Installing Small Woodburners Safely
If you reside in small homes or cabins, a small woodburner will provide a warm and cozy atmosphere to your living space. However, there are certain regulations that you must follow to ensure the stove is properly installed.
These rules include keeping certain distances between your stove and any combustible material. This guide is here to assist you.
Room Size
Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's essential to consider the dimensions of your home when choosing a stove. woodburning stoves make the mistake of buying a woodburner that is too large for their home. This can adversely affect the performance and efficiency. It is crucial to visit the showroom in order to determine the size of the woodburner that is best for your home and to use a stove-sizing calculator determine the amount of heat it can generate.
A good guideline is to calculate the length and width of the room in metres and multiply them. Divide the result by 14 and you will get an approximate estimate of the amount of heat needed. This is however only a rough guide and factors such as the quality of insulation in the home, whether there are any exterior walls, or how large the windows are in the room can affect the actual heat output needed.
Ventillation kits, or basic air brick, is necessary for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This is to ensure that combustion of the wood is done efficiently and that the stove doesn't get too hot, which can reduce its efficiency and cause excessive soot to build up on the glass of the stove and in the chimney.
It is crucial to remember that your small woodburner should be placed at a specific distance from both combustibles as well as non-combustible surfaces. The distance is determined by the manufacturer. The manufacturer's manual will detail these specifications, so be sure you refer to it when installing your stove. Keep your stove free of combustibles and non-combustibles to avoid fire safety concerns and ensure the safety of your wood burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the channel through which the exhaust gases produced by your woodburning fireplace travel to be expelled outside. This helps to maintain clean indoor air quality, preventing the buildup of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue also blocks heat transfer to combustible substances in your home, avoiding 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 done by regularly cleaning your chimney and ensuring that it is ventilated properly. You may need to hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney if it is clogged. The flammable byproducts from burning wood in your stove could cause creosote accumulation in the flue. If it builds up to an excessive level it could ignite, leading to chimney fires and other issues.
There are a variety of flues that you can use for your fireplace or woodburning device, including masonry flues and double-wall systems. Masonry chimneys are constructed out of mortar and bricks and double-wall flue systems consist of a chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys can be used with all fireplaces, however they must be checked by an engineer registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyser to make sure the lining and chimney are working correctly.
If you have an older masonry chimney that requires relining, then you can use a flexible chimney liner that will provide an unbroken and smooth surface from the fireplace to the outlet. They are available in a variety of diameters and can be installed either internally or externally, depending on your fireplace layout. These liners can also be insulated, which keeps the flue gases warmer and improves performance.
The twin wall flue system is a popular choice for homes without 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 used with double-wall chimneys and masonry chimneys, however, they are only installed in houses that meet strict building regulations.
Distances from combustible Surfaces
The size of the space you will need to keep around your stove is among the most important factors when deciding on the right woodburner. It isn't necessary to place your small woodburner too close to combustibles because they can quickly get extremely hot and ignite.
The instruction manuals for most woodburners will include guidelines on the distance you must keep the stove away from flammable materials. These guidelines are usually described in terms of distances between the front and back sides. However, Wood Burning Stoves may differ depending on the kind of wood burner and the heat output they offer.
We strongly suggest that you always follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner in order to avoid any potential hazards. Regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional is also vital to ensure that your woodburner is in good condition.
During these inspections your woodburner technician can check for any safety issues and ensure you are following the correct guidelines to safeguard your family and home. Install carbon monoxide alarms around your woodburner and ensure that they are in good working order.
Some woodburners require a large space to be protected from combustible materials to minimize the chance of them reaching their ignition point. This is typically specified by the manufacturer in the stove's instruction manual, which can be downloaded from their website.
You can utilize a wall protector to limit the clearances required for your stove as a way to maintaining that space. These have been tested and approved by the manufacturer to reduce the clearances without risk.
A wall shield is a thin metal frame which is positioned on the stove's back and covers the flue system. It serves as a barrier that prevents the walls from heating up and igniting any combustible material behind them. This is a great option particularly for newly constructed homes, where the construction is mostly made of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneers that don't provide much protection from the high temperatures generated by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves produce a lot of heat, which means that there is a risk of causing damage to walls around the stove and in the close vicinity. The best method to avoid this is to put up an exterior wall shield that reduces the heat generated by the stove, and also help to shield the wall. Wall protections are available in a variety of forms that range from simple heat shields, to more elaborate built-in models. The best wall protections combine brick and metal to block the heat from the stove from transferring to the walls, while also reflecting it away.
The type of wood that is used to cook in the stove is also an important consideration. Certain types of wood are known to create creosote, which can hinder the fireplace and increase fire risk. It is recommended to only use seasoned hardwoods for your stove. This will ensure that the fire is burned at a temperature that is sufficient to burn off any remaining moisture, decreasing the accumulation of creosote deposits.
Some examples of suitable seasoned hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is a poor choice, as it tends to release lots of smoke and has an oily appearance, which can lead to tar-like creosote deposits within the flue system. Larch is another timber which is not recommended for use, as it is prone to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and can pose health hazards when transported out of its natural habitat.
Whether you need a small woodburner for your loft apartment or country nook, there's a stove that is suitable for your living space and budget. It is essential to select the best woodburner to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. By choosing to avoid larger and more expensive stoves you can save on running costs while still having the warm atmosphere that is a part of a traditional woodburner.