Crickets are more reliable particularly in climates where snow can accumulate and lead to ice dams.
Exterior chimney chase construction.
Keep minimum clearance from pipe to combustibles.
Framing the chimney chase.
Right since the chimney chase carries an insulated metal flue rated for zero clearance possibly actually requiring an inch or more of airspace and because the chase is outside the building it s not normally insulated.
Chimney chase a fireplace chase is essentially a knock out area of structure that hides a metal fireplace or cement blocks in a fireplace.
Above the chase height as per manufacturer.
Fire stop at attic and roof deck.
Frame the walls on the roof assemble 2 together then stand each set and nail off corners of last two joints.
But a rot problem would better be blamed on construction or flashing errors that allowed leaks into the chase.
Typically uses 2x4 structural members sheathed with osb or plywood exterior building sheathing.
For wind resistance if the chimney chase is passing through the roof structure rather than abutting the roof structure end it should be framed continuously through the roof structure not simply tacked on top of the roof sheathing.
If your home has a wood chimney chase with wood lap siding you need to pay special attention to it.
For chimney chases built into gable walls we install a partial diverter see image 2 again extending the sloped surface several inches beyond the corner see image 3.
Build chase of fireplace just like any other wall structure by placing its uprights between plates and top plates to create a large box.
Wood siding on chimneys wood shingles are often used as siding material for chimneys continuing from the roof area.