 Re: small fire but big day
Looks good Wayne.
About your comment with respect to exposure to rain - here on the BC coast we have to contend with wet winters. You must keep the refractory mortar dry all year. Most of these types of oven are built in dryer climates.
Refectory mortar is not like Portland cement based mortar which actually continues to strengthen with moisture. If exposed to prolonged moisture, refractory mortars will weaken and go “spongy”. You will need an enclosure or a waterproof covering (I used acrylic stucco – and still cover it with a tarp when not in use).
If you don’t use your oven regularly through the winter you should also go through this progressive firing process each spring to “harden” the mortar. |