Installing Small Woodburners Safely
A small woodburner can add warmth to any home, whether it is small or a cabin. However, there are certain regulations that you must follow in order to ensure that your stove is installed safely.
These guidelines include ensuring certain distances between your stove and combustible materials. To help you, we've created this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's crucial to consider the size of your room when selecting the right stove. Many people make the error of buying a wood burner that is too big for their home, and this can negatively impact the performance and efficiency of the stove. It is essential to visit the showroom to determine the size of the woodburner which is best for your home and use a stove-sizing calculator determine how much heat it will generate.
Multiply the length, width, and the height of a room in metres. Divide this number by 14 and you'll get an approximate estimate of the amount of heat needed. This is a rough guide. Other factors, such as the amount of insulation present in a property and the number of exterior walls, or the size of windows in a room can affect the actual heat output needed.
A ventillation kit, or basic air brick, is necessary for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the wood is burnt efficiently and that the stove doesn't become too hot. This could decrease the effectiveness of the stove and lead to excessive soot build up on the glass and in the chimney.
It is also important to know that your small woodburner must be installed at a specified distance from both combustible and non-combustible surfaces that have a specified value. These parameters will be explained in the manual of the manufacturer, so make sure you use this when installing your stove and follow these guidelines. Keep your stove free of combustibles as well as non-combustibles, 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 fireplace travel to be vented out. This helps to maintain clean indoor air quality by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also blocks heat transfer to combustible materials in your home, reducing the possibility of fire and smoke damage.
The flue is a vital component of your fireplace or stove and it is essential to maintain it. This can be done by cleaning your flue regularly and making sure it's ventilated to the right level. You may need to hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney if it is clogged. wood burning stove in conservatory can build up in the flue as a result of flammable products of burning wood. If it builds to an excessive level, it can cause a fire, causing chimney fires and other issues.
There are a variety of flues available for your fireplace or woodburning stove including masonry chimneys as well as double-wall flue systems. Masonry chimneys are typically built out of mortar and bricks, while double-wall flue systems comprise a chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys can be used with virtually any fireplace however, you must be 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 functioning correctly.
You can opt for a flexible liner if you have an old masonry chimney in need of replacing. This will give you a smooth surface from the fireplace all the way to the outlet. These are available in a variety of diameters, and can be fitted either externally or internally, according to the layout of your fireplace. These liners also have insulation, which keeps the flue gas warmer and enhances efficiency.
Twin wall flue systems are a popular choice for homes with no traditional chimneys. They are simple to set up and feature a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and textured on the exterior, which is ideal for high temperatures. They can be used with both double-wall chimneys as well as masonry chimneys but they can only be installed in homes that comply with strict building regulations.
Distances from Combustible Surfaces
The amount of space you need to maintain around your stove is one of the most important aspects when deciding on the right woodburner. You don't want your brand new small woodburner to be too close to any combustible material as they can become very hot and cause the risk of a fire.
The majority of woodburners have guidelines for how far away from surfaces that are flammable you should keep them. This information is available in the instruction manual of the stove and is typically stated in terms of distances from the front, rear and sides. These guidelines may vary based on the type and heat output of the wood stove.
We strongly suggest that you always follow the directions given by the manufacturer of your woodburner to stay clear of any potential dangers. Also, regular inspections and maintenance performed by an expert are essential to keeping your woodburner safe.
During these inspections your woodburner technician can check for any safety issues and make sure you're following the right guidelines to protect your family and home. Install carbon monoxide alarms around your woodburner and ensure that they are in good working in good working order.
To decrease the risk that combustibles reach their ignition point, some woodburners require a large distance between them and the combustibles. This is typically specified by the manufacturer in the stove's instruction manual, which can be downloaded from their website.
To preserve this space, you could make use of a wall protector to decrease the minimum clearances needed for your stove. They are subjected to rigorous tests and are certified by the manufacturers to be able to safely reduce the necessary clearances.
A wall shield consists of a thin frame of metal which is positioned on the stove's back and covers the flue system. It serves as a barrier to stop the walls from heating up and inflaming any combustible materials that are behind them. This is a great option for homes that are being built from scratch in which the structure typically consists of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which do not offer much protection against the high temperatures generated by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves generate a great deal of heat, and this means that there is a danger of damage to walls surrounding the stove as well as in the close vicinity. The best way to avoid this is to put up walls with a shield that reduces the heat generated by the stove, and also help protect the wall itself. These wall protectors come in a variety of designs, ranging from simple heat shields to complex built-in models. The most effective wall protectors blend brick with metal to reflect heat away from the stove, and also prevent it from transferring onto the walls.
The kind of wood that is burned in the stove must be taken into consideration. Certain types of wood are known to produce creosote that can block the fireplace and increase risk of fire. It is best to use only seasoned hardwoods for your stove. This will help to ensure that the fire is burned at a temperature that is sufficient to eliminate any moisture remaining, thus decreasing the accumulation of creosote deposits.
Some examples of seasoned hardwoods that are suitable include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is not a great choice because it releases a lot smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits within the flue system. Larch is another timber which is not recommended for use, because it is susceptible to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and may pose health hazards when transported out of its natural habitat.
There is a woodburner that will suit any budget and living space. It is important to choose the correct woodburner to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. By staying clear of bigger, more expensive stoves, you can make savings on operating costs while enjoying the warm ambiance that is a part of a traditional woodburner.