Installing Small Woodburners Safely
Whether you live in small homes or cabins, a woodburner in a small space can bring warmth to your living space. But, there are some regulations that you must follow to ensure your stove is set up in a safe manner.
These rules require certain distances between the stove and the combustible material. To help you, we've created this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners are available in a wide variety of outputs. It is important to consider the size of your space when choosing the right stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a stove that is too large for their space and this can affect the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it is crucial to visit a showroom in order to find out what the ideal size of a woodburner would be for your household and as well as to use a stove sizing calculator to figure out the amount of heat the stove will generate.
A good guideline is to calculate the length, width and height of the room in metres and multiply these together. Divide this number by 14, and you'll have an approximate estimation of the amount of heat needed. But, this is only a rough estimate and other factors such as the insulation quality in the property, whether there are any exterior walls or how big the windows are in the room will influence the actual output needed.
Ventillation kits, or basic air brick, is essential for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This is to ensure that the combustion of the wood is done efficiently and the stove doesn't become too hot, which can reduce its efficiency and cause excessive soot accumulations on the glass of the stove and inside the chimney.
It is also important to note that the small woodburner will need to be installed at a specific distance from both combustible and non-combustible surfaces of a predetermined value. The manual of the manufacturer will explain these values, so make sure to reference it when installing your stove. Making sure your stove is free of non-combustible or combustible materials will help you to avoid any fire safety problems and will ensure the safety of your log burner.
Flue System
The flue system is a channel that allows the exhaust gases from your woodburning stove to be vented outside. This ensures clean indoor air by stopping the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also prevents heat transfer to combustible substances in your home, avoiding the risk of fire and smoke damage.
It is important to keep your flue as it is an essential component of any fireplace or stove. This can be done by regularly cleaning your flue and ensuring that it is ventilated properly. You may need to hire an expert to inspect and clean your chimney if it's blocked. Creosote can build up in the flue due to flammable products of burning wood. If it builds up to an excessive amount it could cause chimney fires to, among other problems.
There are a variety of flues you can use for your woodburning stove or fireplace such as masonry chimneys and double-wall flue systems. Masonry chimneys are usually constructed using mortar and bricks double-wall flue systems comprise chimney liners made from stainless steel. Masonry chimneys work with most fireplaces, but they should be inspected by an engineer registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyzer to ensure that the chimney's lining is working properly.
You can opt for a flexible liner if you have an old chimney made of masonry in need of relining. This will ensure an even surface from the fireplace all the way to the outlet. They are available in a variety of diameters and can be installed either internally or externally, dependent on the layout of your fireplace. They also have insulation that keeps the flue gas warmer and improves efficiency.
Twin wall flue systems are a popular choice for homes with no traditional chimneys. They are easy to install and come with a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and corrugated on the outside, which is perfect for high temperatures. They can be installed with double-wall chimneys or masonry. However, they are only allowed to be used in homes that have strict building codes.
Distances from combustible Surfaces
When you are choosing a woodburner the space around your stove is an important factor. It isn't necessary to place your woodburner in close proximity to combustibles because they can quickly get extremely hot and cause 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 instruction manual of the stove and is typically stated in terms of distances to the rear, front and sides. However, these guidelines may vary based on the kind of wood burner and the heat output they provide.
To prevent any potential hazards from arising We strongly suggest that you to adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner. Also, regular inspections and maintenance by a professional are key to ensure the safety of your woodburner.
During these inspections your woodburner technician will be able to identify any potential problems or safety issues. Ensure that you are following the correct guidelines to protect your home and family. It is also recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors around your woodburner and keep them in good condition.
To decrease the risk that combustibles will reach their ignition point, some woodburners require an extremely large distance between them and combustibles. This is usually 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 limit the clearances needed for your stove. They have been tested and approved by the manufacturer to be able reduce the clearances safely.
A wall shield consists of a thin, metal frame that is positioned over the back of your stove, covering the flue system. It is a barrier that prevents the walls from heating and burning combustible material behind them. This is an especially good option for homes that are being built from scratch in which the structure typically consists of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which does not offer a lot of protection against the high temperatures generated by a woodburner.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves are very hot, and this means they could damage walls that surround them. Installing a wall shield will reduce the heat from the stove, while also protecting the wall. These wall protections come in a variety of forms, from simple bare heat shields, to more elaborate built-in models. The most effective wall protectors blend metal with brick to reflect heat away from the stove, and also prevent it from spreading onto the walls.
wood burning stoves on sale Fireplaces & Stoves of wood used in the stove must also be considered. Certain kinds of wood tend to create creosote, which can cause obstruction to the fireplace and increase risk of fire. To prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to only use wood that is seasoned for burning in the stove. This will ensure that the fire burns hot enough to burn off any moisture and reduce the formation of creosote.
Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been processed and seasoned. Pine is a poor choice, as it tends to release lots of smoke and has an oily appearance, which can lead to creosote that looks like tar in the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended because it is susceptible to Phytophthora the ramorum disease. It can also pose health risks when it is removed of its natural habitat.
There is a woodburner that will meet the needs of every budget and space. The choice of the best woodburner is essential to maximise the efficiency of your energy and provide comfort. You can save money on fuel expenses by avoiding larger and more expensive stoves.