Inspect the cold oven before the first May bake. Water may have entered it during the winter, the cover may have shifted, or the equipment may have loosened. Perform the inspection earlier than on the day of the gathering to have time to identify faults and make necessary preparations after repairs.
Examine the chamber without lighting
Remove loose ash in a manner suitable for the floor. Check the bricks, joints, and entry area. Pay attention to parts that stick out, move, or could end up on the baking surface. Compare cracks with photos from the previous season.
Vitcas firebricks are selected for a specific location and function. When replacing, maintain the required format and support. Do not replace a damaged part with a random piece just because it fits in the opening.
Check the path of water and smoke
Inspect the ends of the casing, the base, and the connection to the flue. A dark spot may indicate a place of dampness, but it does not explain the cause on its own. The repair should address the leaky part before you trap moisture under the new finish.
For the appropriate external refractory connections, the manufacturer provides Outdoor Oven Cement. Do not use it to mask wall movement or as a replacement for a chimney system part. Flue condition and freedom from obstructions and the condition of its mounting require separate inspection.
Prepare the equipment and the first start
Try fitting the door, the peel, and the thermometer. Determine whether it is possible to freely remove the tools and set aside the hot element. Plan the removal of baking residues without moving heated equipment through the food preparation area.
After winter dampness or recent repairs, apply the required drying and heating for the particular oven. Do not try to make up for missed work with a single large fire. Record the work performed and the condition after preparation so that the next inspection has a concrete reference point.