Second season Fireview break-in fire necessary?

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xraydog

Member
Aug 16, 2009
58
Northcentral PA
Looking forward to season #2 with the Fireview.

I thought I remember reading somewhere that it was recommended to repeat the break-in fire procedure at the start of every season.

Any thoughts...... I guess the reason is that you drive off any moisture accumulated in the mortar. If that were the case why wouldn't you have do do that every time the stove sits dormant for a few days.

xraydog
 
Not for days but for months. The rock absorbs moisture. Do it.
 
Yeah, 1 small fire at the beginning of the burning season doesn't hurt.
 
I dunno.......there may be SOME merit to what you suggest, but my "first" fire (this is OUR "second season" as well) was Monday morning, and I cranked her up...........if she can't take it.........I'll buy a different stove!!

Here's what I posted that day: https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/58619/

-Soupy1957
 
Makes sense for soapstone. Steel and cast iron, I don't think I'd worry too much.
 
jeff_t said:
Makes sense for soapstone. Steel and cast iron, I don't think I'd worry too much.

I think he is talking about the mortar in a masonry chimney/flue.
 
CountryBoy19 said:
jeff_t said:
Makes sense for soapstone. Steel and cast iron, I don't think I'd worry too much.

I think he is talking about the mortar in a masonry chimney/flue.

Maybe he meant the stove cement, but Bart and Jeff are talking about the moisture in the soapstone itself. Rapid and intense heat may cause the small amount of moisture to expand and crack the stone.

It might be true of a masonry chimney/flue if you were planning a raging chimney fire. But during normal burning, that is a slow heat up, and a slow expansion.
 
Its not just for mortar folks. Fire brick absorbs moisture too. Listen to ol BroB, the man speaketh the truth.

Of course it is your choice to do it or not, but it ain't a bad idea.
 
jeff_t said:
Makes sense for soapstone. Steel and cast iron, I don't think I'd worry too much.

Most cast iron stove makers also recommend a couple small break-in fires at the beginning of the season. I always do it, even with the T6. It's a good idea to gently coax accumulated moisture out of firebrick as well. It's probably overkill for them, but no big deal. I have seen them sweat a little with first burn.
 
I understand that you should always do a break in fire...in the shoulder mos of fall, why not??? you don't need a ripper this time of year any ways.
 
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