refractory mortar Pompeii Oven Construction Discuss refractory mortar in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; I was uncertain about my abilities to construct the dome so I'm having an experienced mason help me. The local ...

[briot]

I was uncertain about my abilities to construct the dome so I'm having an experienced mason help me. The local masonry supply told me to use pre-mixed refractory mortar for the dome and the mason agreed that it would be the best way to go. The dome is almost finished. Someone please tell me that we are using the right stuff? The joints on the inside of the oven are very small.

[dmun]

By pre-mixed, if you mean the wet stuff in tubs, it has been problematic in the past. It doesn't set up hard, and it isn't waterproof. If you maintain a meticulous curing schedule and your enclosure is really, really waterproof, you should be fine. If it's the pre-mixed dry stuff, like heat-stop 50, you're good to go.

More important is to be sure that your mason used the proper amounts and kinds of insulation. We've heard of more than one "expert" blow this crucial step off, as a waste of time and money.

[briot]

Yes, we used the wet stuff in tubs-it's called Greenpatch 421. The masonry supply here, which is the only one in town, told me that it was what they sold for pizza ovens. As far as customer satisfaction goes, I would rate them a zero. (Their initials are WG) I have even called a different business: Pumalite in Salem and they have been most helpful. I wish I had called them sooner, because the guys at WG are a bunch of idiots. I think I know more than they do, and I don't know much. I just keep asking for advice on the forum.
As soon as the dome is completed, my husband and I are doing the rest of the work. What do you mean by "meticulous curing schedule?" We will do the insulation and the enclosure. It will also have a roof. Is there anything more we need to do to keep it dry?
I'm suddenly having a lot of anxiety about this....

[dmun]

The roofed enclosure is the way to go. Pay attention to the flashing on the chimney, you don't want any leaks. By a meticulous curing schedule, I mean don't give in to the temptation to take shorcuts, and build up the fire bigger than it should be.