15 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Small Woodburners

Installing Small Woodburners Safely

A small woodburner can add warmth to any room no matter if it's an apartment or a cabin. There are some regulations that you must adhere to in order to set up your stove in a safe manner.

These guidelines include ensuring certain distances between your stove and any combustible material. This guide is here to assist.

Room Size

Woodburners are available in a wide variety of outputs. It is important to take into consideration the size of your home when choosing the stove. Many people make the mistake of purchasing a stove that is too big 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 to find out what the ideal woodburner size is for your household and also to use a stove sizing calculator to determine how much heat the stove will generate.

Multiply the length, width and height of a room in metres. Divide this number by 14, and you'll have an approximate estimate of the heat output required. But, this is just a rough guideline and other factors such as the quality of insulation in the property, whether there are any exterior walls or how big the windows are in the room can impact on 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 isn't too hot. This could reduce the efficiency of the stove and lead to excessive soot build up on the glass and in the chimney.

It is important to remember that your small woodburner should be placed at a specific distance from both combustibles and non-combustible surfaces. This distance will be predetermined. These specifications will be provided in the manual of the manufacturer, so be sure to use this when installing your stove and following these guidelines. Keeping your stove clear of combustible and non-combustible materials will help you avoid any fire hazards and will ensure the safe operation of your log burner.

Flue System

The flue system is the channel through which exhaust gases created by your woodburning stove pass through to be expelled outside. This ensures the cleanliness of indoor air, preventing the buildup of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also stops heat transfer to combustible substances in your home, avoiding the possibility of fire and smoke damage.

It's important to maintain your flue, which is an integral component of any stove or fireplace. You can do this by regularly cleaning the flue and ensuring it has proper ventilation. If your chimney is clogged it is possible to contact a professional for inspection and cleaning. Creosote can accumulate in the flue as a result of the flammable substances of burning wood. If it builds to a high level it could cause a fire, causing chimney fires and other issues.

There are many different types of flues for your fireplace or woodburning appliance including masonry flues and double-wall systems. Masonry chimneys are usually constructed using mortar and bricks, while double-wall flue systems consist of chimney liners made from stainless steel. Masonry chimneys are compatible with all fireplaces, however they should be inspected by an engineer registered with Gas Safe with a flue-gas analyzer to ensure that the chimney's lining is functioning properly.

If you have an older masonry chimney that needs relining, you can make use of a flexible chimney liner that will provide that the surface is smooth and unbroken from the fireplace to the outlet. These liners are available in a variety of diameters and can be installed either externally or internally depending on the configuration of your fireplace.  very small wood burner  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 on the inside and textured on the exterior, which is ideal to reach high temperatures. They can be used with both double-wall chimneys as well as masonry chimneys however they can only be installed in homes that comply with strict building regulations.

Distances from Combustible Surfaces

The amount of space you have to maintain around the stove is one of the most important considerations when selecting the right woodburner. You don't want your brand new small woodburner to be too close to any combustible materials as they can become very hot and pose the risk of a fire.

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

To prevent any risk from occurring We strongly suggest that you always follow the specific guidelines set by the manufacturer of your woodburner. Regular checks and maintenance by a professional are key to ensure the safety of your woodburner.

During these inspections, your woodburner technician can check for any potential safety or health issues and make sure you're following the correct guidelines to protect your home and family. Install carbon monoxide alarms around your woodburner and ensure that they're in good working order.

Certain woodburners require a large gap to be kept from combustible materials to reduce the risk of the ignition point reaching. The manufacturer will usually specify this in the manual of the stove that you can download from their website.

As an alternative to maintaining this space, you can utilize a wall shield to limit the clearances required for your stove. These have been tested and certified by the manufacturer to be able reduce the clearances in a safe manner.

A wall shield consists of a thin metal frame that is positioned over the back of your stove, covering the flue system. This is a barrier that keeps the walls from heating and igniting materials that are combustible behind them. This is an especially good option for new build homes where the construction typically consists of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which does not provide much protection from the high temperatures generated by a woodburner.

Shielding Combustible Surfaces

Woodburning stoves generate a lot of heat, and this means that there is a chance of damage to walls around the stove as well as in the close vicinity. Installing a wall protection will cut down on the heat coming from the stove, while also protecting the wall. These wall protections come in a variety of forms including simple heat shields to more sophisticated built-in models. The best wall protectors combine brick with metal to reflect heat away from the stove, and also prevent it from transferring onto the walls.

The type of wood used to cook in the stove is another important aspect to consider. Certain types of wood are known to create creosote, which can hinder the fireplace and increase fire risk. To prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to only use wood that is seasoned for burning in the stove. This will ensure that the fire burns at a sufficient temperature to eliminate any moisture that remains, thereby reducing the build-up of creosote deposits.

Ash, Elm and Beech are examples of hardwoods that have been seasoned. Pine is not a good option as it creates a lot smoke and can cause creosote-like deposits in the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended due to its susceptible to Phytophthora the ramorum disease. It also poses health risks when it is removed of its natural habitat.

There's a woodburner to meet the needs of any budget and living space. The choice of the best woodburner is essential to maximise efficiency and comfort. By staying clear of bigger, more expensive stoves you can save on running costs while still enjoying the warm ambience that comes with a traditional woodburner.