How Much Mortar?

[Neil2]

Re: How Much Mortar?

If the brick don't fall out and if fire doesn't flare through gaps, you're OK.

[Les]

Re: How Much Mortar?

I didn't mortar any bricks on the inside. I cut the brick to minimize the gap. I suppose it could accelerate the spalling but I haven't seen any signs of that yet. I guess time will tell.

Les...

[DimTex]

Hello Forum Members,

If the purpose of mortar is to distribute weight loads and I would assume seal heat from escaping the chamber how necessary is it to mortar/grout the interior joints (each and every one)? After building my dome, especially the top 3-4 chains ducking my head inside the dome I see a number of "triangles and straight joints" that did not get grouted. If the outside of the dome is completely sealed by mortar is that enough? Will spalling of the brick, or cracking occur? If I have to squeeze my head and arms into to the chamber it'll be a pain, but I would rather avoid it.

Any thoughts?