Nancy Reading wrote:Looks like they're using some sort of spacer on the back wall of the chimney. If you did the same thing at the front, you'd only need 9 blocks.
You're right ! Good eye. I am disappointed that I did not see that. And further to carry that through with reducing by one overall brick !
Genius perception. I want you on MY team. I was thinking that I would want to extend the height of the chimney by the width of a brick to increase the upward suck or heat draw .... ( more rocket effect ) and that might involve cutting or breaking a brick or two to make it all fit.
Regards concrete block. I have learned that the culprit is that concrete absorbs moisture and when heated will break apart from the steam generated internally. What helps immensely is to always cover the concrete blocks and never let them get rained on. They may not last indefinitely but they will get you through a couple of good fires.