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Installing Small Woodburners Safely A small woodburner can bring warmth to any home, whether it is an apartment or an outdoor cabin. There are some rules that you must adhere to in order to set up your stove in a safe manner. These rules include keeping certain distances between your stove and combustible items. To assist contemporary wood burners , we've put together this guide. Room Size Woodburners come in a range of outputs, and it's important to consider the size of your room when choosing the right stove. Many people make the error of purchasing a stove that is too big for their home and this can have a negative impact on the performance and efficiency of the stove. It is crucial to visit the showroom in order to determine the size of the woodburner that will work most suitable for your home and to use a stove-sizing calculator to calculate how much heat it can generate. A good rule of thumb is to calculate the length the width and height of the room in meters and then multiply them. Then divide this number by 14 to calculate the approximate heat requirement. However, this is only a rough estimate and other factors like the insulation quality in the home and whether there are external walls or how big the windows are in the room can influence the actual output needed. Ventillation kits, or basic air brick, is essential for any stove that produces more than 5kW. This will ensure that the wood is burned efficiently and that the stove isn't too hot. This could reduce the efficiency of the stove, and cause excessive soot to build up on the glass as well as 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-combustible surfaces. The distance is determined by the manufacturer. These parameters will be explained in the handbook of the manufacturer so be sure to use this when installing your stove and following these guidelines. Making sure your stove is free of non-combustible and combustible substances will help you to avoid any fire safety issues and ensure safe operation of your log burner. Flue System The flue system is a passageway that lets the exhaust gases from your wood-burning stove to be vented outdoors. This helps maintain the cleanliness of indoor air and prevents the accumulation of harmful pollutants and odours. The flue also prevents heat transfer to combustible materials within your home, reducing the possibility of fire or smoke damage. Your flue is a crucial component of your stove or fireplace and it is essential to maintain it. You can clean it regularly by cleaning the flue, and ensuring it has proper ventilation. If your chimney is blocked you might need to call in an expert to check and clean. The flammable byproducts of burning wood in your stove may cause creosote to accumulate inside the flue. If it builds to an excessive level 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. Double-wall flues are constructed from stainless steel chimney liners. Masonry chimneys are, however, are usually built with bricks and mortar. Masonry chimneys can be installed with virtually any fireplace but you should 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 operating correctly. If you have an older chimney made of masonry that requires relining, then you can opt for a flexible chimney liner to provide an unbroken and smooth surface from the fireplace to the outlet. These are available in a range of diameters, and can be fitted either externally or internally, dependent on the layout of your fireplace. They also have insulation, which keeps the flue gas warmer and improves efficiency. The twin wall flue system is a popular option for homes with no chimneys. They are easy to install and come with a double-skinned stainless steel that is smooth inside and curly on the outside, which is perfect for high temperatures. They can be installed with masonry or double-wall chimneys. However, they are only allowed to be installed in homes that comply with strict building codes. Distances from Combustible Surfaces When choosing 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 materials that are flammable as they can become very hot and create the risk of a fire. The instruction manual of most woodburners will provide guidelines for the distance you must keep the stove clear of combustible materials. These guidelines are usually described in terms of distances between the front and back sides. These guidelines may vary based on the type and heat output of the wood burner. We strongly suggest that you always follow the directions given by the manufacturer of your woodburner in order to stay clear of any potential dangers. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional are key to ensure the safety of your woodburner. During these inspections your woodburner technician will look for any safety or potential issues concerns. They will also make sure that you're following the correct guidelines to safeguard your family and home. It's also advisable 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 to reduce the risk of them reaching their ignition point. The manufacturer will usually specify this in the manual for the stove that you can download from their website. You can use a wall protector to reduce the clearances that are required for your stove in order to keep that space. They 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 which is positioned on the back of your stove and covers the flue system. It acts as a barrier to stop the walls from heating up and igniting any combustible materials that are behind them. This is a good choice particularly for newly constructed homes, where the construction is typically comprised of sheetrock (gypsum), or brick veneers, which do not offer much protection against the high temperatures generated by a woodburner. Shielding Combustible Surfaces Woodburning stoves produce a lot of heat, and this means that there is a chance of damage to walls around the stove and in the close vicinity. Installing a wall protector can reduce the heat generated by the stove while also protecting the wall. Wall protections are available in a range of forms, from simple bare heat shields, to more elaborate built-in models. The best wall protectors combine metal with brick to reflect heat away from the stove and stop it from transferring onto the walls. The kind of wood used to burn in the stove is also an important aspect to consider. Certain kinds of wood have a tendency to form creosote deposits that can block the chimney and increase the danger of an explosion. To help reduce this, it is recommended to use wood that is seasoned for burning in the stove. This will help to ensure that the fire is burned at a temperature that is sufficient to eliminate any moisture that remains, thereby reducing the build-up of creosote deposits. Some examples of suitable seasoned hardwoods include Ash, Elm, and Beech. Pine is a poor option, as it tends to create lots of smoke and has an oily appearance, which could lead to creosote-like deposits that resemble tar within the flue system. The Larch wood is not recommended as it is susceptible to Phytophthora the ramorum disease. It also can pose health risks when it is removed of its natural habitat. Whether you need a small woodburner for your loft apartment or country nook, there's an option that will fit your budget and living space. It is essential to select the right woodburner in order to maximize efficiency and comfort. By avoiding bigger stoves that are more expensive, you can make savings on operating costs while enjoying the warm ambiance that is a part of a traditional woodburner.