If You've Just Purchased Small Woodburners ... Now What?

Installing Small Woodburners Safely

If you reside in a small home or cabin, a woodburner in a small space can add a cosy feel to your living space. However, there are certain regulations that you must follow in order to ensure that the stove is properly installed.

These rules include maintaining certain distances between the stove and combustible material. To assist you, we've put together this guide.

Room Size

Woodburners are available in a wide range of outputs. It is crucial to consider the size of your room when selecting a stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a woodburner that is too large for their home. This could negatively impact the efficiency and performance. This is why it is important to visit a showroom to determine what the best size for a woodburner is for your home and make use of an appliance sizing calculator to figure out the amount of heat the stove will produce.

A good guideline is to determine the length, width and height of the room in metres and multiply these together. Then divide the result by 14 to determine the approximate heat output required. This is an approximate guide. Other elements, such as the amount of insulation in a property, the number of exterior walls or the size of windows in a room, can influence the actual heat output needed.

Ventillation kits, or basic air brick, is required for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This is to ensure that the combustion of the british wood burning stoves is completed efficiently and that the stove doesn't become too hot, which can reduce its efficiency and cause excessive soot deposits on the glass of the stove and inside the chimney.

It is also important to note that your small woodburner will need to be placed at a certain distance from both non-combustible and combustible surfaces that have a specified value. The manufacturer's manual will detail these values, so make sure to reference it when installing your stove. Keep your stove free of combustible and non-combustible materials will help you avoid any fire safety issues and will ensure the safety of your log burner.

Flue System

The flue system is a passageway that lets the exhaust gases from your woodburning stove to vent outside. This helps maintain clean indoor air quality and prevents the accumulation of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue stops heat from being transferred to combustible material within your home. This lowers the risk of smoke or fire damage.

The flue is an essential component of your stove or fireplace It is crucial to maintain it. This can be done by regularly cleaning your flue and making sure it has adequate ventilation. You may need to hire an expert to inspect and clean your chimney if it is blocked. The flammable byproducts of burning wood in your stove can cause creosote to accumulate inside the flue. If it builds up to an excessive amount it could ignite and cause chimney fires and other issues.

There are a variety of flues that you can choose from for your woodburning stove or fireplace, including masonry chimneys and double-wall flue systems. Double-wall flues are constructed of stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however, are usually built with bricks and mortar. Masonry chimneys can be installed with almost any fireplace, however, it is recommended to have them inspected by an Gas Safe registered engineer with a flue gas analyser in order to ensure the lining is intact and that the chimney is operating properly.

If you have an older chimney made of masonry that requires relining, you can opt for a flexible chimney liner to ensure a smooth and unbroken surface from the fireplace to the outlet. They are available in a variety of diameters and can be installed either externally or internally, dependent on the layout of your fireplace. These liners are also lined with insulation, which helps keep the flue gases warm and enhances the performance.

Twin wall flue systems are a common choice for homes without traditional chimneys. They are simple to set up and feature a double-skinned steel that is smooth inside and textured on the exterior, which is ideal to reach high temperatures. They can be installed with double-wall chimneys or masonry. However they can only be permitted to be installed in homes that comply with strict building codes.

Distances from Combustible Surfaces

When you are choosing a woodburner the amount of space around the stove will be an important factor. You don't want your new small woodburner to be close to any combustible material as they can become 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 stated in terms of distances from the rear, front and sides. However, these guidelines may differ based on the kind of wood burner and the amount of heat they generate.

To prevent any potential hazards from arising, 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 the safety of your woodburner.

During these inspections your woodburner technician will check for any safety issues and ensure you are following the correct guidelines to safeguard your home and family. It's also advisable to install carbon monoxide detectors close to your woodburner, and keep them in working order.

Some woodburners require a large space to be protected from combustible materials in order to reduce the risk of the ignition point reaching. This is typically specified by the manufacturer in the stove's instruction manual, which can be downloaded from their website.

You can use a wall protector to reduce the minimum clearances for your stove as an alternative to preserving the space. They have been tested and certified by the manufacturer to reduce the clearances without risk.

A wall shield consists of a thin, metal frame that is positioned over the stove's back, covering the flue system. It is a barrier that stops the walls from heating up and igniting the combustible material behind them. This is a particularly good choice for new homes, where the construction is often composed of a sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which does not provide much protection from the high temperatures generated by woodburners.

Shielding Combustible Surfaces

Woodburning stoves generate a lot of heat. This means that there is a danger of causing damage to walls around the stove and in its vicinity. The best way to prevent this is to put up an exterior wall shield that reduces the heat generated by the stove and to shield the wall. Wall protectors are available in a variety of forms, from simple heat shields, to more sophisticated built-in models. The best wall protectors mix brick and metal to reflect heat away from the stove and prevent it from spreading onto the walls.

The type of wood that is burned in the stove should be likewise considered. Some types of Wood burner clearance sale tend to form creosote deposits that can block the chimney and increase the risk of an explosion. To reduce the risk of fire issue, it is recommended to make use of seasoned wood to burn in the stove. This will help to ensure that the fire is burning at a temperature that is sufficient to eliminate any moisture that remains, thereby reducing the build-up of creosote deposits.

Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been seasoned. Pine is not a good option as it creates lots of smoke and may cause creosote-like deposits within the flue system. Larch is another wood that is not recommended for use, since it is prone to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and can cause health risks when it is transported 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 living space and budget. It is crucial to select the correct woodburner to maximize efficiency and comfort. By choosing to avoid larger, more expensive stoves you can save on running costs while still having the warm atmosphere that is a part of a traditional woodburner.