SECTION II - CURING THE FIREPLACE
WHY CURING IS IMPORTANT
A newly installed Temp-Cast
fireplace contains considerable
quantities of water. This water must
be slowly driven off before the
fireplace will heat up properly, and to
prevent the release of steam from
damaging the refractory. The
process of gradually releasing the
water is called curing.
In addition, if the heater has not
been burned for a few months, it
may have absorbed some water
from any humidity in the air. It is
always advisable to go through the
curing procedure before the first
normal firing, following a long period
of inactivity in humid weather.
The curing process attempts to
slowly raise the temperature of the
refractory, in increments of 100 F.
(38 C.), from 300 F. (150 C.) up to
750 F. (400 C.). This is done with
small, gradually hotter fires over a
few days.
Patiently following the curing
procedure below will ensure that the
fireplace will give long and reliable
service. Otherwise, the water
trapped in the fireplace may turn to
steam much too rapidly and may
crack the refractory, possibly
creating a structural crack. (Cracks
caused by failing to follow curing
instructions are not covered by the
warranty.)
THE CURING PROCEDURE
In hot weather, open all dampers
and doors and allow warm air to rise
through the fireplace.
Curing is accomplished by lighting a
series of small fires, which gradually
increase in size over 5 days, to
carefully raise the temperature of the
refractory.
It simplifies the process if you first
split about 100 lbs (45kg) of dry
firewood (about a wheelbarrow full)
into 2” to 3" (50mm to 75mm)
diameter pieces.
Do not use plywood or other woods
containing glues, resins or
chemicals. In addition, do not use
more than a sheet or two of
newspaper, since it tends to burn too
quickly for controlled curing.
Remember that you are not striving
for a hot fire during the early curing
stages - a "lazy" fire is preferred.
Controlling the amount of firewood &
loading frequency will give you the
necessary control. (NOTE: The
door(s) should not be left open
during these fires.)
During curing, especially in cold
weather, you may see steam
escaping from various areas of the
fireplace. (This is often mistaken for
smoke - simply smell it to convince
yourself.) The steam is the trapped
moisture being driven off and is
visible evidence of successful curing.
(If you do see and smell smoke,
review Section IV - Draft and
Negative Pressure.)
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