Fires now up to temp but not sure if enough insulation

[waynebergman]

Fires now up to temp but not sure if I used enough insulation. I am at the point I can add more but thought I would ask this question. Top of dome on the inside was up to 700 degrees and when I felt the outside of the vermiculite inslulation on the top of the dome it was just warm to the touch. I used 2 " of the fancy blanket type insulation an about 1" of the vermiculite concrete on top of that. Seems like its insulating good as its just warm to the touch after 1 1/2 hours of fire time but was not sure if it is supposed to be cool to the touch. Cold day here at about freezing so not sure how this plays into what I should expect from my insulation.....thanks wayne

[CanuckJim]

Wayne,

Personally, over the blanket I'd go for three inches on the sides and five inches at the apex. That way, you would have no heat bleed at all. Remember the FBF axiom, "You can never have too much insulation." I'm satisfied when the exterior of the dome is cool to the touch when the hearth floor is at 900 F. Now's your chance; I'd say do it.

Jim

[waynebergman]

Thanks Jim....beefed it up today..especially at the apex of the dome....wayne