Installing Small Woodburners Safely
A small woodburner can add warmth to any home regardless of whether it's a small house or a cabin. There are some rules you must follow 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 created this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners can be found in a variety of outputs. It is important to take into consideration the size of your room when selecting the right stove. Many people make the mistake of buying a woodburner that is too big for their house. This could negatively impact the efficiency and performance of the stove. It is important to visit the showroom in order to determine the size of the woodburner that is most suitable for your home and to use a stove-sizing calculator to calculate how much heat it will generate.
A good rule of thumb is to take the length the width and height of the room in meters and multiply these together. Then, divide this number by 14 to determine the approximate amount of heat required. This is a rough guide. Other elements, such as the amount of insulation present in the building or the number of external walls, or the size of windows in a space, can affect the actual heat output required.
A ventillation kit, also known as a basic air brick, is required for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the wood is burned efficiently and the stove doesn't become too hot. This could decrease the effectiveness of the stove and lead to soot build up on the glass and in the chimney.
It is also important to note that your small woodburner should be installed at a specific distance from both non-combustible and combustible surfaces that have a specified value. These values will be detailed in the manual of the manufacturer, so ensure that you refer to this when installing your stove and adhere to these guidelines. Keep your stove free of non-combustibles and combustibles in order to avoid fire safety issues and ensure the safe operation of your wood burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the channel through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning stove pass through to be vented outside. This helps maintain the cleanliness of indoor air by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also blocks heat transfer to combustible materials within your home, reducing the risk of fire and smoke damage.
It is important to keep your flue, which is an integral component of any stove or fireplace. This can be accomplished by regularly cleaning your chimney and ensuring that it is ventilated properly. If your chimney is clogged, you may need to call in an expert to check and clean. Creosote can accumulate in the flue as a result of flammable products of burning wood. If it builds up to an excessive level, it can ignite, leading to chimney fires and other issues.
There are several different types of flues available for your fireplace or woodburning stove such as masonry chimneys and double-wall flue systems. Masonry chimneys are typically built using mortar and bricks double-wall flue systems comprise a chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys are compatible with all fireplaces, however they must be checked by an engineer registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyzer to verify that the chimney's lining is functioning correctly.
You can opt for a flexible liner if you have an old masonry chimney in need of replacing. This will ensure a smooth surface from the fireplace all the way to the outlet. They are available in a variety of sizes, and can be fitted either externally or internally, according to the layout of your fireplace. These liners are also insulated, which keeps the flue gas warmer and enhances the performance.
The twin wall flue system 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 inside and curved outside. This is ideal for high temperatures. They can be installed with double-wall chimneys or masonry. However, they are only allowed to be used in homes that have strict building codes.
Distances from Combustible Surfaces
The size of the space you will need to maintain around the stove is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right woodburner. You don't want your brand new small woodburner to be too close to any combustible materials because they could get very hot and create the risk of a fire.
The instruction manuals for most woodburners will contain guidelines on how far you should keep the stove from combustible materials. These guidelines are usually expressed in terms of distances between the front, back and sides. However, these guidelines can differ based on the type of wood burner and the heat output they provide.
We strongly suggest to follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner in order to stay clear of any potential dangers. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional is vital to ensure that your woodburner is in good working order.
During these inspections the woodburner technician will check for any potential safety or health concerns and ensure that you are following the correct guidelines to protect your family and home. Install carbon monoxide alarms close to your woodburner and ensure that they're in good working in good working order.
Some woodburners require a large gap to be kept from combustible materials in order to decrease the chance of them reaching their ignition point. This is typically specified by the manufacturer in the instruction manual, which is available to be downloaded from their website.
You can utilize wall protectors to decrease the clearances that are required for your stove in order to keep that space. They're subjected tests, and are certified by the manufacturer to be capable of safely reducing the required clearances.
A wall shield consists of a thin metal frame which is positioned on the back of your stove, covering the flue system. This acts as a barrier that prevents the walls from heating up and inflaming any combustible materials that are behind them. This is a particularly good option for new build homes where the construction is often composed of a sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which does not provide much protection from the high temperatures generated by woodburners.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves can be extremely hot, which means that they could damage walls that surround them. The best method to avoid this is to install walls with a shield that reduces the heat generated by the stove, and also help to protect the wall. These wall protections are available in a variety of forms that range from simple heat shields to more complex built-in models. The most effective wall protections blend metal and brick to prevent heat from the stove transferring to the walls, while also reflecting it back.
The kind of wood used to cook in the stove is also an important factor to consider. Some types of wood are prone to produce creosote that can block the chimney and increase the chance of sparks. It is recommended to use only seasoned hardwoods for stoves. This will ensure that the fire is burning at a temperature that is sufficient to eliminate any remaining moisture, decreasing the accumulation of creosote deposits.
Some examples of suitable seasoned hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. cast iron wood burning stove is not a great choice because it releases a lot smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits within the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended because it is susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum disease. It also can pose health hazards when taken out of its natural habitat.
There's a woodburner to suit every budget and living space. It is important to choose the best woodburner to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. By avoiding bigger, more expensive stoves you can save on running expenses while enjoying the warm ambiance that is a part of a traditional woodburner.