Installing Small Woodburners Safely A small woodburner can bring warmth to any house regardless of whether it's small or a cabin. There are certain rules that you must adhere to in order to set up your stove in a safe manner. These rules include maintaining certain distances between the stove and the combustible material. To assist you, we've put together this guide. Room Size Woodburners are available in a wide range of outputs and it is crucial to consider the size of your space when choosing the right stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a wood burner that is too large for their space and this could have a negative impact on the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it's crucial to visit a showroom in order to find out what the ideal woodburner size would be for your household and also to use the stove sizing calculator in order to determine how much heat the stove will produce. Multiply the length, width, and the height of the room in meters. Then, divide this number by 14 to discover the approximate heat requirement. But, this is only a rough estimate and factors such as the quality of insulation in the home, whether there are any exterior walls, or how large the windows are in the room will affect the actual heat output required. A ventillation kit, also known as a basic air brick, is essential for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the wood is burnt efficiently and the stove doesn't get too hot. This could reduce the efficiency of the stove and cause excessive soot to accumulate on the glass and in the chimney. It is essential to keep in mind that your small woodburner should be installed at a specified distance from both combustibles and non-combustibles surfaces. The distance is established. The manufacturer's manual will detail these values, so make sure to reference it when installing your stove. Making sure your stove is free of non-combustible or combustible materials will allow you to avoid any fire safety problems and ensure safety of your log burner. Flue System The flue system is a channel that lets the exhaust gases from your woodburning stove to be vented outside. This ensures the cleanliness of indoor air and prevents the accumulation of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue also blocks heat transfer to combustible substances within your home, reducing the possibility of fire and smoke damage. The flue is a vital element of your fireplace or stove and it is essential to maintain it. You can clean it regularly by cleaning the flue, and ensuring it is properly ventilated. If your chimney is clogged it is possible to call in an expert to check and clean. The flammable byproducts of burning wood in your stove could cause creosote accumulation in the flue. If it builds up to an excessive level, it can ignite and cause chimney fires, among other problems. There are a variety of flues for your fireplace or woodburning device, including double-wall and masonry flue systems. Double-wall flues are constructed from stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however are constructed with bricks and mortar. Masonry chimneys can be used with almost any fireplace, however, it is recommended to have them inspected by an Gas Safe registered engineer with a flue gas analyser in order to ensure that the lining is not damaged and that the chimney is functioning properly. You can use flexible liner in the event that you have an old chimney made of masonry in need of relining. This will give you a smooth surface from the fireplace all the way to the outlet. They are available in a range of diameters and can be installed either internally or externally, according to the layout of your fireplace. They also have insulation that keeps the flue gas warmer and improves performance. small wood burning heater is a popular option for homes that do not have chimneys. They are simple to install and come with a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth on the inside and curly on the outside, which is perfect for achieving high temperatures. They can be installed using double-wall chimneys or masonry. However, they are only allowed to be used in homes that comply with strict building codes. Distances from Combustible Surfaces When selecting a woodburner the amount of space around the stove will be a major factor. You shouldn't want your small woodburner to be close to any combustible materials because they could get very hot and create the risk of a fire. Most woodburners will have guidelines regarding 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 specified in terms of distances to the rear, front and sides. However, these guidelines can vary based on the type of wood burner and the amount of heat they generate. We strongly suggest to adhere to the guidelines given by the manufacturer of your woodburner in order to be safe from any dangers that could arise. Regular inspections and maintenance performed by a professional are important to ensure your woodburner remains in good condition. During these inspections your woodburner technician will look for potential problems or safety concerns and ensure that you're following the correct guidelines to safeguard your family and home. It is also recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors near your woodburner and ensure they are in working order. Some woodburners require a large space to be protected from combustible materials in order to decrease the chance of the ignition point reaching. This is typically specified by the manufacturer in the stove's instruction manual, which can be downloaded from their website. You can install a wall protector to limit the minimum clearances for your stove as a way to preserving the space. They have been tested and approved 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. It is a barrier that stops the walls from heating up and igniting the an ignitable material behind them. This is a good choice particularly for newly constructed homes, where the construction is mostly composed of sheetrock (gypsum), or brick veneers, which do not offer much protection against the high temperatures created by a woodburner. Shielding Combustible Surfaces Woodburning stoves are very hot, which means they can cause damage to walls in the area around them. Installing small wood burning heater can reduce the heat generated by the stove while protecting the wall. Wall protectors come in many styles, from simple heat shields, to more sophisticated built-in models. The best wall protections mix brick and metal to block the heat from the stove from getting to the walls, while also reflecting it away. The type of wood used to cook in the stove is also an important factor to consider. Certain kinds of wood tend to produce creosote that can hinder the fireplace and increase the risk of fire. It is recommended to only use seasoned hardwoods for the stove. This will ensure that the fire burns sufficiently hot to eliminate any moisture, and also reduce the accumulation of creosote. Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been treated with. Pine is not a good choice, as it tends to create lots of smoke and has an oily appearance that could lead to creosote that looks like tar in the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended as it is susceptible to Phytophthora the ramorum disease. It also poses health hazards when taken out of its natural habitat. No matter if you require a small woodburner for your loft or country nook, there is a stove that is suitable for your living space and budget. It is important to choose the best woodburner to maximize efficiency and comfort. You can cut down on fuel expenses by avoiding larger and more expensive stoves.
