Chunks of our 40 year old cinder block chimney are falling to the ground.
Tomorrow, someone is coming over to give us an estimate. Originally, we
were just
going to rebuild from the roofline to the peak. But, I noticed that
there is water type deterioration 4 or bricks lower.

The chimney is up against the outside of the house. It goes from the
ground
to the peak of a two story house with an attic. Thus, it is somewhat
tall.

I'm wondering if there are different grades of cinder blocks that might
last
longer? Or, other materials that are currently used for rebuilding that
might be stronger or better in some other way?


Was given an estimate for rebuilding the chimney today. Seemed fairly
reasonable and most likely will go forward.

Found out a couple things.... One, that painting the chimney can trap
moisture and that if I do plan to paint the chimney I should use some sort
of breathable paint. He said latex tends to trap moisture. I didn't ask
him, but would that mean an oil based paint. That seems like it would trap
moisture more so? Is there a particular type of paint one should use?

The second thing I learned is that there are two sizes of blocks he can use.
One is the larger one which I believe would cover a complete section of the
chimney. Then, there are smaller ones that he would need to use two blocks.
He said the larger ones he can use on the bottom and weigh about 100 lbs.
The smaller one weigh about 50 lbs and he will use on top because it would
weigh too much to carry on his shoulders.

What surprised me is that he is not using some sort of pulley system to
carry these things up and down the staging. Maybe the pulley is too awkward
or time consuming. Can't figure out why they wouldn't have a simple pulley
system for this type of construction.