Chimney & Fireplaces/Chimney block

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Expert: - 10/31/2007


Question
Hello. I'm probably overthinking this and asking the stupid question with the obvious answer but here goes. I am building an all interior, residential masonry chimney w/ 3 flues all in a row, out of 12" modular tile liners and 4"x8"x16" nominal concrete blocks. I'm building the chimmney on a big enough solid concrete footer with ash dumps, and hearth slab all integrated.  Ready to mix mortar and slap stuff together except for a few nagging questions. So, question 1 and a bit more is: -Are 4" blocs thick enough? (Code seems to say 4" is okay, but is 6" or 8" better for my application, or is it just a space thang?)-And does it matter if they are solid or hollow partition? And the 2nd mystery to me is, is there a way or configuration to mortar and stack the blocks (with either 16" or 18" blocks) so that you don't have to cut a couple of blocks down to 12" on every course? Thought I was decent at jigsaw puzzles, but don't know if it is impossible or if I'm just missing something?? And while I'm at it, Question3 would be: Is it applicable/okay to use the square 21" chimmney blocks with the 12"x12" holes in an interior application provided they have the 4" walls? Back to basics. Much appreciated and thanks for the assist.

Answer
Hi "D",

1.  Yes, they're thick enough.

2.  Your layout will determine what cuts need to be made.  Unless it's a perfect modular layout, you'll always have cuts.

3.  I don't understand this question.


Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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