to excessive soot accumulate on the glass as well as in the chimney.
It is essential to keep in mind that your small woodburner should be installed at a specified distance from both combustibles as well as non-combustibles surfaces. This distance will be predetermined. These specifications will be provided in the manual of the manufacturer, so ensure that you use this when installing your stove and following these guidelines. Keep your stove free of non-combustible and combustible substances will allow you to avoid any fire hazards and ensure safety of your log burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the pathway through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning stove pass through to be emitted out. This helps to maintain the cleanliness of indoor air by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue blocks heat from being transferred to combustible materials within your home. This reduces the risk of smoke damage or fire.
The flue is an essential element of your stove or fireplace It is crucial to maintain it. You can accomplish this by regularly cleaning the flue, and ensuring it has proper ventilation. If your chimney is clogged you might need to contact a professional to inspect and clean. Creosote may build up in the flue as a result of the flammable wood products that are burned. If it builds to an excessive level, it can cause chimney fires to and other issues.
There are many different types of flues for your fireplace or woodburning appliance including double-wall flues and masonry systems. Masonry chimneys are constructed out of mortar and bricks and double-wall flue systems consist of a chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys can be installed with almost any fireplace, however, you must be inspected by an Gas Safe registered engineer with a flue gas analyser in order to ensure the lining is intact and that the chimney is working properly.
If you have an older chimney made of masonry that needs relining, you can make use of a flexible chimney liner that will provide a smooth and unbroken surface from the fireplace to the outlet. The liners are available in different diameters and can be installed either externally or internally depending on the layout of your fireplace. These liners are also insulated, which keeps the flue gases warm and improves performance.
The twin wall flue system is a popular choice for homes that do not have chimneys. They are simple to install, and feature a double-skinned Stainless Steel that is smooth inside and corrugated outside. This is perfect for high temperatures. They can be installed using double-wall chimneys or masonry. However, they are only allowed to be installed in homes that comply with strict building codes.
Distances from combustible Surfaces
The amount of space you need to maintain around your stove is one of the most important aspects when deciding on the right woodburner. You don't need to place your small woodburner close to combustibles since they can get very hot and start a fire.
Most woodburners will have guidelines on the distance from combustible surfaces you should keep them. This information can be found in the instruction manual of the stove and is typically specified in terms of distances to the front, rear and sides. These guidelines may differ based on the type and output of the wood burner.
To avoid any dangers from arising We strongly suggest that to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for your woodburner. british wood burning stoves and maintenance carried out by a professional is also vital to ensure that your woodburner is in good working order.
During these inspections, your woodburner technician will be able to identify any safety issues and ensure you're following the right guidelines to protect your family and home. Install carbon monoxide alarms close to your woodburner and ensure that they are in good condition.
Some woodburners require a large space to be protected free of combustible substances in order to minimize the chance of the ignition point reaching. This is usually specified by the manufacturer in the instruction manual, which is available to be downloaded from their website.
If you want to preserve this space, you can use a wall shield to decrease the minimum clearances for your stove. These have been tested and certified by the manufacturer to reduce the clearances without risk.
A wall shield is a thin metal frame that is positioned over the back of your stove and covers the flue system. It is a barrier that stops the walls from heating and igniting materials that are combustible behind them. This is a good choice especially for newly constructed homes, where the construction is often comprised of sheetrock (gypsum), or brick veneers, which don't offer much protection from high temperatures created by a woodburner.
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 the surrounding. Installing a wall protector can reduce the heat generated by the stove while also protecting the wall. Wall protections are available in a variety of forms that range from simple heat shields to more sophisticated built-in models. The best wall protections mix metal and brick to prevent the heat from the stove from transferring to the walls and reflecting it back.
The type of wood that is used in the stove must be taken into consideration. Some types of wood tend to create creosote deposits which can block the chimney and increase the chance of an explosion. To prevent this from happening issue, it is a good idea to only make use of seasoned wood for stove use. This will ensure that the fire is burning at a high enough temperature to burn off any remaining moisture, decreasing the accumulation of creosote deposits.
Some examples of suitable hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is not a great option as it creates lots of smoke and may cause creosote-like deposits within the flue system. Larch wood is not recommended due to its susceptible to Phytophthora Ramorum disease. It also poses health risks when transported out of its natural habitat.
Whether you need a small woodburner for your loft or country nook, there's a stove to suit your budget and living space. It is crucial to select the best woodburner to maximize efficiency and comfort. You can save money on fuel by avoiding larger and more expensive stoves.