Why Is My Chimney Leaning?

A leaning or tilting chimney is a dangerous situation you must repair as quickly as possible because failing to do so puts your home at risk of structural damage, mold, and pest infestation. In this post, we’ll look at why chimneys lean, the dangers it poses, and what you can do about it. What Causes Chimney Leaning? Chimneys lean for various reasons; however, in our experience, foundation issues are the root cause.

Poor Construction

The quality of any building project depends mainly on the competence of the builders and the materials used. Sometimes, chimneys are constructed by careless masons or with substandard materials that cause the structure to degrade more quickly than it should.

Masonry Degradation

Your chimney is exposed to the elements 24/7, which take their toll over time. Constant exposure to rain, snow, ice, freezing, and thawing, cause mortar joints to decay and bricks to become loose, which can unbalance the structure, causing it to lean.

No Footing

Without a solid concrete footing, the chimney is likely to lean under the heavyweight of the brickwork. Unfortunately, many homes built long ago didn’t include a chimney footing, causing them to sink slowly into the ground and pull away from the house.

Compromised Footing

Sometimes, the chimney footing is either too shallow or isn’t set deep enough in the ground, which can cause it to crack under the chimney’s weight. Furthermore, footings made with substandard materials or construction methods are prone to cracking, which is a common cause of chimney tilting.

Shifting Soil

The footing can sink and pull away from the house if the soil underneath the foundation shifts because of excess moisture, inadequate drainage, or nearby construction.

Why is a Leaning Chimney Dangerous?

As mentioned, a leaning chimney is a dangerous situation, even if it doesn’t seem it’s ready to topple over. Here are a few reasons you must fix a leaning chimney as soon as possible. The most significant concern regarding a leaning chimney is the risk that the structure will collapse. A chimney weighs thousands of pounds, and if it topples onto your home, it can destroy your roof and cause serious injury. Another risk of a leaning chimney is water damage. As the structure pulls away from the house, it opens a gap, allowing water to get in. Water in the home leads to mold and mildew buildup, can rot wood and weaken other structures. As the tilt angle becomes more severe, it puts pressure on the flue liner, which can cause it to crack. The flue liner is a critical safety feature that protects you against chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning and keeps your fireplace’s venting system running efficiently. Lastly, a leaning chimney can cause roof damage, especially in places where shingles and gutters are located close to the chimney.

Repair a Leaning Chimney

Now that you know how bad it is to have a leaning chimney and the dangers it presents let’s look at what you can do if you encounter this problem. It should be noted that fixing a leaning chimney isn’t a DIY project; it requires the skill and expertise of master masons to do it safely and effectively. The first step in fixing a tilting chimney is to determine the cause of the problem and ensure it won’t collapse during repairs. Some chimneys are much heavier than others, and in these cases, your contractor may support the structure with a micropile underpinning system. One of the most effective repair methods is to put piers on each side of the chimney and one in the rear. This method prevents the chimney from leaning side to side and keeps it level. The pier in the back will lift the foundation to rotate the chimney back into its original position. In severe cases, such as when there’s significant damage to the bricks and mortar joints, rebuilding the chimney is the only option.

Chimney Rebuilding Services

Fire N’ Stone has over a decade’s worth of experience in chimney repair and rebuilding. Before we begin work, we’ll perform a complete chimney inspection to closely examine the exterior masonry, the foundation, and the components to determine the scope of the damage. Our expert masons will restore your chimney to its original form, so you can continue to enjoy it safely for many years to come. Whether you need a chimney repair or general maintenance, you can trust the certified professionals at Fire N’ Stone. We’re located at 539. Laconia Rd. In Tilton, NH. Contact us today to book your appointment at 603-293-4040 or fill out our online form.