As autumn sets in, nothing beats the roar and warmth of a wood burner. But there’s one way to make your stove set-up even more cosy and inviting. It all begins with copper, the most autumnal metal of all. Not only does this inimitable material look breathtakingly beautiful, it can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your log burner. Intrigued? Pop the kettle on, settle down and read all about the secret to lasting heat — and timeless style.
Heat Shield Health and Safety
Firstly, given the fact we’re talking fire, we must mention the all-important health and safety rules. Placing a ‘heat shield’ panel behind your wood burning stove might actually be something you have to do by law. When installing a log burner, it’s vital that you comply with current building regulations. These affect the amount of clearance you must leave between your burner and the wall, and whether or not you need a heat shield to protect any combustible materials. Please conduct your own research on this; use a HETAS-registered tradesperson, or speak to the Building Control department at your local council.
First Class Conductivity
Whether or not you need to install a heat shield, introducing a copper panel to the area behind your wood burner can be a very savvy choice. In a time when almost everybody is invested in saving energy, it’s wise to have the science of copper on your side. See, copper is a terrific conductor of heat. Think about it: plumbing pipework, hot water cylinders, classic French cookware — all of these things are often made with copper. That’s because of the metal’s superior thermal-conducting qualities. Copper possesses nearly 30 times the thermal conductivity of stainless steel, and boasts a thermal conductivity rating a staggering 60% higher than that of aluminium.
Vintage cookware is often made of copper, because of the metal’s outstanding thermal conductivity.
Warmer, for Longer
All of that science boils down to one simple fact: homes that stay warmer for longer. Copper panelling behind your wood burner will conduct the heat produced by the fire so it emits around the room. This is good news for anyone looking to reduce their energy bills this winter. Or for anyone who can’t resist the allure of a cosy room in the colder months. Incidentally, the same principle applies to any heat source, whether it’s a traditional coal fire or a radiator.
A Hue Like No Other
Copper heat shields aren’t all about science and safety. As well as protecting walls and making your wood burner work harder, copper introduces an unparalleled finish to your decor. When it comes to interior design, the pinkish-orange shades of copper are in a class of their own. The glowing tones of this unique metal are the perfect match for flames glanced through the wood burner window. Even when your stove is unlit, natural copper panelling can turn it into a dazzling focal point. Just look at this stunning example, in the Hastings home of wallpaper and fabric designer Louise Body.
Not Only Orange
But copper doesn’t have to be orange. When exposed to the elements, over time, the metal develops vivid blue-green pigments called verdigris. We’ve perfected the art of hand-ageing metal in our Newcastle workshop, speeding up time and creating these patinas in days instead of years. Patinated, or aged copper, is a wonderful choice for vintage-inspired interiors, or for a bold, innovative aesthetic. Whether you’re picturing sweeping swirls of cerulean, subtle specs of mint green or angular crackles of aqua, we’ve got a finish to suit. You can browse our full spectrum of patinated copper finishes here. We always work with you to confirm you are completely satisfied with your bespoke metal creation before we lacquer and despatch. Below is an example of one our hand-finished pieces, installed behind our customer’s wood burner. This custom-made heat shield, in our signature Northumberland finish, is a striking talking point. Not only that, but because of copper’s properties, it fills their snug space with lasting warmth.
Install a Copper Heat Shield this Winter
If this post has inspired you, contact us for a bespoke quote on your copper heat shield. Choose from an impressive range of finishes, from natural to patinated copper. The simple addition of a slice of this exquisite metal can transform the look of your living space — and keep it warmer, too.
