Installing Small Woodburners Safely

A small woodburner will add warmth to any house, whether it is an apartment or an outdoor cabin. However, there are certain guidelines you must adhere to to ensure your stove is installed safely.

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

Room Size

Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's crucial to consider the size of your space when choosing a stove. Many people make the mistake of buying a woodburner that is too large for their house. This could negatively impact the efficiency and performance of the stove. It is crucial to visit a showroom to determine the size of the woodburner which is best for your home and to use a stove-sizing calculator determine how much heat it can generate.

Multiply the length, width, and the height of the room in meters. Then divide this number by 14 to determine the approximate amount of heat required. This is an approximate guide. Other factors, like the amount of insulation within a property or the number of external walls, or the size of the windows in a room could affect the actual output needed.

A ventillation kit, also known as a basic air brick, is necessary for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the contemporary wood burning stoves is burned efficiently and the stove doesn't get too hot. This can reduce the efficiency of the stove, and cause excessive soot to build up on the glass and inside the chimney.

It is also important to remember that the small woodburner should be installed at a specified distance from non-combustible and combustible surfaces of a predetermined value. The manual of the manufacturer will explain these parameters, so be 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 the safety of your wood burner.

Flue System

The flue system is the pathway through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning fireplace travel to be vented outside. This ensures clean indoor air quality, preventing the buildup of harmful odours and pollutants. The flue also prevents heat transfer to combustible substances in your home, reducing the risk of fire and smoke damage.

It's important to maintain your flue which is an integral component of any fireplace or stove. You can do this by regularly cleaning the flue and ensuring it has proper ventilation. If your chimney is blocked you might need to get a professional to inspect and clean. Creosote can accumulate in the flue as a result of the flammable substances of burning wood. If it builds up to a significant amount it could ignite, causing chimney fires, as well as other issues.

There are a variety of flues that you can use for your fireplace or woodburning appliance, including double-wall flues and masonry systems. Masonry chimneys are constructed using mortar and bricks and double-wall flue systems comprise chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys can be used with any fireplace, but you should be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer with a flue gas analyser to ensure the lining is intact and that the chimney is functioning properly.

If you have an older chimney made of masonry that requires relining, you can use a flexible chimney liner to provide that the surface is smooth and unbroken from the fireplace to the outlet. Liner options are available in different diameters and can be installed either externally or internally based on the arrangement of your fireplace. They also have insulation that keeps the flue gas warmer and enhances performance.

The twin wall flue system is a popular option for homes that do not have chimneys. They are easy to install and feature a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and corrugated on the exterior, which is ideal for high temperatures. They can be installed with double-wall chimneys or masonry. However, they are only allowed to be installed in homes that meet strict building codes.

Distances from Combustible Surfaces

When you are choosing a woodburner the space around your stove will be the most important aspect. It is not necessary to put your woodburner in close proximity to combustibles because they can get very hot and cause a fire.

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

We strongly suggest that you adhere to the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner to avoid any potential hazards. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional are key to ensure your woodburner is safe.

During these inspections, your woodburner technician will check for any safety issues and make sure you're following the correct guidelines to safeguard your home and family. Install carbon monoxide alarms close to your woodburner, and make sure they're in good working condition.

Some woodburners require a large wood burner gap to be kept from combustible materials to reduce the risk 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.

As an alternative to maintaining this space, you could utilize a wall shield to reduce the minimum clearances for your stove. These have been tested and certified by the manufacturer to be able reduce the clearances safely.

A wall shield consists of a thin, metal frame which is positioned on the back of your stove, covering the flue system. It is a barrier that stops the walls from heating and burning combustible material behind them. This is a great option for homes that are being built from scratch, where the construction is usually made up of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which do not offer a lot of protection against the high temperatures generated by a woodburner.

Shielding Combustible Surfaces

Woodburning stoves are extremely hot, which means that they can damage walls in the area around them. The best method to avoid this is to put up an exterior wall shield that will reduce the heat emitted by the stove, and also help to shield the wall. Wall protectors are available in a variety of designs, ranging from simple heat shields to complex built-in models. The best wall protections combine brick and metal to block the heat from the stove from getting to the walls and reflecting it back.

The kind of wood used to cook in the stove is another important consideration. Some types of wood have a tendency to produce creosote that can block the chimney and increase the chance of sparks. To reduce the risk of fire issue, it is recommended to use wood that is seasoned to burn in the stove. This will help to ensure that the fire is burned at a sufficient temperature to eliminate any moisture that remains, thereby which will reduce the formation of creosote deposits.

Some examples of suitable hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is not a great choice as it produces a lot smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits in the flue system. Larch is a different kind of wood that is not recommended for use, since it is prone to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and can pose health hazards when transported out of its natural habitat.

If you require a smaller woodburner for your loft or country nook, there is a stove to suit your budget and living space. It is essential to select the best woodburner to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. By avoiding larger and more expensive stoves you can save on running costs while still enjoying the warm ambiance that comes with a traditional woodburner.