Finishing dome render/ insulation advice needed

[jaysha]

Hi all, I finished the brick work of my oven in June ( I know it has a pointy top but I couldn't bring myself to cut more brick so wedged in what I had, I'll even it out with vermicrete I'm hoping) and since then have done nothing due to the rubbish or too hot to work weather and a kid constantly off nursery. Getting back to it, I really need help on my next steps:

1. Fitting the flue- only have single wall, no idea how to attach, thought I could silicon the rope to the pipe then to the archbrick and fill around it with a vermicrete mix? Any ideas my hole is proper dodge but I will get there.

2. Ceramic fire blanket/ chicken wire- is it worth using 4mm foil flashing around the base to stop water? Saw it on the YT Melbourne firebrick company video.  Also brick overhangs calcium silicate board in places, should I brick/ fire cement around the board to keep out moisture?see pic.

3. Vermicrete mix- going to use 10-1

4. Light curing fires

5. Top render coat- no idea how to finish over the vermicrete mix, please advise on materials and mix, assume regular sand cement render isn't what you use. Ultimately would like a mosaic tile/ broken tile finish, but don't know how to get there from vermicrete.

Really grateful for any responses! I know it currently looks like a $hit show, but I'm trying!

[truckcab79]

1. You seem to have very little to fix to. Personally I’d wedge / balance it in place with whatever coves to hand, making sure it’s level and then when you’re doing the vermicrete use that to fill the gap around it, building it up around the flue for support.

2. Not quite sure what you mean about the tape but anything that helps keep water out is good. Same for the base. You don’t want any board exposed.

3. 10:1 will be fine. Seen everything from 5:1 to 20:1 recommended. Build up in layers. Takes ages to dry.

4. Yep. Look at Forno Bravo site for a good curing schedule.

5. Render with plastering sand. Like a lot of building materials it’s difficult to get hold of at the moment. If you struggle use a mix of sharp and builders.

If you’re doing a mosaic on top then doesn’t matter about appearances but if you decide to leave it rendered and paint it then use a sponge to level and smooth the render as it starts to cure. Need to do at least two layers. Make sure you use fibreglass fibres in the mix. It will help to stop it cracking.

Keep going. Post more pics as you complete it.

[oblertone]

Before going down the mosaic route you may want to cast an eye over my thread on the subject; however if you do then use waterproof tile cement over your insulation as a base for your tiles.

ukwoodfiredovenforum.proboards.com/thread/3574/folly-mosaic