Expert: Bart Ogden - 8/28/2007

Question
QUESTION: We have a cement block chimney that was added to the exterior of our Victorian home in the late 1970's.  It originates in the old basement coal bin and continues above the 25' high eaves.  It has cracks in the block on the 3 exposed sides in various places.  Some cracks are one or two blocks long, some are several blocks long. Some cracks are hairline width, others are up to 1/4".  The chimney also needs to be built about 3 courses higher - it was not built high enough in the beginning.

We have had 3 different chimney contractors look at it.  One proposes adding diamond lath and stuccoing the chimney. Another says that is a terrible idea and proposes to add a stainless liner for safety.  The third doesn't think either of these is needed.

What is your advice?

ANSWER: Hi Fred,

If the chimney is unlined or the internal lining system is defective or damaged, a stainless steel lining system should be installed from the appliance to the top of the chimney.

If the chimney is too short, it should be lengthened with masonry materials.  The top of the chimney should be a minimum of 2' above anything within a 10' radius and a chimney cap should be installed.

I recommend you contact a local CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to do some on-site diagnosis of your problem.

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, for your reply. I already contacted my local chimney sweep but he was non-committal.  Unfortunately there are know CSIA certified sweeps within a couple hundred miles of us.

What do you know about wrapping the chimney with diamond lath and applying stucco?  One chimney mason says its a great idea, the others tell me it is only a short term, superficial covering.

Thanks,

Fred Cole
ANSWER: Hi Fred,

You know, I DID answer exactly what you asked and gave you my advice.  A job like this must be looked at on-site and advice on particulars is simply not possible without looking at the job.

An internet forum is a general forum for information.  You can't expect a detailed, step by step, repair procedure to be given - that's what a qualified local contractor is for.

I gave you vent specs and my opinion of the lath and stucco installation as per your request.

I also addressed your question of lining the chimney.

Frankly, Fred, I don't feel your rating of poor is warranted.  In many years of being an Expert on this forum I have NEVER received a rating like that.

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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bart,

I did not see any answer with your opinion about lath and stucco, just a general comment that the substrate should be sound before making any repairs.  I did not see the words "lath and stucco" in the responses that were sent to me.

I was not looking for a step by step repair procedure, but unless I missed something in your answers, I did not see an answer to my question.  I am sure you are knowledgeable and an excellent contractor, but in this instance my question was not answered therefore I rated it as I did.

Answer
That is my point and that IS the answer that I sent.  If you didn't receive it, then I would have appreciated a request for clarification instead of a poor rating, which affects my overall volunteer status.  Lathe and stucco are an acceptable repair if the substrate is sound.  Is it as good as new masonry?  Probabably not, but it's used all the time as an acceptable repair.  If the substrate is sound, lathe and stucco or lathe and thin cut rock and/or brick as well as man-made products have been used and continue to be used as an acceptable repair method.

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