Installing freestanding wood burning stove will add warmth to any room, whether it is small or an outdoor cabin. There are some rules you must follow in order to install your stove safely.
These rules include keeping certain distances between your stove and any combustible material. To help you, we've prepared this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners come in a variety of outputs, and it's important to take into account the size of your room when choosing a stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a wood burner that is too big for their home and this could negatively impact the performance and efficiency of the stove. It is important to visit the showroom in order to determine the size of the woodburner that will work ideal for your home, and to use a stove-sizing calculator calculate how much heat it can generate.
A good guideline is to determine the length and width of the room in metres and then multiply them. Then divide this number by 14 to discover the approximate amount of heat required. However, this is only a rough estimate and other factors like the quality of insulation in the property as well as whether there are exterior walls, or how large the windows are in the room could influence the actual output needed.
Ventillation kits, or 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 can reduce the efficiency of the stove and lead to excessive soot build up on the glass as well as in the chimney.
It is also important to note that the small woodburner should be installed at a specific distance from both combustible and non-combustible surfaces of a predetermined value. The manual for the manufacturer will outline these parameters, so be sure you refer to it when installing your stove. Making sure your stove is free of non-combustible and combustible substances will help you avoid any fire safety problems and ensure 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 outdoors. This helps to maintain the cleanliness of indoor air by stopping the accumulation of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue prevents heat from being transferred to combustible material in your home. This decreases the chance of smoke damage or fire.
Your flue is a crucial part of your fireplace or stove and it is essential to take care of it. This can be done by regularly cleaning your chimney and ensuring that it has adequate ventilation. You may need to hire an expert to inspect and clean your chimney if it's blocked. Creosote can build up in the flue as a result of the flammable wood products that are burned. If it builds up to an excessive level, it can cause chimney fires to as well as other issues.
There are a variety of flues for your fireplace or woodburning appliance including double-wall flues and masonry systems. Double-wall flues are constructed of stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, on the other hand are constructed with bricks and mortar. Masonry chimneys are compatible with most fireplaces, but they should be inspected by an engineer registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyser to make sure the lining and chimney are operating properly.
If you have an older masonry chimney that requires relining, then you can opt for a flexible chimney liner that will provide a smooth and unbroken surface from the fireplace to the outlet. These 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 performance.
the full details are a common choice for homes that do not have traditional chimneys. Easy to install, they have a double-skinned Stainless steel that is smooth inside and curved outside. the full details is ideal for high temperatures. They can be used with double-wall chimneys or masonry. However they are only permitted to be used in homes that comply with strict building codes.
Distances from Combustible Surfaces
The size of the space you will need to keep around your stove is one of the most important factors when deciding on a woodburner. It is not necessary to put your small woodburner close to combustibles since they can quickly get extremely hot and cause a fire.
The instruction manual of most woodburners will include guidelines on how far you should keep the stove from combustible materials. These guidelines are typically defined in terms of distances between the front and back sides. However, these guidelines could differ based on the type of wood burner and the heat output they generate.
To avoid any dangers from occurring, we strongly advise you always follow the specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner. Regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional are key to ensure your woodburner is safe.
During these inspections your woodburner technician will check for any safety issues. Ensure that you are following the correct guidelines to protect your family and home. It is also recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors near your woodburner and keep them in good condition.
To decrease the risk that combustibles will reach their ignition point, certain woodburners require a very vast distance between them and the combustibles. The manufacturer usually specifies this in the manual of the stove which you can download from their website.
As an alternative to maintaining this space, you can use a wall shield to limit the clearances for your stove. They have been tested and approved by the manufacturer to be able reduce the clearances safely.
A wall shield is a thin metal frame that protects the flue system at the back of the stove. It serves as a barrier to prevent the walls from heating up and inflaming any combustible materials behind them. This is a particularly good option for homes that are being built from scratch where the construction typically consists of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which do not offer a lot of protection against high temperatures from woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves are extremely hot, which means that they can cause damage to walls around them. The best way to prevent this is to install a wall shield, which will cut down on the heat produced by the stove, and also help to protect the wall. Wall protections are available in a variety of styles including simple heat shields, to more elaborate built-in models. The best wall protectors combine brick and metal to reflect heat away from the stove, and also prevent it from spreading onto the walls.
The kind of wood used to heat the stove is another important aspect to consider. Some types of wood are prone to produce creosote that can block the chimney and increase the risk of sparks. To help reduce this, it is best to make use of seasoned wood to burn in the stove. This will ensure that the fire is hot enough to remove any moisture, and also reduce the accumulation of creosote.
Some examples of suitable seasoned hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is not a good choice because it releases lots of smoke and may cause creosote-like deposits to the flue system. Larch is another wood that should not be used, because it is susceptible to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and may cause health problems when removed from its natural habitat.
There's a woodburner to suit every budget and living space. The choice of the best woodburner is vital to maximize efficiency and comfort. By avoiding bigger stoves that are more expensive you can save on running costs while still enjoying the warm ambience that comes with a traditional woodburner.