Keeping Warm This Winter: 
A Technical Guide to Solid Fuel Stoves and Flue Systems for Inland Waterways Boats
 

Solid fuel stoves have been a staple heating source on inland waterways boats for over a century. Even today, they remain one of the most economical forms of heating. However, their traditional design - typically featuring single-wall flue pipes and chimneys - presents certain challenges, particularly in installation and performance.

At Midland Chandlers, we have collaborated with Schiedel Chimney Systems and Arada Stoves to develop a twin-wall insulated flue kit specifically designed for narrowboats and wide beam barges. This system not only addresses common performance issues but also aligns with new environmental regulations aimed at improving air quality.

Meeting Eco-design Standards

Driven by the Government's Clean Air Strategy, solid fuel stove manufacturers are now tasked with meeting Eco-design legislation. In response, Arada's latest Eco-design Solution 4 and Solution 5 solid fuel stoves have been designed to meet these stringent standards. Working alongside Schiedel, we are proud to offer a flue system that enhances air quality, increases efficiency, and ensures the safe use of these stoves on inland waterways.

Improved Performance with the Schiedel Twin-Wall Flue System

One of the key advantages of the Schiedel twin-wall insulated flue system is its ability to significantly improve flue draft, especially when compared to single-wall systems. This is achieved by allowing internal flue gases to heat up more rapidly during fire lighting, while maintaining a consistent flue temperature as the fire dies down. The benefits include:

- Easier fire lighting

- Improved combustion efficiency

- Enhanced flue draw for efficient removal of combustion gases

The system also includes a 460mm insulated outer chimney and rain terminal, further improving flue draft when the boat is moored. This setup ensures that the stove operates at peak efficiency, extracting the maximum heat from the fuel.

Picture: Tom Hall (From Installer – If Possible)

Enhanced Safety in Confined Spaces

Safety is paramount in the confined spaces of narrowboats and barges. The Schiedel twin-wall flue system incorporates insulation between the inner and outer flue walls, maintaining a cooler exterior surface than traditional single-wall installations. This greatly reduces the risk of accidental burns or overheating, making it a much safer option for cabin use.

Additionally, it is mandatory to have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in any cabin where a solid fuel stove is installed. For more detailed safety guidelines, refer to the Boat Safety Scheme (www.boatsafetyscheme.org). Ensuring your boat complies with these safety standards provides peace of mind and minimizes risk when using solid fuel stoves on board.

The Schiedel flue’s matt black powder-coated finish retains the traditional aesthetic of a solid fuel stove while adhering to modern safety regulations, making it an excellent choice for boats on inland waterways.

Burning the Right Fuel

Selecting the right fuel is key to maximising the performance of your solid fuel stove. While it may be tempting to burn found wood, it is important to use seasoned wood with less than 20% moisture content or approved smokeless coal. Unseasoned or treated wood can produce harmful gases, sticky tar deposits, and potentially cause long-term damage to your stove or flue system, even leading to a chimney fire.

Regular cleaning, inspection, and maintenance - including flue sweeping - are essential to keep your stove operating safely and efficiently.

Handy Maintenance Tip

To keep the stove’s fire glass clean, use a simple method: dampen a paper towel, dip it into cold ash, and gently wipe the soot from the glass.

Installation Made Easy

The Schiedel twin-wall flue system is designed for 100mm diameter solid fuel stove outlets and is available in both straight and offset configurations, depending on the location of the stove in relation to the hull. Schiedel’s twist-lock system ensures leak-free connections between flue components, and the locking bands secure each joint.

The flue kit is adjustable, allowing easy adaptation from the fire spigot to the roof terminal without the need for cutting pipes. The roof terminal is designed to fit various profiles, ensuring that the chimney remains vertical and securely sealed to the roof. The included trim ring ensures a neat, professional finish inside the cabin.

Installers should follow the BS 8511 Code of Practice for the installation of solid fuel stoves in small craft. The Schiedel system is designed to help meet these guidelines, ensuring safe and compliant installations.

For more information on our range of solid fuel stoves or the Schiedel twin-wall insulated flue system, visit one of our Midland Chandlers branches or contact our sales team.