The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

[Pop Alexandra]

I guess it depends on how thick the layer is, but I think it should be renewed every 1 or 2 years.

It depends on a case to case basis (and how exposed the coating is), but I'd rather refer to what the recommends.

[mongota]

I'm quite familiar with RedGard, but I would not recommend it as a coating over the outside shell of an oven. While it is indeed waterproof, it is also vapor impermeable. A more appropriate product would be a coating that is waterproof, but vapor permeable. In that same family of products, Laticrete's Liquid Hydroban comes to mind.

I fully understand that WFOs are not closed combustion systems. But given the choice of vapor permeable vs vapor impermeable on the outside of the oven's shell, I recommend the former vs the latter.

With all that written, I missed most of this due to being offline for a bit, so...nice build!

[Pop Alexandra]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

RedGard is a paint-on waterproofing elastomeric membrane usually applied over cement backerboard before it is tiled, as in showers and tub surrounds for example. An interesting application on a pizza oven...any idea how much heat it can handle before it starts to degrade?

I guess it depends on how thick the layer is, but I think it should be renewed every 1 or 2 years.

[david s]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

RedGard is a paint-on waterproofing elastomeric membrane usually applied over cement backerboard before it is tiled, as in showers and tub surrounds for example. An interesting application on a pizza oven...any idea how much heat it can handle before it starts to degrade?

It sounds like this product would be suitable. Check to see if it is. Recommended for use outdoors. Ie. does it have UV protection, if not you can use an acrylic outdoor. Paint over it. As the outside of an oven does not get hot(only warm) there should be no problem with heat. Do not apply sany waterproofing until the oven is completely dry. Ie several cooking fires after the initial drying fires.

[Wesleckner]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

I took my time curing the oven for over a week. I followed the curing instructions in the Pompeii guide and did each fire for 6-8 hours and let the oven cool for the next 16 hours or so. I cured the oven two extra days at 400 and 450. I cooked a Turkey in it for Thanksgiving the floor temp was 500 I think it could have been hotter. The turkey took 3 1/2 hours to cook for a 14 lbs. bird, it turned out moist and delicious. On Sunday, I finally got the oven to pizza temp up and burned the ash off the dome and made my first Pizza.

[ggoose]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

RedGard is a paint-on waterproofing elastomeric membrane usually applied over cement backerboard before it is tiled, as in showers and tub surrounds for example. An interesting application on a pizza oven...any idea how much heat it can handle before it starts to degrade?

[brickie in oz]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

What is Red Guard?

Its the Chinese Army......

[Mike D]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

Nice look-

What is Red Guard? Is the oven sealed? How does that effect the curing process?

Mike

[Wesleckner]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

Here are some pictures of my finished oven and first curing fire!

The oven was made to be mobile using a forklift, it moves OK on solid ground, but on uneven train it was a bit scare, I felt like I night tip over. Before I move it again I will have to put some rock/road base in from my patio to my ranch trail/road.

I made the door out of 2 pieces of 18 Gage steel, 1 1/4" metal strap, and a pair of knobs cost $50. I placed a sheet of FB blanket in the middle of the metal and I had a friend weld it for me. I just need to grind the welds smooth, cut the blots for the handles down, and paint the door. The small hole is for the thermometer, I have a nut welded to the inside to secure it.

[Wesleckner]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

Finally stopped raining for a few days, I have used the rain delays to let my oven cure for about a month, and finished the outside of the igloo. I covered the rendering with Red Guard water proofing, finishes stucco, and applied a travertine and onyx mosaic to the oven.

I thought the mosaic would go on easily because it came in 1 foot sheets, when I started putting the sheets on after about the 3 sheet I could see that it was not going to line up due to the curvature of the oven. I ended up removing the few sheets and taking the 1"x 1" tiles off the mat backing and placing them by hand. It took me 3 evenings and nights to place all 7200tiles and two 25 lbs bags of grout.

[chidding]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

From my understanding, the moisture will escape away from the fire.. so mostly outwards in all directions..

The cast ovens from FB have been curing for a long time before you get them though.. thats the difference if im not mistaken.

Im sure you'll be ok, its just not an optimal route in terms of curing..

[Wesleckner]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

Hi Chidding,

Good to hear from you.

I thought the same thing that the water would boil out the top and need somewhere to go. I believe the water left in the bricks and mortar will go out though the vent. The finished ovens from Forno Bravo are insulated and rendered before curing.

I think the moisture travels to the interior of the oven in order to equalize the heat in the bricks.

I am sure some one here can explain thermal dynamics a lot better.

[chidding]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

Wait.. have you put the blanket + render on without even curing? .. doesnt sound right..

Wheres the water from the mortar supposed to go?

[Wesleckner]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

Almost done! Finished my vent and arch and covered the oven with FB blanket 3 inches. The FB Blanket was easy to work with and stayed in place. Covered it with chicken wire and put on the first coat of stucco. I want to start a fire in the oven but need to wait a few more days to cure for a full seven days and now it looks like it is going to rain.

[Wesleckner]

Re: The Last Stand 42" Pompeii Oven Built

I can see how these oven builds can take months or even years to complete, so many thing in life take priority, like the honey do list. I have had a few evenings free and have finished my dome.

My ID tool moved and I did not notice messed up my 8th chain a little but re centered it and went on.

When I got up to my 10th chain I used a pistol grip clamp to hold the first brick in place and placed two bricks and let it set. Using that method I was able to do the last 3 chains without a form.

No form made cleaning easier, but it is hard to reach in a 42 inch oven, I missed a few spots that hardened. I don't think anyone will care once the pizza start coming out.