What is this material in my Waterford stove?

[Trzepka]

Hi, I am installing a 1990s Waterford Leprechaun stove and there is some kind of gray material partially blocking the exhaust at the back of the baffle (see photo). It appears to have some kind of marks like maybe from a trowel? I don't see anything like this in the manual diagram, but I can't tell if it's just hardened ash buildup, or some love of DIY repair/add-on. Can anyone help me figure this out before I take a chisel and chip it out? The photos are taken from the back of the stove looking into the area above the baffle. Thanks!

 

[begreen]

I'm wondering if this is insulation material. Is it somewhat flexible if poked at?

 

[Trzepka]

Thanks for the reply -- it's very hard, like cement. Could it be refractory cement?? I don't see any damage from the inside so it's kind of weird to put a giant pile of cement on there. Unless someone thought it would improve the draft or something?

 

[Trzepka]

This is the underside of the baffle, looking at the joint at the back I don't see any sign of a hole that would need a major repair.

 

[begreen]

It's hard to say why that is there. Maybe someone partially blocked it to reduce draft strength?
The secondary baffle is in rough shape. Keep a close eye on it. As soon as the center develops a hole, the stove should not be burned in until that part is replaced.

 

[Trzepka]

Thank you! That is helpful. I ended up removing the bulk of it, as I just couldn't think of any reason for it to be there. Yes it does seem like the baffle is starting to deteriorate in the center. I don't think anyone makes parts for this stove anymore though--I wonder if the baffle can be patched?

 

[Trzepka]

It's hard to say why that is there. Maybe someone partially blocked it to reduce draft strength?
The secondary baffle is in rough shape. Keep a close eye on it. As soon as the center develops a hole, the stove should not be burned in until that part is replaced.

When you say the baffle is in rough shape you are talking about this area right? It's hard to tell if it's warped as I never saw it new, but it does look like eventually this spot may wear through.