Installing Small Woodburners Safely
A small woodburner will add warmth to any home, whether it is small or a cabin. There are some rules you must follow in order to set up your stove in a safe manner.
These rules require certain distances between the stove and combustible material. To help you, we've created this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's crucial to take into account the size of your room when selecting the stove. Many people make the mistake of buying a woodburner that is too big for their home. This could negatively impact the performance and efficiency. It is essential to visit the showroom to determine the size of the woodburner which is ideal for your home, and to use a stove-sizing calculator calculate how much heat it can generate.
A good rule of thumb is to take the length and width of the room in metres and multiply these together. Then divide the result by 14 to determine the approximate heat output required. This is however only a rough estimate and factors such as the insulation quality of the home, whether there are any exterior walls, or how large the windows are in the room could impact on the actual heat output needed.
A ventillation kit, also known as a basic air brick, is essential for any stove that produces more than 5kW. very small wood burner will ensure that the wood is burned efficiently and the stove doesn't become too hot. This could reduce the efficiency of the stove and cause excessive soot to accumulate on the glass and inside the chimney.
It is also important to remember that your small woodburner must be installed at a specified distance from both non-combustible and combustible surfaces that have a specified value. These parameters will be explained in the handbook of the manufacturer so ensure that you refer to this when installing your stove and adhere to these guidelines. Making sure your stove is free of non-combustible or combustible materials will help you to avoid any fire safety problems and will ensure the safety of your log burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the channel through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning fireplace travel to be emitted out. This helps maintain the air quality inside by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also blocks the transfer of heat to combustible materials in your home, avoiding the risk of fire and smoke damage.
It is essential to maintain your flue as it is an essential part of any fireplace or stove. You can clean it regularly by cleaning the flue and making sure that it has adequate ventilation. You may need to hire an expert to inspect and clean your chimney if it is clogged. Creosote may build up in the flue as a result of the flammable wood products that are burned. If it builds to an excessive amount it could cause chimney fires to as well as other issues.
There are many different types of flues you can choose from for your fireplace or woodburning device, including double-wall flues and masonry systems. Double-wall flues are constructed of stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however are typically constructed using 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 make sure the lining is in good condition and that the chimney is working properly.
You can opt for a flexible liner if you have an old masonry chimney that is in need of replacing. This will give you a smooth surface from the fireplace all the way to the outlet. small wood burning stove are available in various dimensions and can be put in either externally or internally based on the configuration of your fireplace. They are also insulated, which keeps the flue gases warm 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 stainless steel that is smooth inside and textured on the exterior, which is ideal to reach high temperatures. They can be used with both double-wall chimneys as well as masonry chimneys however, they are only placed in houses that are compliant with strict building regulations.
Distances from Combustible Surfaces
The amount of space you have to maintain around your stove is one of the most important aspects when choosing the right woodburner. It is not necessary to put your small woodburner too close to combustibles as they can become extremely hot and ignite.
Most woodburners will 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 usually stated in terms of distances from the rear, front and sides. However, these guidelines could differ depending on the type of wood burner and the heat output they generate.
We strongly suggest that you adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner in order to stay clear of any potential dangers. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional is also important to ensure your woodburner remains in good condition.
During these inspections, your woodburner technician can check for any potential safety or health issues and make sure you are following the correct guidelines to safeguard your home and family. Install carbon monoxide alarms close to your woodburner, and make sure they're in good working in good working order.
Certain woodburners require a large gap to be maintained free of combustible substances in order to reduce the risk of them reaching their ignition point. The manufacturer will typically specify 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 maintaining that space. They are subjected to rigorous tests, and are deemed by the manufacturer to be capable of safely reducing the necessary clearances.
A wall shield consists of a thin, metal frame that is positioned over the back of your stove, covering the flue system. It acts as a barrier to prevent the walls from heating up and inflaming any combustible material behind them. This is a great option for new build homes in which the structure is often composed of a sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which do not provide much protection from the extreme heat generated by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves generate a lot of heat. This means that there is a chance of damage to walls around the stove and in the close vicinity. Installing a wall protector can reduce the heat generated by the stove, while also protecting the wall. These wall protectors come in many forms, from simple heat shields to more complex built-in models. The best wall protections mix brick and metal to block the heat from the stove from transferring to the walls, while also reflecting it back.
The type of wood that is used to heat the stove is also an important factor to consider. Some types of wood tend to produce creosote that can block the fireplace and increase the fire risk. It is recommended to select only hardwoods that are well-seasoned for stoves. This will help to ensure that the fire is burning at a high enough temperature to eliminate any moisture remaining, thus which will reduce the formation of creosote deposits.
Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been treated with. Pine is not a great choice as it produces lots of smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits to the flue system. The Larch wood is also not recommended due to its susceptible to Phytophthora the ramorum disease. It can also pose health risks when it is removed of its natural habitat.
There is a woodburner to fit every budget and living space. small woodburners is important to choose the correct woodburner to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. By avoiding bigger and more expensive stoves you can save on running expenses while having the warm atmosphere that comes with a traditional woodburner.