Expert: James Ball - 2/6/2010

Question
I have a 16"x16"x8"concrete block chimney,with 8"x8"flues.The chimney is exterior,three feet above the roof line.Chimney has a precast concrete wash,ice%26water shield underneath flashing.The cleanout door is located 4 blocks below bottom of the thimble at belt height for easy cleaning.My problem is ice build up in cleanout to the bottom of the thimble.I think chimney is condensating freezing and creating my ice in chimney.My wood is 2 years old and in a wood shed.Local chimney sweeps want to install a liner.Before i try that i'd rather just put up a new chimney on the interior.Have you ever herd of this ever happening and have a different solution to stop chimney from condensating.The blocks have been sealed,so i don't believe water is the problem.Temperture here hasn't been above the freezing point in weeks/months.Last thing i tried was insulation inside of cleanout door,that didn't work.Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer
Hello Mike are you sure the water is not coming down the chimney? do you have a good cap on top, can you not use the stove for a few days and cover the top with a tarp when you know rain is coming?
what I am suggesting is trying to find out where and when the water is coming in and try to stop it. you might just need a better/bigger cap
keep me posted
James