Rain and Wood Burning Ovens

[GlennC.]

Brief (10 minute) thunderstorm hit right before we were about to start baking and that was that.  I guess I need to construct a small "umbrella" to sit on top of the chimney.  I think I know the answer to this, but just to be sure - do we need to recure the oven?

[shuboyje]

Glenn,

We need a lot more info about what exactly you have to be of much help.  That said to cover the basics an oven needs to stay dry, and given that it needs some sort of water proof covering.  Anything from a "house" with a traditional roof of some sort to water proof stucco are common.  The stack also needs a proper cap on it to keep water out.  If the oven itself(the insulation and oven core) is wet you do not need to re-cure, but it will take lots of firing to dry it out.  You certainly want to fix the water issue before doing it.

[GlennC.]

Thanks.  The oven is a Forno Bravo Primavera, afew years old and was cured at time it was installed.  It is always covered with a cover - similar to a grill cover.  But unfortunately we had the cover off and chimney cap off and a thunderstorm hit.