Vermiculite in the Arch?

[SandMan]

Just broke down and moved a 2x6 Evaporator. I was a bit suprized how much Vermiculite was in the slope of the Arch (not the fire-box). Is this a common practice to fill in the slope with Vermiculite? I thought that it expand as much as 8-30 times it's original size if heated up? Can this potentially block or impede the draft? I'm assuming that ALL the vermiculite used these days does not have asbestos in it?

Any thought?

[brookledge]

I used vermiculite in my arch. it is common practice. it will not expand. It has already been exploded under high heat in the manufactuering process. I only used it in the arch under the raised flues.
Keith

[crawflyer]

I am building an arch and am thinking of using vermiculite in the slope. I just wondered if it stays put or does a good draft suck it up the stack?

[Brad W Wi]

I filled mine up 4 years ago and have not needed to add any since. So no it will not blow out. I can't say for a unit with blowers on it though.

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

scatter a thin layer of concrete mix on top of the vermiculite and dampen with a water mist. Allow to harden into a slight crust. Vermiculite will go nowhere.

[Indiana-Jones]

On the slope, is the vermiculite used alone? no brick or blanket?

[jmayerl]

I covered mine with ceramic blanket and it works good. you can put your hand on the arch and its not even warm.

[lastwoodsman]

I filled my 2x6 up to within 3 inches of the top behind the fire box, dusted it with mortar mix and wetted. It never moved and you could hold your hand on the side of the arch when at full fire.
All this good information came from the input on this site.
Woodsman

[MASSEY JACK]

I use speedy dry from the auto parts store. I have had it under my raised flue pan for 4 seasons and it works fine. I don't know what vermiculite costs but speedy dry is reasonably cheap and light weight. I have arch board under it. I did not use it on the slope as I like to rake the coals down through the grates before I leave the sugarhouse for the night so mine has arch board with brick on the slope.

Jack

[U.S.M.C.Cpl]

Could you guys post pics of the differerent ways u guys do this??? I know I need to do something with my sister in-laws arch but I dont know what... Sorry not trying to steel this thread!!! Just need answers, I learn by pics!!

[maple2]

i have a half dozen bags of used vermiculite for free, if anyone needs some 413 695 3461