In April, one rainy night can change the conditions for drying a new oven. Readiness for the first heating depends on the completed layers, their thickness, and current instructions. A simple record of work is more useful than counting the same number of days for each construction.
Collect the dates of all wet work
Record the construction of joints, larger fillings, and external coatings. Outdoor Oven Cement sets hydraulically and does not require fire for that setting process. This does not mean that immediately after hardening the entire device is dry and ready for intensive firing.
Heatproof Screed has its own requirements for preparation, curing, and drying. Compare them with the instructions for the chamber and other materials. The latest applied or thickest wet layer may affect the schedule of the entire oven.
Watch the weather and sheltered spots
Check whether water has reached the base, entrance, or unfinished casing. The dome covering does not guarantee that every spot will dry. A thicker cross-section and weaker air movement can create different conditions than an exposed joint at the entrance.
Do not try to confirm readiness by sudden ignition. The method of moisture removal and initial heating depends on the materials used and the design. Fire does not replace the prior assessment of where water appears in the structure.
Record the stages and changes
- Date of work and the applied material variant.
- Protection conditions, precipitation, and observed moisture.
- Planned heating stage according to instructions.
- New cracks, displacements, and detached fragments.
If a significant change occurs, stop increasing the thermal load and determine its cause. Keep a record after starting to use the oven. At the next inspection, it will help to recognize whether a small crack was present from the beginning or appeared only after rain or subsequent intensive use.