A word of caution on stoves in sheds

by David Campbell
(County Down. N Ireland)

Twin wall observing clearances and using correct supports

Hello everyone. I have stumbled across your web site quite by accident searching for some images on google, and one of the images from Dave's project to fit a small stove to his shed caught my eye, and I felt compelled to write in. I have been a registered chimney technician for over 20 years now, and as Chairman of the Northern Ireland Association of Chimney Sweeps, I train chimney technicans throughout Ireland. We are also approved stockists for Clearview Stoves and more importantly with regards to Dave's project, we give seminars to Building control with regards to flue installation, and are stockists and installers of Docherty Chimney Group based in England.

This information has been given to validate my background as opposed to be used for commerial advertising, (although a Clearview Stove and Docherty flue combination would be a very good investment...but too good for a shed I'm afraid ;-} )

Now for the main reason I am getting in touch. Can you PLEASE tell Dave that the timber, in close proximity to the twin wall flue, needs to be a minimum of 50mm away from the flue. There are also fixtures that prevent the flue from moving too be used within the ceiling, joists and rafters to support the flue, so the "galvanised" pipe does not bear any of the weight. It is also important to ensure that the twin wall projects down into the room at least three times the diameter of the single skin pipe, which in Dave's case is 4" from what we are led to believe. i.e the twin wall has to come down through the ceiling 3 x 4" = 12". Dave has already touched on the reason why. The single skin can radiate at extreme temperatures, and can cause fire.

Distances from combustible walls should be observed at all times too. Document J would be helpful to read if you wanted to do an installation by yourself, or technical booklet L for the case of Northern Ireland. You might find that if you lose shed and contents in a fire, you may not be covered by insurance if these regulations haven't been closely observed, and more importantly, if these friends that call around to Dave's place because of the cosy atmosphere fall foul of this installation, you could have some more serious charges to be faced.

I accept that Dave has been thorough and given us temperature readings during normal operation, but it is in extreme cases such as chimney fires that the flue and installation are put under severe scrutiny. SOLID FUEL IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A DIY JOB, UNLESS THE CORRECT ADVICE IS SOUGHT AND REGULATIONS ARE FOLLOWED.

I trust this is helpful.

David Campbell

Wood burning stove in a shed

by Kev

Hi,
I have a summer house/bar in my garden I have just extended it and now want to put a wood burner in but am a little worried about the wooden walls,it will be sat on a stone floor so that's not an issue just the fact of installing the flue through the wooden frame.

I would if possible like to put the flue through the wall rather than the roof what sort would I require(height etc.) the outside of the walls are featheredge boards and the inside will be timber cladding,any help and advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

Kev