Expert: James Ball - 3/11/2010

Question
I have a cider block chimney, approx 18 yrs old, last year I noticed that the block was starting to crack and in someplaces large pieces have broken off, i patched some of the areas (knowing it wasnt going to last)until i could get to it this spring.Over the winter the problem got worse, large chunks popped out(liner not exposed)i got on the roof and noticed the cap was not properly made.(thru reading on this site about proper caps)I think water freezing and expanding has caused the problem.I would like to  
Remove the affected blocks and install new.
can the block be removed without damaging the liner?
what can i seal the block with after the repair?
can i purchase a preformed cement cap?
what procedure to repair smaller cracks in the lower blocks?
Thanks for your time

Answer
Hello Rich, you may want to contact a local mason and check with your local building department and I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep www.csia.org, (there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have they should be able to help.
Hope this helps
James