Installing Small Woodburners Safely

If you reside in a small home or cabin, a small woodburner can bring warmth to your living space. But, there are some rules you must adhere to to ensure your stove is installed safely.

These guidelines include ensuring certain distances between the stove and combustible material. This guide is here to assist.

Room Size

Woodburners can be found in a wide range of outputs and it is important to consider the size of your home when selecting the right stove. Many people make the mistake of purchasing a stove that is too big for their home. This can negatively impact the efficiency and performance. It is crucial to visit a showroom to determine the size of the woodburner that is best for your home and use a stove-sizing calculator to determine how much heat it will produce.

Multiply the length, width and the height of the room in metres. Divide this number by 14 and you'll get an approximate estimate of the amount of heat required. This is an approximate guide. Other elements, such as the amount of insulation present in a property or the number of walls outside or the size of windows in a room, could affect the actual output required.

It is also important to note that any stove that has an output of more than 5kW requires proper ventilation and ventillation kits or an air brick is required. This will ensure that the wood is burned efficiently and the stove isn't too hot. This can reduce the efficiency of the stove, and lead to soot build up on the glass and inside the chimney.

It is also important to know that your small woodburner will need to be installed at a specific distance from non-combustible and combustible surfaces with a certain value. The manual of the manufacturer will explain these values, so make sure you refer to it when installing your stove. Make sure your stove is free of non-combustibles and combustibles in order to avoid fire safety issues and ensure safe operation of your wood burner.

Flue System

The flue system is the channel through which the exhaust gases generated by your woodburning fireplace travel to be expelled out. Fireplaces & Stoves helps to maintain clean indoor air by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue blocks heat from being transferred to combustible materials in your home. This decreases the chance of smoke damage or fire.

The flue is a vital element of your stove or fireplace, and it's important to take care of it. This can be accomplished by regularly cleaning your chimney and making sure it has adequate ventilation. You may have to hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney if it's blocked. Creosote can accumulate in the flue due to the flammable wood products that are burned. If it builds up to an excessive level, it can cause chimney fires to, among other problems.

There are a variety of flues that you can use for your fireplace or woodburning device, including double-wall flues and masonry systems. Masonry chimneys are typically built out of mortar and bricks double-wall flues are made up of chimney liners made from stainless steel. Masonry chimneys are compatible with all fireplaces, however they should be inspected by an engineer registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyser to make sure the chimney's lining is working correctly.


You can use flexible liner in the event that you have an old masonry chimney that is in need of replacing. This will provide a smooth surface from the fireplace all the way to the outlet. They are available in a variety of diameters, and can be fitted either externally or internally depending on your fireplace layout. These liners can also be insulated, which keeps the flue gases warmer and enhances the performance.

Twin wall flue systems are a popular choice for homes with no traditional chimneys. They are simple to install, and have a double-skinned Stainless steel that is smooth inside and has a corrugated outside. This is ideal for high temperatures. They can be installed using double-wall chimneys or masonry. However, they are only allowed to be used in homes that meet strict building codes.

Distances from combustible Surfaces

The amount of space you need to maintain around your stove is among the most important considerations when selecting the right woodburner. It isn't necessary to place your woodburner in close proximity to combustibles as they can quickly get extremely hot and ignite.

The majority of woodburners have guidelines for the distance from combustible surfaces you should keep them, this information can be found in the instruction manual of the stove and is typically stated in terms of distances to the front, rear and sides. However, these guidelines can differ based on the kind of wood burner and the amount of heat they provide.

To prevent any potential hazards from occurring, we strongly advise you to adhere to the guidelines set by the manufacturer for your woodburner. Regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional are essential to keep your woodburner in good working order.

During these inspections, your woodburner technician will check for potential problems or safety concerns. They will also make sure that you're following the correct guidelines to safeguard your home and family. It's also advisable to install carbon monoxide detectors around your woodburner, and keep them in good condition.

Certain woodburners require a large gap to be kept free of combustible substances in order to minimize the chance of them reaching their ignition point. The manufacturer will usually specify this in the stove's manual, which you can download from their website.

If you want to preserve this space, you could use a wall shield to decrease the minimum clearances needed for your stove. They're subjected tests, and are certified by the manufacturer to be able to safely reduce the necessary clearances.

A wall shield consists of a thin frame of metal which is positioned on the back of your stove and covers the flue system. It is a barrier that keeps the walls from heating up and igniting the combustible material behind them. This is a great option particularly for newly constructed homes where the construction is mostly comprised of sheetrock (gypsum), or brick veneers that don't provide much protection from the high temperatures caused by a woodburner.

Shielding Combustible Surfaces

Woodburning stoves are very hot, which means that they can damage walls around them. Installing a wall shield can reduce the heat generated by the stove while protecting the wall. These wall protections are available in a variety of styles including simple heat shields, to more elaborate built-in models. The most effective wall protections blend brick and metal to stop heat from the stove transferring to the walls and reflecting it back.

The type of wood that is used to heat the stove is also an important consideration. Certain kinds of wood tend to form creosote deposits that can block the chimney and increase the danger of sparks. To reduce the risk of fire issue, it is best to use seasoned hardwood to burn in the stove. This will ensure that the fire is hot enough to burn off any moisture and limit the accumulation of creosote.

Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been processed and seasoned. Pine is a poor option, as it tends to create lots of smoke and has an oily appearance which can lead to creosote that looks like tar in the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended due to its susceptible to Phytophthora Ramorum disease. It can also pose health hazards when taken out of its natural habitat.

No matter if you require a small woodburner for your loft or country nook, there's a stove that is suitable for your living space and budget. It is crucial to select the correct woodburner to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. You can cut down on fuel expenses by avoiding larger and more expensive stoves.