Installing Small Woodburners Safely

No matter if you have an apartment or a cabin, a woodburner in a small space can add a cosy feel to your living space. There are certain rules you must follow in order to put your stove in the right place.

These rules include keeping certain distances between your stove and combustible materials. To help you, we've prepared this guide.

Room Size

Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's important to take into account the size of your space when choosing the right stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a stove that is too big for their space and this could affect the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it is crucial to visit a showroom to determine what the ideal woodburner size would be for your household and make use of an appliance sizing calculator to determine how much heat the stove will generate.

A good guideline is to take the length and width of the room in metres and multiply them. Then, divide this number by 14 to discover the approximate amount of heat required. This is an approximate guide. Other elements, such as the amount of insulation within the building, the number of external walls, or the size of windows in a room, can influence the actual heat output required.

It is also worth noting that any stove that has an output of greater than 5kW will require adequate ventilation and ventillation equipment or an air brick is required. This will ensure that the large wood burner 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 accumulate on the glass and inside the chimney.

It is also important to remember that your small woodburner will need to be placed at a certain distance from both combustible and non-combustible surfaces with a certain 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 non-combustibles and combustibles in order to avoid fire safety issues and ensure safe operation of your contemporary wood burning stoves burner.

Flue System

The flue system is the channel through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning stove pass through to be vented out. This ensures the cleanliness of indoor wood burner air, preventing the buildup of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue prevents heat from being transferred to combustible materials within your home. This lowers the risk of smoke or fire damage.

It is important to keep your flue which is an integral component of any stove or fireplace. This can be done by regularly cleaning your flue and making sure it's ventilated to the right level. It is possible to engage a professional to inspect and clean your chimney if it is clogged. The flammable byproducts of burning cheap wood burner in your stove can cause creosote accumulation in the flue. If it builds to a high level, it can ignite, causing chimney fires and other problems.

There are several different types of flues available for your fireplace or woodburning stove, including masonry chimneys and double-wall flue systems. Double-wall flues are made from stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys, on the other hand, are usually built with mortar and bricks. Masonry chimneys can be installed with almost any fireplace, but you should have them checked by an Gas Safe registered engineer with an analyser for flue gas to ensure the lining is intact and that the chimney is operating properly.

If you have an older masonry chimney that requires relining, you can use a flexible chimney liner to provide an unbroken and smooth surface from the fireplace to the outlet. The liners are available in various sizes and can be used either externally or internally based on the layout of your fireplace. They also have insulation, which keeps the flue gas warmer and improves performance.

The twin wall flue system is a popular choice for homes without chimneys. They are simple to install and come with a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and textured on the outside, which is perfect for achieving high temperatures. They can be used in conjunction with double-wall chimneys as well as masonry chimneys however, they are only installed in homes that comply with strict building regulations.

Distances from Combustible Surfaces

The amount of space you need to maintain around the stove is one of the most important aspects when selecting the right woodburner. You shouldn't want your small woodburner to be close to any combustible materials as they can become very hot and pose a fire hazard.

The majority of woodburners have guidelines for how far away from surfaces that are flammable you should keep them. This information can be found in the stove's instruction manual and is usually stated in terms of distances from the front, rear and sides. However, these guidelines may differ based on the type of british wood burning stoves burner and the amount of heat they offer.

To prevent any risk from arising, we strongly advise to follow the guidelines set by the manufacturer of your woodburner. Regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional is essential to keep your woodburner in good condition.

During these inspections your woodburner technician will check for any safety issues. Ensure that you are following the correct guidelines to safeguard your family and home. Install carbon monoxide alarms near your woodburner and ensure that they are in good working condition.

To reduce the risk that combustibles will reach their ignition point, certain woodburners require a very vast distance between them and the combustibles. The manufacturer will usually specify this in the stove's manual which you can download from their website.

If you want to preserve the space, you could use a wall shield to reduce the minimum clearances for your stove. These have been tested and certified by the manufacturer to reduce the clearances safely.

A wall shield is a thin, metal frame that protects the flue system on the back of the stove. This is a barrier that prevents the walls from heating and burning an ignitable material behind them. This is a good choice particularly for newly constructed homes that are mostly composed of sheetrock (gypsum), or brick veneers, which do not offer much protection against the high temperatures caused by woodburners.

Shielding Combustible Surfaces

Woodburning stoves can be extremely hot, which means they can cause damage to walls in the area 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 forms including simple heat shields, to more elaborate built-in models. The most effective wall protectors blend brick and metal to reflect heat away from the stove and prevent it from getting transferred to the walls.

The type of wood used in the stove must be taken into consideration. Certain kinds of wood tend to produce creosote that can hinder the fireplace and increase risk of fire. It is best to select only hardwoods that are well-seasoned for your stove. This will ensure that the fire is burned at a sufficient temperature to eliminate any remaining moisture, reducing the build-up of creosote deposits.

Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been processed and seasoned. Pine is not a good option as it creates a lot smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits in the flue system. Larch is a different kind of wood that should not be used, as it is prone to Phytophthora Ramorum disease, and could cause health risks when it is transported from its natural habitat.

If you require a smaller woodburner for your loft apartment or country nook, there is a stove that is suitable for your lifestyle and budget. Selecting the right type of woodburner is vital to maximize efficiency and comfort. You can cut down on fuel by not using larger and more expensive stoves.