[Peterrr]

Hi,

I have a 10cm (4") layer of vermiculite/cement mixture (5:1) on
corrugated steel as bottom insulation for my oven (pics attached).
There is a layer of about 1 cm (3/8") of concrete to level the surface on which the floor tiles are resting.
The insulation has been drying for 6 weeks until I fired it
the first time last week.
Yesterday I fired up the oven for the second time.
After 1,5 hour the dome became white, burning of the soot.
Everything went fine but I noticed that the
corrugated steel became quit hot at about 70C or 160F...
I assume it is because the insulation is still not completely dry.
Does that make sense?

Should I drill some holes in the steel to help any moisture present escape?
Or should I just be patient and let the moisture escape through the side
and via the floor tiles during regular fires?

Any advice is appreciated.

Regards,

Roeland.