5 Tools That Everyone Working In The Small Woodburners Industry Should Be Using
Installing Small Woodburners Safely
A small woodburner will add warmth to any house regardless of whether it's small or a cabin. There are some rules you need to follow to put your stove in the right place.
These rules require you to keep certain distances between your stove and combustible materials. To assist you, we've prepared this guide.
Room Size
Woodburners are available in a variety of outputs, and it's crucial to take into account the size of your space when selecting the right stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a wood burner that is too big for their home and this can affect the performance and efficiency of the stove. This is why it is crucial to visit a showroom in order to determine what the ideal woodburner size is for your household and as well as to use a stove sizing calculator to figure out the amount of heat your stove can generate.
A good rule of thumb is to calculate the length and width of the room in metres and then multiply them. Divide this number by 14 and you will get an approximate estimation of the amount of heat required. But, this is only a rough estimate and other factors like the insulation quality of the home as well as whether there are exterior walls or how big the windows are in the room could affect the actual heat output required.
It is also important to note that any stove that has an output of more than 5kW will require adequate ventilation and ventillation kits or an air brick will be necessary. 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 lead to excessive soot accumulate on the glass and inside the chimney.
It is important to remember that your small woodburner needs to be installed at a certain distance from both combustibles and non-combustible surfaces. This distance will be predetermined. The manual of the manufacturer will explain these specifications, so be sure to refer to it when installing your stove. Keep your stove free of combustibles and non-combustibles to avoid fire safety issues and ensure the safe operation of your wood burner.
Flue System
The flue system is the pathway through which the exhaust gases produced by your woodburning stove travel to be emitted out. This helps maintain the cleanliness of indoor air by preventing the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue stops heat from being transferred to combustible material within your home. This lowers the risk of fire or smoke damage.
It's important to maintain your flue as it is an essential element of any fireplace or stove. corner wood burning stove can do this by regularly cleaning the flue, and ensuring that it has adequate ventilation. It is possible to engage a professional to inspect and clean your chimney if it's blocked. The flammable byproducts of burning wood in your stove could cause creosote to accumulate inside the flue. If it builds up to an excessive level, it can cause a fire, causing chimney fires, as well as other issues.
There are many different types of flues for your fireplace or woodburning appliance, including double-wall flues and masonry systems. Masonry chimneys are constructed out of mortar and bricks and double-wall flue systems consist of a chimney liners made of stainless steel. Masonry chimneys can be used with virtually any fireplace however, it is recommended to have them inspected by an Gas Safe registered engineer with an analyser for flue gas to ensure that the lining is not damaged and that the chimney is working properly.
If you have an older chimney made of masonry that needs relining, you can use a flexible chimney liner that will provide that the surface is smooth and unbroken from the fireplace to the outlet. These are available in a range of diameters, and can be fitted either externally or internally, depending on your fireplace layout. These liners are also made of insulation, which keeps the flue gases warmer and enhances the performance.
Twin wall flue systems are a common choice for homes that do not have traditional chimneys. They are simple to set up and come with a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and corrugated on the outside, which is ideal for high temperatures. They can be used with double-wall chimneys as well as masonry chimneys but they can only be installed in homes that comply with strict building regulations.
Distances from Combustible Surfaces
When choosing a woodburner, the space around the stove will be a major factor. It isn't necessary to place your small woodburner close to combustibles because they can quickly get extremely hot and start a fire.
The instruction manuals of the majority of woodburners will include guidelines on how far you should keep the stove clear of combustible materials. These guidelines are usually defined in terms of distances between the front side, back and sides. These guidelines may vary based on the type and heat output of the wood stove.
To avoid any dangers from occurring, we strongly advise to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your woodburner. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional is vital to ensure that your woodburner is in good condition.
During these inspections your woodburner technician will be able to identify any potential problems or safety issues and make sure you're following the right guidelines to safeguard your home and family. It is also recommended to install carbon monoxide detectors close to your woodburner and keep them in good working order.
To reduce the risk that combustibles will reach their ignition point, certain woodburners require a large distance between them and combustibles. The manufacturer usually specifies this in the manual of the stove which you can download from their website.
To preserve the space, you could make use of a wall protector to limit the clearances needed for your stove. These are subjected to rigorous tests and are certified by the manufacturer to be capable of safely reducing the clearances required for your stove.
A wall shield is a thin, metal frame that protects the flue system at the back of the stove. It is a barrier that stops the walls from heating and burning materials that are combustible behind them. This is an especially good option for new build homes in which the structure typically consists of sheetrock (gypsum) or brick veneer, which do not provide much protection from the high temperatures generated by a woodburner.
Shielding Combustible Surfaces
Woodburning stoves are extremely hot, which means they can damage walls in the area around them. The best way to avoid this is to put up walls with a shield that reduces the heat generated by the stove and to protect the wall. Wall protectors come in many different styles, from simple heat shields to complex built-in models. The most effective wall protections blend metal and brick to prevent the heat from the stove from getting to the walls, and reflecting it away.
The type of wood used to cook in the stove is an important consideration. Certain kinds of wood tend to produce creosote, which can hinder the fireplace and increase the fire risk. To help reduce this issue, it is a good idea to only use wood that is seasoned to burn in the stove. This will ensure that the fire is burned at a sufficient temperature to eliminate any remaining moisture, decreasing the accumulation of creosote deposits.
Some examples of suitable hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is a poor option, as it tends to release a lot of smoke and has an oily appearance that can cause creosote-like deposits that resemble tar within the flue system. Larch is another timber which should not be used, since it is prone to Phytophthora Ramorum disease and may pose health hazards when transported from its natural habitat.
Whether you need a small woodburner for your loft apartment or country nook, there's an option that will fit your living space and budget. It is important to choose the correct woodburner to maximize efficiency and comfort. By avoiding bigger and more expensive stoves you can save on operating costs while enjoying the warm ambiance that is a part of a traditional woodburner.