Tilting Chimney Indicating Foundation Problem
A tilting chimney is a serious home problem that should be dealt with as soon as possible. The bricks could fall on someone or crash on your roof. Water and bugs could get in the gap where the chimney has pulled away from the siding. The chimney liner may even be cracked, leaking combustible gasses into the home. And since the chimney is probably connected to the foundation, there could be problems there, too.
The good news is that with today’s foundation repair methods, it may be possible to move your chimney into its original plumb position without incurring the high cost and disruption of demolition and rebuilding. The professionals of My Foundation Repair Pros provide the best & most comprehensive tilted chimney repair services and other foundation repair services in your area. Let our network of professional, independently owned foundation and structural contractors help you in your hour of need. When you need our help, give us a call at 844-406-0505 for more information or you can contact us by sending a message to make an appointment today!
How Can I Tell if a Chimney is Tilted?
Look at the joint between the house siding and an exterior chimney. If a gap has opened up, it’s a pretty sure sign the chimney has begun to lean. Previous owners may have filled the gap with mortar, caulk, or foam insulation, but these measures only mask the problem. You may also see metal straps that have been used to fasten the chimney in place.
If your chimney runs through the interior of the house, look in the attic to see if it is centered in its framed opening. If it’s pressing against the opening to one side or another, that means it is leaning.
Leaks due to dislodged flashing are another sign that a chimney has settled. You may also use a long level to check whether the chimney is plumb (vertical in two planes). Alternatively, check the horizontal mortar joints for level.
Be aware, however, that some chimneys are designed to tilt. If the fireplace is not centered, the builder may have chosen to offset the brick courses so the chimney could exit at the roof ridge, giving the house a more symmetrical appearance. In some cases, the offset is slight and it looks like tilting, but as long as the horizontal mortar joints are level, you can rest assured that the chimney was built that way.
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Causes of a Tilted Chimney
Masonry chimneys weigh many tons, and that weight is concentrated on a small area. So a chimney needs to be built on a concrete footing, sometimes called a chimney pad, in order to keep from sinking. A chimney may be attached to the house for stability as well, but that’s not what’s holding it up. The footing may be poured at the same time as the foundation or afterward, as would be the case if the chimney were an add-on.
Why Choose My Foundation Repair Pros?
My Foundation Repair Pros screens and provides professionals who specialize in foundation waterproofing, crawl space repair, crack repair, finishing, sump pumps, and other foundation issues. These are local companies who have shown a track record of helping homeowners like you, make the basements dry and safe. Whether you have a finished or unfinished basement, we can provide the appropriate professional help in your area, to solve your foundation issues. Contact us today or call us at 844-406-0505 to find out more about our tilted chimney repair.
