Why is My Chimney Leaning?

It's currently the season when many people desire to use their fireplaces, yet some find themselves unable to do so due to a leaning or tilting chimney. However, the challenges associated with a leaning chimney extend beyond fireplace use. In fact, a leaning chimney poses a threat to both you and your neighbors, and it can have adverse effects on your foundation. If you observe that your chimney is leaning or tilting, it is advisable to reach out to a foundation specialist. There are minimally invasive repair solutions available to safeguard your family and neighbors from the risks associated with a potentially collapsing chimney.

Masonry chimneys are very heavy, and the weight is concentrated in a small area. To accommodate for the weight, the structure is built on a concrete footing called a “chimney pad.”

Concrete pad supports the chimney

Problems with the pad may leave your chimney on unstable ground, resulting in tilting.

If the footing is undersized, it might not properly be able to handle the tower’s weight. The footing should be at least one foot thick and project six inches beyond the chimney on all sides.

crumbling brick chimney

Leaning chimneys are a danger to pedestrians as well as property.

If the footing pad is too shallow, the frost and thaw cycle in the ground beneath could cause the footing to settle unevenly.

When your foundation no longer has a steady bed of soil to rest on, gaps and voids can form beneath the footing.

Issues during the construction of the footing (such as a lack of reinforcement or improperly installed rebar) can cause the footings to crack.

Signs a chimney is leaning

A chimney is located in one of two main places in the home – the exterior or the interior.

Exterior chimneys run along an outside wall of the home. If there’s a gap between the house siding and the exterior chimney, it’s a good indication of leaning.

brown two story

Chimneys may run through the interior of a house or may run up the exterior, such as the one on this home.

An exterior chimney may be attached to the house with metal straps for stability, but it’s still the footing pad holding it up.

Interior chimneys run through the inside of the home and emerge on the roof. You can look in your attic to see if the chimney is centered in its framed opening. If it’s not centered, then it’s leaning.

Tilting chimneys can cause big problems

If you notice your chimney is leaning, an important point to make is that this is not a DIY fix-it job. It is important to realize that if it is not fixed, or isn’t fixed correctly, it can cause ill effects on the rest of your foundation. It can put extra strain on parts of your foundation which can cause bowing and leaning walls, wall cracks, or foundation cracks. If you notice any of these signs, My Foundation Repairs can point you in the right direction of a foundation specialist near you. We have a network of foundation specialists in many areas throughout the country.

Water, insects or other vermin can get in the gap where the masonry has pulled away from the siding.

If the structure’s movement has damaged the chimney liner, combustible gases may be leaking into the home.

Helical piers can straighten & stabilize your chimney

helical pier diagram

Helical piers will support the load of your chimney

Your chimney needs added support to stabilize and straighten the structure. This can be done with the installation of helical piers.

Our network of foundation specialists use helical piers Made in America by Earth Contact Products.

Helical piers almost look like a giant screw. It is installed with little interruption to your yard and home.

Helical piers will be able to support the load of your chimney. The job can be done in any type of weather and is usually completed in a short time.

If you notice your chimney leaning, tilting, cracking, or separating from your home, don’t ignore it. It might also help uncover other foundation problems you might be experiencing and save you money in the long run.

Contact My Foundation Repairs to find an expert in your area for foundation repairs. You can get a free inspection and estimate, too!