Installing Small Woodburners Safely
A small woodburner will add warmth to any room no matter if it's an apartment or an outdoor cabin. There are certain rules that you must adhere to in order to set up your stove in a safe manner.
These rules require you to keep certain distances between your stove and any combustible material. This guide is here to help.
Room Size
Woodburners come in a variety of outputs, and it's important to take into account the dimensions of your home when choosing the right stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a stove that is too big for their home, and this can negatively impact the performance and efficiency of the stove. It is important to visit a showroom to determine the size of the woodburner which is most suitable for your home and to make use of a stove-sizing calculator in order to determine the amount of heat it can generate.
Multiply the length, width and height of a room in meters. Then, divide this number by 14 to determine the approximate heat requirement. This is a rough guide. Other elements, such as the amount of insulation present in the building and the number of exterior walls, or the size of the windows in a room, can influence the actual heat output needed.
It is also worth noting that any stove with an output of more than 5kW will require adequate ventilation and ventillation equipment or an air brick will be necessary. This is to ensure that the combustion of the wood is done efficiently and that the stove doesn't become too hot, which can make it less efficient and cause excessive soot deposits on the glass of the stove and inside the chimney.
It is also important to remember that your small woodburner will need to be placed at a certain distance from non-combustible and combustible surfaces with a certain value. These parameters will be explained in the manufacturer's handbook so be sure to adhere to these when installing your stove and following these guidelines. Keeping your stove clear of non-combustible and combustible substances will help you avoid any fire safety issues and ensure safe operation of your log burner.
Flue System
The flue system is a channel that allows the exhaust gases of your woodburning stove to vent outside. This ensures clean indoor air quality by preventing the accumulation of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue also prevents heat transfer to combustible materials in your home, reducing the possibility of fire and smoke damage.
It is essential to maintain your flue which is an integral element of any stove or fireplace. This can be done by cleaning your flue regularly and making sure it's ventilated to the right level. You may need to hire an expert to inspect and clean your chimney if it's clogged. The flammable byproducts from burning wood in your stove can cause creosote to accumulate inside the flue. If it builds up to a significant amount it could ignite, causing chimney fires and 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 from stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however are typically constructed using mortar and bricks. Masonry chimneys can be used with almost any fireplace, however, it is recommended to have them checked by an Gas Safe registered engineer with an analyser for flue gas to make sure the lining is in good condition and that the chimney is functioning correctly.
If you have an older masonry chimney that needs relining, you can use a flexible chimney liner that will provide that the surface is smooth and unbroken from the fireplace to the outlet. The liners are available in various diameters and can be installed either internally or externally depending on the arrangement of your fireplace. These liners are also made of insulation, which keeps the flue gases warm and improves performance.
The twin wall flue system is a popular option for homes that do not have chimneys. They are simple to install, and feature a double-skinned Stainless Steel that is smooth inside and curved outside. This is perfect for high temperatures. They can be used in conjunction with masonry and double-wall chimneys, however they can only be placed in houses that are compliant with strict building regulations.
Distances from Combustible Surfaces
When choosing a woodburner, the amount of space around the stove will be the most important aspect. You shouldn't want your small woodburner to be too close to any combustible materials because they could get very hot and cause the risk of a fire.
The majority of woodburners have guidelines regarding how far away from surfaces that are flammable you should keep them, this information can be found in the instruction manual of the stove and is typically specified in terms of distances from the front, rear and sides. These guidelines may differ based on the type of wood burner and the heat output of the wood stove.
We strongly recommend that you always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner in order to be safe from any dangers that could arise. Regular inspections and maintenance carried out by a professional is also important to ensure your woodburner remains in good working order.
During these inspections, your woodburner technician will check for any potential safety or health concerns and make sure you're following the correct guidelines in order to protect your family and home. It's also advisable to install carbon monoxide detectors around your woodburner and ensure they are in working order.
Some woodburners require a large space to be protected from combustible materials in order to minimize the chance of the ignition point reaching. The manufacturer usually specifies this in the manual for the stove, which you can download from their website.
You can use a wall protector to reduce the minimum clearances for your stove as a way to keep that space. These have been tested and certified by the manufacturer to reduce the clearances without risk.
A wall shield is a thin steel frame that protects the flue system on the back of the stove. It is a barrier that prevents the walls from heating and burning materials that are combustible behind them. This is a good option particularly for newly constructed homes where the construction is mostly composed of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneers, which do not offer much protection against the high temperatures generated by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves can be extremely hot, which means they can cause damage to walls in the area around them. The best method to avoid this is to put up walls with a shield that will reduce the heat emitted by the stove and protect the wall itself. These wall protections are available in a variety of forms including simple heat shields to more complex built-in models. The best wall protectors mix metal with brick to reflect heat away from the stove and prevent it from getting transferred to the walls.
Wood Burning Stoves of wood used to cook in the stove is another important aspect to consider. Certain kinds of wood tend to produce creosote, which can hinder the fireplace and increase the danger of fire. It is best to only use seasoned hardwoods for your stove. This will help to ensure that the fire is burned at a temperature that is sufficient to burn off any moisture that remains, thereby decreasing the accumulation of creosote deposits.
Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been treated with. Pine is not a great choice because it releases a lot smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits within the flue system. The Larch wood is also not recommended due to its susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum disease. It also can pose health risks when it is removed of its natural habitat.
There's a woodburner to fit every budget and living space. Choosing the right woodburner is vital to maximize the efficiency of your energy and provide comfort. By choosing to avoid bigger stoves that are more expensive you can save on operating costs while enjoying the warm ambience that is a part of a traditional woodburner.