Installing Small Woodburners Safely
Whether you live in small homes or cabins, a small woodburner will bring warmth to your living space. But, there are some rules you must adhere to in order to ensure that your stove is set up in a safe manner.
These guidelines include ensuring certain distances between your stove and any combustible material. This guide will help.
Room Size
Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's essential to take into account the dimensions of your home when choosing the right stove. Many people make the error of buying a wood burner that is too large for their home, and this could affect the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it is crucial to visit a showroom to find out what the ideal woodburner size is for your household and make use of the stove sizing calculator in order to determine how much heat the stove will generate.
A good rule of thumb is to determine the length, width and height of the room in meters and then multiply them. Then divide this number by 14 to discover the approximate heat requirement. This is however only a rough estimate and factors such as the insulation quality of the property and whether there are exterior walls or how big the windows are in the room will affect the actual heat output needed.
Ventillation kits, or basic air brick, is essential 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 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 specific distance from non-combustible and combustible surfaces of a predetermined value. The manual for the manufacturer will outline these values, so make sure to refer to it when installing your stove. Keep your stove free of combustibles and non-combustibles to avoid fire safety issues and ensure safe operation of your wood burner.
Flue System
The flue system is a passageway that allows the exhaust gases from your wood-burning stove to be vented outside. This helps maintain the air quality inside by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also stops the transfer of heat to combustible materials in your home, avoiding the risk of fire and smoke damage.
It is important to keep your flue as it is an essential part of any stove or fireplace. This can be done by regularly cleaning your flue and ensuring it's ventilated to the right level. You may have to hire an expert to examine and clean your chimney if it's clogged. The flammable byproducts from burning wood in your stove may cause creosote to build up inside the flue. If it builds up to an excessive level, it can cause chimney fires to and other issues.
There are several different types of flues that you can choose from for your woodburning stove or fireplace such as masonry chimneys and double-wall flue systems. Masonry chimneys are typically built from bricks and mortar, while double-wall flue systems consist of a chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys are compatible with a wide range of fireplaces, but they must be checked by an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyzer to verify that the lining and chimney are operating correctly.
If you have an older chimney made of masonry that needs relining, you can use a flexible chimney liner to provide a smooth and unbroken surface from the fireplace to the outlet. Liner options are available in a variety of diameters and can be installed either externally or internally based on the layout of your fireplace. They are also made of insulation, which keeps the flue gas warmer and enhances the performance.
The twin wall flue system is a popular choice for homes with no chimneys. Easy to install, they feature 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 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
When selecting a woodburner the space around your stove is the most important aspect. You don't need to place your small woodburner close to combustibles since they can quickly get extremely hot and start a fire.
The majority of woodburners have guidelines regarding how far away from combustible surfaces you need to keep them. This information can be found in the stove's instruction manual and is typically stated in terms of distances to the rear, front and sides. However, these guidelines may differ based on the type of wood burner and the heat output they generate.
To prevent any risk from occurring, we strongly advise you to adhere to the guidelines set by the manufacturer for your woodburner. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional is essential to keep your woodburner in good working order.
During these inspections, your woodburner technician will check for any safety issues and make sure you are following the correct guidelines to protect your family and home. Install carbon monoxide alarms around your woodburner, and make sure they are in good working in good working order.
Some woodburners require a very large gap to be kept free of combustible substances in order to reduce the risk of the ignition point reaching. The manufacturer will typically specify this in the stove's manual that you can download from their website.
As an alternative to maintaining the space, you could make use of a wall protector to decrease the minimum clearances required for your stove. These are subjected to rigorous tests, and are certified by the manufacturer to be able to safely reduce the necessary clearances.
small wood burning stove is a thin metal frame that protects the flue system at the back of the stove. This type of barrier prevents the walls from heating and burning materials that are combustible behind them. This is a good choice, especially for newly built homes that are mostly composed of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneers, which do not offer much protection from high temperatures created by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves are very hot, which means they can cause damage to walls around them. The best method to avoid this is to put up walls with a shield that will reduce the heat emitted by the stove, and also help to protect the wall. Wall protectors are available in many different forms, from simple heat shields to more complex built-in models. The best wall protectors combine brick with metal to reflect heat away from the stove and stop it from getting transferred to the walls.
The type of wood used to cook in the stove is an important consideration. Some types of wood tend to create creosote, which can block the fireplace and increase danger of fire. It is recommended to select only hardwoods that are well-seasoned for stoves. This will ensure that the fire is sufficiently hot to eliminate any moisture and reduce the buildup of creosote.
Some examples of seasoned hardwoods that are suitable include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is not a great option as it creates a lot smoke and can 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 could cause health risks when it is transported away from its natural habitat.
Whether you need a small woodburner for your loft or country nook, there's an option that will fit your budget and living space. It is crucial to select the right woodburner in order to maximize efficiency and comfort. By staying clear of bigger, more expensive stoves, you can make savings on running costs while still enjoying the warm ambiance that is a part of a traditional woodburner.