Installing Small Woodburners Safely
No matter if you have small homes or cabins, a small woodburner will add a cosy feel to your living space. However, there are certain rules you must adhere to to ensure the stove is properly installed.
These rules require you to keep certain distances between your stove and any combustible material. To assist you, we've created this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners are available in a variety of outputs, and it's important to consider the size of your room when selecting the right stove. Many people make the mistake of buying a wood burner that is too large for their home, and this can negatively impact the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it's essential to visit a showroom to determine what the ideal size of a woodburner is for your home and make use of the stove sizing calculator in order to determine how much heat the stove will generate.
A good rule of thumb is to take the length, width and height of the room in metres and multiply them. Divide this number by 14 and you'll have an approximate estimate of the amount of heat needed. This is however only a rough guide and other factors such as the insulation quality in the home as well as whether there are external walls or how big the windows are in the room could affect the actual heat output required.
It is also worth noting that any stove with an output of more than 5kW needs proper ventilation and ventillation kits or an air brick will be required. This will ensure that the wood is burnt efficiently and that the stove doesn't get too hot. This could decrease the efficiency of the stove and lead to excessive soot build up on the glass and in the chimney.
It is essential to keep in mind that your small woodburner needs to be installed at a certain distance from both combustibles and non-combustibles surfaces. The distance is predetermined. These values will be detailed in the manufacturer's handbook so make sure you use this when installing your stove and follow these guidelines. Keep your stove free of non-combustible or combustible materials will allow you to avoid any fire safety problems and ensure safe operation of your log burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the channel through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning fireplace travel to be emitted outside. This helps to maintain clean indoor air by keeping out the build-up of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue prevents heat from being transferred to combustible materials within your home. This lowers the risk of smoke or fire damage.
second hand wood burning stoves to maintain your flue, which is an integral element of any fireplace or stove. You can do this by regularly cleaning the flue, and ensuring that it has adequate ventilation. If your chimney is blocked it is possible to call in a professional to inspect and clean. The flammable byproducts from burning wood in your stove may cause creosote accumulation in the flue. If it builds up to a high level it could ignite, leading to chimney fires and other problems.
There are many different kinds of flues that you can choose from for your fireplace or woodburning stove, including masonry chimneys and double-wall flue systems. Double-wall flues are constructed of stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however, are usually built with bricks and mortar. Masonry chimneys are compatible with a wide range of fireplaces, but they should be inspected by an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyzer to ensure that the lining and chimney are operating properly.
If you have an older masonry chimney that needs relining, you can make use of a flexible chimney liner to ensure that the surface is smooth and unbroken from the fireplace to the outlet. They are available in a variety of sizes, and can be fitted either externally or internally, depending on your fireplace layout. These liners can also be lined with insulation, which helps keep the flue gases warm and improves performance.
Twin wall flue systems are a popular choice for homes with no traditional chimneys. They are easy to install and feature a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth on the inside and curly on the outside, which is ideal to reach high temperatures. They can be used in conjunction with double-wall chimneys as well as masonry chimneys but they can only be installed in houses that meet strict building regulations.
Distances from Combustible Surfaces
The amount of space you have to maintain around the stove is one of the most important factors when deciding on the right woodburner. It is not necessary to put your woodburner in close proximity to combustibles since they can get very hot and cause a fire.
Most woodburners will have guidelines on the distance from combustible surfaces you should keep them, this information is available in the instruction manual of the stove and is typically specified in terms of distances to the rear, front and sides. These guidelines can vary depending on the type and heat output of the wood stove.
To prevent any risk from occurring, we strongly advise you always follow the specific guidelines set by the manufacturer of your woodburner. Regular inspections and maintenance carried out by a professional is vital to ensure that your woodburner is in good working order.
During these inspections, your woodburner technician will check for any safety or potential issues concerns. They will also make sure that you're following the right guidelines to protect your family and home. It is also recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors around your woodburner and keep them in good condition.
Some woodburners require a very large gap to be kept free of combustible substances in order to minimize the chance of the ignition point reaching. This is typically specified by the manufacturer in the stove's instruction manual, which is available to be downloaded from their website.
As an alternative to maintaining the space, you could use a wall shield to reduce the minimum clearances required for your stove. They are subjected to rigorous tests, and are deemed by the manufacturer to be safe to reduce the required clearances.
A wall shield consists of a thin, metal frame which is positioned on the back of your stove, covering the flue system. This type of barrier stops the walls from heating and burning materials that are combustible behind them. This is a good choice particularly for newly constructed homes where the construction is often comprised of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneers that don't provide much protection from the high temperatures created by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves generate a lot of heat, which means that there is a chance of damage to walls surrounding the stove and in the surrounding. The best way to prevent this is to put up an exterior wall shield that reduces the heat generated by the stove and help to shield the wall. Wall protectors are available in many styles, from simple heat shields to complex built-in models. The best wall protectors mix brick and metal to reflect heat away from the stove and prevent it from transferring onto the walls.
The type of wood that is used to burn in the stove is also an important aspect to consider. Some types of wood tend to form creosote deposits that can block the chimney and increase the danger of an explosion. It is best to select only hardwoods that are well-seasoned for your stove. This will ensure that the fire burns hot enough to burn off any moisture and limit the buildup of creosote.
Some examples of suitable hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is a poor option, as it tends to create a lot of smoke and has an oily appearance that could lead to creosote-like deposits that resemble tar within the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended because it is susceptible to Phytophthora Ramorum disease. It can also pose health risks when it is removed of its natural habitat.
There is a woodburner to suit any budget and living space. It is important to choose the best woodburner to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. You can save money on fuel expenses by staying clear of larger and more costly stoves.