Cracked arch - what can I do?

[angelboy]

Both the outer and inner arch have cracked in the mortar before I've even got anywhere near starting a fire.

What can I do?

[fox]

That should not be too difficult to take out and re fix it back, you need to soak the brick before cementing it and cover the work with a damp blanket to stop it drying out to quickly as that is very likely what has caused the issue.

[angelboy]

That should not be too difficult to take out and re fix it back, you need to soak the brick before cementing it and cover the work with a damp blanket to stop it drying out to quickly as that is very likely what has caused the issue.

Should I do that with the back one as well?

[fhausback]

Should I do that with the back one as well?

i would. It will never be easier to re do than right now.

[angelboy]

i would. It will never be easier to re do than right now.

Right, I know what I'm doing tomorrow then!

[ultrasport]

This is what I would do. I would pour myself a bourbon and finish the build. That brick is not going to move ..it's keyed in and can't drop down. Now if it was a huge crack.. okay fix it but it's a hairline crack and you will get many more...so chill out ...I would not loose sleep over this one.

[NCMan]

This is what I would do. I would pour myself a bourbon and finish the build. That brick is not going to move ..it's keyed in and can't drop down. Now if it was a huge crack.. okay fix it but it's a hairline crack and you will get many more...so chill out ...I would not loose sleep over this one.

My favorite two parts of your post:
1) leave it alone
2) Bourbon

[Pizzarotic]

My favorite two parts of your post:
1) leave it alone
2) Bourbon

Mine too!

[hankplank]

If it helps you make your decision I had a similar crack right at the center of my arch and didn't discover it until I finished my dome. I think, at least for me, it was from the higher stress that area gets as it didn't appear until after I pushed against the arch from the inside finishing the dome. (I had thoroughly soaked my bricks before doing the arch).


After firing unfortunately the crack has increased quite a bit. Hoping it won't become a real structural problem but I don't think it will affect the performance of the oven. The crack fortunately doesn't go through to the inside of the arch.

[angelboy]

I took out the bricks on the front and reset them and the back I ground out as much as I could and repointed.

From what I hear I need to get used to cracks appearing!