To Thermal Break or not to Thermal Break? That is the question.

[deejayoh]

Re: To Thermal Break or not to Thermal Break? That is the question.

I put one in, an would do it again. Its not a difficult to add one to your build, so why not? What is the downside other than time/material (which is not substantial)?

As far as heat retention goes, I like to think it retains more heat - but I don't have an identical oven against which to compare it to really know. I do know that there is a big drop off in temp between my inner and entry arches - indicating heat is not transferring from the oven to the entryway. That has to count for something, but there are too many other variables (insulation, door, ambient temp, etc) to really know how much.

[stonecutter]

Re: To Thermal Break or not to Thermal Break? That is the question.

It's good practice, expansion and isolating heat being the two primary reasons. Having said that, I notice no perceivable improvement in heat retention comparing my current oven, which has breaks...and all the others I have built that do not.

[SevenAcre]

Seems like quite a few of the more recent builds (come'oon class of 2012!), went with thermal breaks between their oven openings and vent arches (throat and oven). I was just wondering what kind of results/benefits you feel you're getting from this mod. How'd you do it (steel tube, gasket rope, air)? Was it worth it? Maybe you didn't bother with thermal breaks, do ya wish you had?

I think this is something we can all learn from if some finished builder will weigh in. Thanks!

-Jonathan