Installing Small Woodburners Safely
A small woodburner can add warmth to any house regardless of whether it's an apartment or an outdoor cabin. However, there are certain guidelines you must adhere to in order to ensure that 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 put together this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners are available in a variety of outputs, and it's essential to take into account the size of your space when selecting a stove. Many people make the mistake of purchasing a stove that is too large for their home. This could negatively impact the efficiency and performance. It is important to visit the 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 how much heat it will generate.
Multiply the length, width, and the height of a room in meters. Divide this number by 14, and you'll get an approximate estimate of the amount of heat needed. However, this is only a rough estimate and other factors like the insulation quality in the home, whether there are any external walls or how big the windows are in the room can affect the actual heat output required.
A ventillation kit, also known as a basic air brick, is essential for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the wood is burned efficiently and the stove isn't too hot. This could reduce the efficiency of the stove and lead to soot accumulate on the glass and inside the chimney.
It is essential to keep in mind that your small woodburner must be installed at a specified distance from both combustibles as well as non-combustible surfaces. This distance will be established. The manufacturer's manual will detail these parameters, so be sure to refer to it when installing your stove. Keep your stove free of non-combustibles and combustibles in order to avoid fire safety issues and ensure the safe operation of your wood burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the passageway through which the exhaust gases produced by your woodburning stove travel to be emitted out. This helps to maintain clean indoor air quality by preventing the accumulation of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue also prevents heat transfer to combustible substances within your home, reducing the possibility of fire or smoke damage.
It is essential to maintain your flue as it is an essential component of any fireplace or stove. This can be accomplished by regularly cleaning your chimney and ensuring that it's ventilated to the right level. If your chimney is clogged, you may need to call in a professional to check and clean. The flammable byproducts from burning wood in your stove could cause creosote to accumulate inside the flue. If it builds up to an excessive amount it could cause chimney fires to and other issues.
There are several different types of flues you can use for your fireplace or woodburning stove including masonry chimneys as well as double-wall flue systems. Double-wall flues are constructed from stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however, are usually built with mortar and bricks. Masonry chimneys can be installed with virtually any fireplace but you should be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer with an analyser for flue gas to ensure the lining is intact and that the chimney is operating properly.
If you have an older masonry chimney that needs relining, you can opt for a flexible chimney liner to provide a smooth and unbroken surface from the fireplace to the outlet. The liners are available in various diameters and can be installed either externally or internally based on the configuration of your fireplace. They also have insulation that keeps the flue gas warmer and improves performance.
The twin wall flue system is a popular choice for homes with no chimneys. Easy to install, they come with a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and has a corrugated outside. This is perfect for high temperatures. They can be installed using double-wall chimneys or masonry. However they can only be permitted to be installed in homes that have strict building codes.
Distances from combustible Surfaces
The size of the space you will need to keep around the stove is one of the most important aspects when selecting a woodburner. It isn't necessary to place your small woodburner close to combustibles because they can get very hot and start a fire.
The majority of woodburners have guidelines on how far away 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 from the front, rear and sides. However, these guidelines can differ depending on the kind of wood burner used and the heat output they offer.
We strongly recommend that you always follow the directions given by the manufacturer of your woodburner in order to stay clear of any potential dangers. Regular inspections and maintenance carried out by a professional are essential to keep your woodburner in good working order.
During these inspections, your woodburner technician can check for any potential safety or health issues. Ensure that you're following the right guidelines to safeguard your home and family. It's also advisable to install carbon monoxide detectors close to your woodburner, and keep them in good working order.
Some woodburners require a large space to be protected from combustible materials to minimize the chance of the ignition point reaching. freestanding wood burning stove will usually specify this in the stove's manual which you can download from their website.
You can utilize a wall protector to reduce the minimum clearances for your stove in order to keep that space. They are subjected to rigorous tests and are certified by the manufacturer to be safe to reduce the clearances required for your stove.
A wall shield is a thin metal frame which is positioned on the stove's back, covering the flue system. It serves as a barrier to prevent the walls from heating up and igniting any combustible material behind them. This is a good choice, especially for newly built homes that are often composed of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneers, which do not provide much protection from the high temperatures caused by a woodburner.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves are extremely hot, which means that they can cause damage to walls around them. The best way to avoid this is to install a wall shield, which will cut down on the heat produced by the stove and help to shield the wall. These wall protections come in a range of forms, from simple bare heat shields, to more elaborate built-in models. The most effective wall protections blend metal and brick to prevent the heat from the stove from transferring to the walls, and reflecting it back.
The kind of wood used in the stove should be likewise considered. Certain kinds of wood tend to produce creosote, which can hinder the fireplace and increase the risk of fire. It is recommended to only use seasoned hardwoods for your stove. This will ensure that the fire is sufficiently hot to eliminate any moisture and limit the formation of creosote.
Some examples of suitable seasoned hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is a poor choice, as it tends to produce lots of smoke and has an oily appearance which can cause creosote-like deposits that resemble tar within the flue system. Larch is another wood that is not recommended for use, as it is prone to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and can cause health problems when removed away from its natural habitat.
No matter if you require a small woodburner for your loft apartment or country nook, there is a stove that is suitable for your lifestyle and budget. It is important to choose the best woodburner to maximize efficiency and comfort. By staying clear of larger, more expensive stoves that are more expensive, you can save on running costs while still having the warm atmosphere that comes with a traditional woodburner.