Installing Small Woodburners Safely

If you reside in small homes or cabins, a woodburner in a small space can bring warmth to your living space. There are certain rules you need to follow to put your stove in the right place.

These guidelines include ensuring certain distances between your stove and combustible items. 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 space when selecting the stove. Many people make the mistake of purchasing a wood burner that is too big for their home, and this can have a negative impact on the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it is essential to visit a showroom to determine what the ideal woodburner size would be for your household and as well as to use a stove sizing calculator to determine how much heat the stove will produce.

Multiply the length, width, and height of a room in metres. Then, divide this number by 14 to calculate the approximate amount of heat required. But, this is only a rough estimate and other factors like the insulation quality in the home, whether there are any exterior walls or how big the windows are in the room will affect the actual heat output required.

A ventillation kit, also known as a basic air brick, is necessary for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This is to ensure that combustion of the wood is carried out efficiently and the stove does not become too hot, which could reduce its efficiency and cause excessive soot to build up on the glass of the stove as well as in the chimney.

It is essential to keep in mind that your small woodburner should be installed at a certain distance from both combustibles and non-combustibles surfaces. The distance is established. The manual for the manufacturer will outline these values, so make sure to reference it when installing your stove. Keep your stove free of combustibles and non-combustibles to avoid fire safety issues and ensure the safety of your wood burner.

Flue System

The flue system is the pathway through which the exhaust gases produced by your woodburning stove travel to be vented outside. This helps maintain the air quality inside by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also stops heat transfer to combustible materials in your home, avoiding the possibility of fire or smoke damage.

It is essential to maintain your flue, which is an integral part of any stove or fireplace. You can do this by regularly cleaning the flue and making sure it has proper ventilation. It is possible to engage an expert to examine and clean your chimney if it's clogged. The flammable byproducts from burning wood in your stove could cause creosote accumulation in the flue. If wood burning stoves small builds to an excessive level it could ignite and cause chimney fires and other issues.

There are several different types of flues available for your woodburning stove or fireplace including masonry chimneys as well as double-wall flue systems. Double-wall flues are constructed from stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however are typically constructed using mortar and bricks. Masonry chimneys can be installed with virtually any fireplace however, it is recommended to be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer with a flue gas analyser in order to make sure the lining is in good condition and that the chimney is operating 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 range of diameters, and can be fitted either externally or internally depending on your fireplace layout. They also have insulation, which keeps the flue gas warmer and enhances performance.

Twin wall flue systems are a common choice for homes without traditional chimneys. They are easy to install and come with a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and corrugated outside. This is ideal for high temperatures. They can be used in conjunction with masonry and double-wall chimneys, however they can only be installed in homes that comply with strict building regulations.

Distances from combustible Surfaces

When selecting 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 since they can get extremely hot and create a fire hazard.

The instruction manuals of the majority of woodburners will contain guidelines for the distance you must keep the stove from combustible materials. These guidelines are typically defined in terms of distances between the front and back sides. These guidelines may differ based on the type and output of the wood burner.

We strongly suggest that you always follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner to avoid any potential hazards. Also, regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional are key to keeping your woodburner safe.

During these inspections the woodburner technician will be looking for any safety or potential issues concerns and make sure you are following the correct guidelines to protect your family and home. It's also advisable to install carbon monoxide detectors near your woodburner and keep them in working order.

Some woodburners require a very large gap to be maintained from combustible materials to decrease the chance of the ignition point reaching. This is usually specified by the manufacturer in the instruction manual, which can be downloaded from their website.

You can use a wall protector to limit the clearances that are required for your stove in order to preserving the space. These are subjected to rigorous tests, and are certified by the manufacturer to be able to safely reduce the required clearances.

A wall shield consists of a thin frame of metal that is positioned over the back of your stove and covers the flue system. It is a barrier that prevents the walls from heating up and igniting the materials that are combustible behind them. This is a particularly good choice for new homes in which the structure is often composed of a sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which does not offer much protection against the extreme heat generated by a woodburner.


Shielding Combustible Surfaces

Woodburning stoves produce a lot of heat, which means that there is a risk of damage to walls surrounding the stove and in its surrounding. The best method to avoid this is to put up a wall shield, which reduces the heat generated by the stove, and also help protect the wall itself. These wall protections come in a range of forms that range from simple heat shields to more complex built-in models. The best wall protectors combine brick and metal to reflect heat away from the stove and stop it from transferring onto the walls.

The kind of wood that is burned in the stove must also be considered. Certain types of wood are known to create creosote, which can hinder the fireplace and increase risk of fire. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use seasoned hardwood for stove use. This will help to ensure that the fire is burning at a high enough temperature to eliminate any moisture remaining, thus reducing the build-up of creosote deposits.

Some examples of suitable seasoned hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is not a good option, as it tends to produce a lot of smoke and has an oily appearance, which can lead to creosote that looks like tar in the flue system. Larch is a different kind of wood that should not be used since it is prone to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and may cause health risks when it is transported from its natural habitat.

There is a woodburner to meet the needs of any budget and living space. Selecting the right type of woodburner is essential to maximise efficiency and comfort. You can save money on fuel costs by staying clear of larger and more costly stoves.