Ok... practical not technical. Just asking because I was thinking that may be a joint of differential expansion due to cast slab / fire brick differences as well as orientation ( wall / ceiling) and thought gasket fit was perfect there. Did you cast slabs at thickness similar to bricks for expansion reasons? I seem to recall Peter mentioning castings should be on thinner side for quicker temp response. Always weighing strength, function and economy... I am considering 1.5" thick casting spanning 9". Any comments on that thickness?