exposed refractory cement and rain ???

[Chef]

In addition to our brick oven we built a BBQ/Fire pit next to it. This past week here in the North East we have been soaked with rain. Last night we fired up the oven and took took the embers out of the oven and put them in the fire pit/BBQ added a few logs so we could enjoy a fire as we baked bread.

The BBQ/Fire pit began to "Steam" from the bottom AGAIN like it did during the cure. We poured this back in May and it had stopped steaming quite some time ago. SO we are wondering do we need to keep the BBQ covered so water does not make the refractory cement wet every time we have a rain storm? Our first thought was once its cured it would be OK, but maybe we were wrong?!

Malinda

[nissanneill]

Hi Malinda
you need to make your oven water resistant (as I think that it is almost impossible to make it water proof unless it is built totally inside your home, ie under a couple of rooves).
Should your oven get wet, you should dry it out as per the initial build recommendations.
Failure to do this may result in permanent damage to your oven as the water/moisture within the bricks, mortar, insulation etc. will turn to steam and expand at a greater rate than the wet materials can stand, breaking/cracking your hard work.
If your oven gets wet, fire it slowly rather than fiercely so that any moisture can escape and evaporate at an achieveable rate.
Neill

[atdabch]

I agree...if the oven gets wet you have to start the drying out all over again as per the initial build recommendations...a cover will help keep things dry thats for sure but always start your fire slow and check for steam...

[Chef]

looks like we are building a cover!!!

[nissanneill]

You're right,
she ain't pretty but what the hell, if it does what you want, draws the family and friends together then great. The fact that it works and works well, even better, you might say an added bonus. This is what it is all about I feel. A focal point to keep the family and friends closer together.
You can always dress it up a little with a bit of render or an enclosure later should you wish.

Neill.

[Chef]

Its funny we live in a historial home, many homes in this area have backyard bick BBQ's and fire places that have this rustic home made look so it "fits"??!! We will extend the chimney as it does not draw well, but we need to first finish the additional 13 x 13 paito and pergola. One project at a time!!