Installing Small Woodburners Safely
A small woodburner will add warmth to any room, whether it is small or an outdoor cabin. There are some rules that you must adhere to in order to put your stove in the right place.
These guidelines include ensuring certain distances between your stove and combustible items. To help you, we've created this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's important to consider the dimensions of your home when selecting the right stove. Many people make the error of buying a wood burner that is too big for their space and this can have a negative impact on the performance and efficiency of the stove. It is essential to visit a showroom to determine the size of the woodburner which is best for your home and use a stove-sizing calculator to determine how much heat it will generate.
Multiply the length, width and height of a room in meters. Divide this number by 14, and you'll get an approximate estimate of the amount of heat required. This is a rough guide. Other factors, such as the amount of insulation within a home, the number of external walls, or the size of the windows in a room could affect the actual output required.
It is important to remember that any stove that has an output of more than 5kW needs proper ventilation and ventillation kits or an air brick will be required. This is to ensure that the combustion of the wood is done efficiently and that the stove does not become too hot, which could make it less efficient and cause excessive soot deposits on the glass of the stove and in the chimney.
It is also important to know that your small woodburner should be installed at a specified distance from both combustible and non-combustible surfaces with a certain value. freestanding wood burning stove for the manufacturer will outline these values, so make sure to reference it when installing your stove. Making sure your stove is free of non-combustible and combustible substances will help you avoid any fire safety issues and will ensure the safety of your log burner.
Flue System
The flue system is a passageway that allows the exhaust gases from your woodburning stove to be vented outdoors. This helps maintain clean indoor air by keeping out the build-up of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue blocks heat from being transferred to combustible material within your home. This lowers the risk of smoke damage or fire.
The flue is a vital part of your fireplace or stove and it is essential to take care of it. This can be accomplished by cleaning your flue regularly and making sure it is ventilated properly. If your chimney is clogged, you may need to contact an expert for inspection and cleaning. The flammable byproducts from burning wood in your stove may cause creosote to accumulate inside the flue. If it builds to an excessive amount it could ignite and cause chimney fires and other issues.
There are many different types of flues that you can use for your fireplace or woodburning appliance including double-wall and masonry flue systems. Masonry chimneys are constructed using mortar and bricks and double-wall flues are made up of a chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys are compatible with most fireplaces, but they must be checked by an engineer registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyzer to ensure that the chimney lining and chimney are working properly.
You can use flexible liner in the event that you have an old masonry chimney that is in need of relining. This will give you a smooth surface from the fireplace up to the outlet. They are available in a range of diameters and can be installed either internally or externally, depending on your fireplace layout. They also have insulation, which keeps the flue gas warmer and improves performance.
Twin wall flue systems are a popular choice for homes without traditional chimneys. They are easy to install and feature a double-skinned steel that is smooth inside and corrugated on the outside, which is ideal for high temperatures. They can be installed with masonry or double-wall chimneys. 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 the stove will be the most important aspect. It isn't necessary to place your small woodburner close to combustibles since they can get very hot and ignite.
Most woodburners will have guidelines on the distance from combustible surfaces you need to keep them. This information is available 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 differ depending on the type of wood burner and the amount of heat they offer.
To prevent any risk from arising, we strongly advise 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 check for any potential problems or safety issues. Ensure that you are following the correct guidelines to safeguard your family and home. Install carbon monoxide alarms around your woodburner and ensure that they're in good working order.
To decrease the risk that combustibles reach their ignition point, some woodburners require an extremely long distance between them and the combustibles. This is typically specified by the manufacturer in the stove's instruction manual, which is available to be downloaded from their website.
You can install wall protectors to decrease the clearances that are required for your stove as a way to keep that space. They are subjected to rigorous tests, and are certified by the manufacturers to be capable of safely reducing the clearances required for your stove.
A wall shield consists of a thin metal frame that is placed over the back of your stove and covers the flue system. It is a barrier that prevents the walls from heating and igniting an ignitable material behind them. This is an especially good option for new build homes, where the construction is often composed of a sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which do not offer a lot of protection against high temperatures from a woodburner.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves produce a lot of heat. This means that there is a chance of causing damage to walls around the stove and in the surrounding. The best method to avoid this is to install an exterior wall shield that reduces the heat generated by the stove and help to protect the wall. Wall protectors come in a variety of designs, ranging from simple heat shields to complex built-in models. The most effective wall protectors blend brick and metal to reflect heat away from the stove and prevent it from getting transferred to the walls.
The kind of wood used to heat the stove is an important aspect to consider. Certain types of wood are known to create creosote, which can hinder the fireplace and increase the danger of fire. It is recommended to select only hardwoods that are well-seasoned for the stove. This will ensure that the fire is hot enough to remove any moisture, and also reduce the accumulation of creosote.
Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been processed and seasoned. Pine is not a great choice because it releases a lot smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits in the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended because it is susceptible to Phytophthora the ramorum disease. It can also pose health hazards when taken out of its natural habitat.
There is a woodburner that will meet the needs of every budget and space. Selecting the right type of woodburner is crucial to maximize the efficiency of your energy and provide comfort. By avoiding bigger stoves that are more expensive, you can make savings on running costs while still enjoying the warm ambience that is a part of a traditional woodburner.