Winter time WFO use ???

[hodgey1]

I'm starting this as a new thread here because I felt I was high jacking another and this post "I think" belongs here.

Maybe you could help alleviate some worries about winter time use. I have fired my oven at least 15 times for pizza since completing the dome. I've read several times on the forum from different sources that cracks are inevitable and its not a "if" you'll get cracks but when.

I live in the great white north/Great lakes snow belt area that gets lots of snow and sustained very cold temps. My worry is,,,,,,, I have as yet to see any cracks in my dome and I have this concern that if I fire it up on a 15-20 degree day that im asking for it to crack because of the major temp deferential. Do i throw my knowledge of making hard-cold things hot out the window? Or say F' it and enjoy? Or is there a slow process of safely heating up my WFO like putting a light bulb in it days in advance of firing on cold winters days?

I would love to use it in the winter but need a reasonable amount of assurance that it wont result in a problem. For years we've had sled/tubing parties and having WFO pizzas as part of one this winter would rock.

[david s]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Insulation over the dome takes care of temperature differential. Plenty of oven owners fire their ovens when they're covered in snow. Wet insulation is however another problem and if it's wet it won't insulate too well.

[Les]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

I've used mine in the winter with no problems. The inside of the dome cannot crack but I would think I would see them in the entry if it were a problem, I do not. By nature it will not jump to temp but climb up slowly. If you are concerned, I would start with a small fire and gradually bring it to heat.

[stonecutter]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

The only concern is if your masonry is holding moisture. Other than that, do as recommended ...you're only looking at a 40*- 65* difference in masonry temperature between winter and summer with an insulated oven.

[hodgey1]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Well, sounds like winter time use shouldn't be a problem. I do not believe my oven is holding any moisture. The dome and walls clear nicely after 1 1/2 hrs of firing. I will have to give it a go this winter.

[jeeppiper]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

I concur with everyone else here....temperature differential is not the issue....that is what firebrick is designed to handle. Moisture is the concern....and the best way to get rid of the moisture is to use the oven often....So, fire it up!!!!

[V-wiz]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Fire that sucker up and enjoy your oven... Dont hesitate or look back..




PS i cant wait for the weather to cool down so i can stand in front of the fire and bring out some awesome food.

[GrahamG]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

We use the outdoor pizza over throughout the year and we are in the UK! I'm getting ready for the annual Christmas dinner in the OPO. I've used it in snow, rain and sun!

Fire it up and enjoy.

[hodgey1]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Thanks for the input Graham. We are currently buried under 3 feet of accumulated snow the last two weeks. The weather mans says a warm up is coming and going to melt a bunch so maybe I can fire her up next week while on Christmas break.

[GrahamG]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Chris,

My wife just went all dreamy eyed, looking at the snow reminding us of Massachusetts in 09! But having to drive in it - I hate the stuff!

Have a good one and enjoy.

Graham

[rosewood]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Chris,

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm in Ohio and this is my first winter with a WFO. I have not used my oven this winter and have the same concerns. I do not have cracks, but last week when it was literally below zero, I could see moisteure inside the oven and have wondered if my insulation is wet.

If this is true, is it still safe to fire it up? Also, is wet insulation a major deal, or do I have to go through a curing process every spring?

Thanks to all for any input.



Joe

[stonecutter]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Chris,

Thanks for starting this thread. I'm in Ohio and this is my first winter with a WFO. I have not used my oven this winter and have the same concerns. I do not have cracks, but last week when it was literally below zero, I could see moisteure inside the oven and have wondered if my insulation is wet.

If this is true, is it still safe to fire it up? Also, is wet insulation a major deal, or do I have to go through a curing process every spring?

Thanks to all for any input.



Joe

If you see visible moisture, then you need to figure out why it's there, for starters. If it is condensation, then your masonry is probably not saturated.

Yes, wet insulation is a problem......

If you have a penetration that is letting water into your enclosure, or through your stucco, then its a good bet you will need to dry out your oven with a gradual heating schedule...because your insulation and masonry is wet. BTW, you are not 'curing' the oven with fires, you are drying it out.....the mortar is already cured when dying fires are started.

[rosewood]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Thanks for the feedback. The only thing I can think could be causing the moisture is the decrative stone I have over the actual oven. If it is pourous than water could be coming from the top. I did water proof the outside with a spray on sealant at the end of the summer when I knew it was totally dry.

Is this going to cause long term issues, or does it just mean that I will have to dry it out before useing it when it is very wet?

[stonecutter]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

Pictures would help. I doubt your problem is water absorption through the stonework.

[Nelskwdds]

Re: Winter time WFO use ???

I've found it hilarious that you guys up north wait for summer to roll around to be able to enjoy your oven and in the deep south, we can't wait for winter to roll around to be able to enjoy our oven. Summer is TOO hot here for a 900F fire!