The tldr version here is I need to redo my chiney facade. Quick surface examination is that its simply an empty hardieboard box slapped onto the bavk of the house, no ply no vapor barrier.. is this typical? My previous homes with a chimney have been the exposed brick variety.The whole thing is steadily deteriorating, thanks in large part to the PO cutting a few large holes to mount exterior lights without sealing them and the only support being screws into the hardie itself.
>>2864693>its simply an empty hardieboard box slapped onto the bavk of the house, no ply no vapor barrier.. is this typical?Shouldn't be a problem as long as the wall between the chimney and house interior is properly sealed & insulated. However since this is the only question you asked, and since you're redoing it anyway, doesn't seem like it matters. Just build it better when you redo it.