Block chimney

[medan]

Hi Im going to buy a coal stove this year and I need a two story chimney. I was told that since the cost of metal is so high it might be cheaper to have a block chimney built. So which would be better block or stainless steele? Thanks for your help Dan

 

[Hogwildz]

You would have to weight the cost of both. Decide where it is going to run (interior of house, exterior wall of house?)
I'm not 100% sure,m but I think between parts & labor the masonry is going to cost you more. Hopefully someone else with chime in.
You could always get quotes on both and then compare.

 

[medan]

Its going to be on the exterior wall Dan

 

[Hogwildz]

Well actually, with coal, your not going to have the problem of creosote, so outside wall won't matter much.
Is this going to be a DIY'er project, or pay to have it done?
I'd still get 3 quotes each way, and that will give you a good idea which way is more economical.

 

[savageactor7]

Well fry my hide...I can't believe a brick chimney can be less expensive than the fastened metal one's I see on houses when I'm driving down the road. Real smart move going to coal though.

 

[medan]

Not a brick chimney a block chimney. I will have it done I think the block chimney might last longer am I right? Dan

 

[Hogwildz]

Not a DIY project for me anyways, I think the block chimney might last longer am I right? Dan

Depends how well its put together, its the clay liner that takes the abuse, but if I remember correctly, it takes coal burning emissions very well. But the blocks could crack if not set right on a good footing from settling etc.
The stainless could last your lifetime also. There are several types of stainless 304, T316 etc. I honestly forget which one now, but one is supposed stand up tot the acids in coal burning emissions.
I'm guessing the T316 cause it has Titanium in it. But its been a while since I researched it.

Also, keep in mind, will that block be ok aesthetically? If not, figure the cost to cover it in stone veneer or some other covering.

 

[webbie]

If you do build it exterior and out of block, consider this - a coal stove needs a good draft, and only a warm chimney will provide this. An exterior chimney without an insulated liner will be quite difficult to warm up.

This can be solved in various ways. You may be able to use a stainless liner and poured insulation inside the block - or use a 6" ID round tile chimney liner, with poured vermiculite or perlite.

316 stainless stands up to coal better than most other grades.

 

[chad3]

Mine is for wood, but paying cash it was about 1100 buck for a block to roof and then brick chimney. I poured the base and the mason went from there. Those guys are very happy to work for cash and if you have the plan an do it as a homeowner, you should be good to go with the block. I would want the brick for the looks, but if you are ok, I'm thinking the block would be cheaper.

 

[dvellone]

Not a brick chimney a block chimney. I will have it done I think the block chimney might last longer am I right? Dan

The block chimney will last much longer if constructed properly. I've built many of these over the years as a stone mason and have seen many more built incorrectly by "masons". As far as expense goes, I would be extremely suspicious if a quote comes in for any size block chimney that is less or even in the same universe as an insulated steel chimney. Keep in mind that a block chimney has to have a protective veneer. Also round tiles and perlite,not mortar between the tiles and the block.
Properly constructed and cured masonry will last for generations but likewise you pay for what you get.

 

[Highbeam]

[ Dan[/quote]Keep in mind that a block chimney has to have a protective veneer. Also round tiles and perlite,not mortar between the tiles and the block. [/quote]

Really? I see them all the time with nothing but block on the outside of a house. Are you confusing "have to" with "would be xtra good"?

 

[medan]

Ok thanks for the advice. Has anybody recently had a SS chimney installed? Im curious about the price for a two story chimney. I realize the price probably varies by region. But it might give me a ballpark price. Does coal need a special SS chimney? Thanks Dan

 

[Hogwildz]

http://www.duravent.com/

these sites will give you pricing idea on materials:

(broken link removed to http://www.chimneylinerdepot.com/store/comersus_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=77)

(broken link removed)

(broken link removed to http://www.hartshearth.com/chimney/solidpack/duratech.htm)

(broken link removed to http://www.hartshearth.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=98)

Theres other brands also out there.

 

[dvellone]

[ Dan

Keep in mind that a block chimney has to have a protective veneer. Also round tiles and perlite,not mortar between the tiles and the block. [/quote]

Really? I see them all the time with nothing but block on the outside of a house. Are you confusing "have to" with "would be xtra good"?[/quote]

No. blocks are often referred to as "concrete blocks" and if you've ever worked with them and broken them apart you'll notice that they are much more porous and considerably lighter than concrete. They do not have the density and weathering abilities of concrete and are not constructed to that end. Their rated psi is also less. They are intended as a core structural component and that's where their strength is. Although an exposed block chimney may last many years if it is not on the prevailing weather side of the house, parging or veneering with a severe weather graded unit such as bricks or stone greatly increases their longevity.

I have also seen many block chimneys and repaired (reconstructed) many. I am a stone mason by trade and could easily make my living working on block chimneys here in the Adirondacks. The greatest amount of deterioration is often at the upper reaches where there is little protection from the elements.

The shame of the matter is that after excavating to at least 4', putting in a footing, stacking all those blocks and tiles - not to mention the staging and hoisting- putting a brick facade on the blocks is a simple joy, looks much nicer against your home, and goes that little extra to getting the job done right.
My personal opinion I have to add is that the masonry chimney should always be in the house. Space issues aside.