What are the Roots of the Chimney Bending down?

Have you ever heard of or seen a chimney that can learn or tilt? Have you ever pondered the possible reasons behind why something like that takes place? It is simple for homeowners to ignore the visible symptoms of wear and tear on their property. We are here to warn you that this is something that ABSOLUTELY must not be disregarded in any way, shape, or form!

Why do chimneys lean?

Inadequately constructed chimney: If a chimney is not built properly by professional masons or if inferior bricks and mortar are used, there is a good chance that it will begin to lean at one point and possibly suffer from other types of damage. This is due to the fact that chimneys are designed to support the weight of the house above them.

Bricks that have become weathered and brittle with age, as well as sections of bricks and mortar that are missing, can throw off the equilibrium of a chimney and cause the upper portion of it to lean.

Older home construction practices typically did not include the installation of a cement chimney footing. Chimneys that do not have a footing are more likely to begin leaning at some point throughout their lifetimes.

Footing that is insufficient or of poor quality: If the footing for the chimney is too shallow or too narrow, it runs the risk of cracking under the weight of the chimney. Footings that were constructed with substandard materials are also more likely to develop cracks. The most typical cause of a leaning chimney is a footing that has cracks in it.

It is well known that the bricks and stones utilized in the construction of chimneys are notoriously hefty. It is common practice for chimneys to have their own footing in addition to the foundation that is already supporting your home. This is done so that the chimney can support the additional weight. The foundation of a chimney is susceptible to damage from a variety of sources, including the following:

Erosion of the Chimney Foundation Erosion of the chimney foundation can be caused by improper drainage, which can also damage the soil conditions.
Concrete that has fractured or crumbled as a result of movement or water damage can develop in this manner over time.
It’s possible that the chimney wasn’t built with a foundation that was strong enough to withstand the weight of the structure when it was created.
The natural settling of the home over time can cause wear and tear on a chimney, and even if the chimney was erected correctly, it might become unstable over time. Older houses are more likely to have this problem.

Why Is It Necessary to Repair My Chimney If It’s Leaning?

Chimneys that are leaning, buckling, or sagging can cause significant issues, including the following:

-Cracks produced by the chimney moving away from the house can allow insects and vermin to enter your home (mice only need a 14″ gap to enter your home).
-Water damage can be caused by precipitation of any kind, including rain and snow.
Bricks and stones that have become unstable as a result of shifting might easily fall and cause harm to property or to people’s bodies.

What Can I Do About My Slouching Chimney?

This is not a job for a person who wants to do it themselves!! I cannot stress this enough: this is NOT a job for a Do It Yourself! We have witnessed several unsuccessful attempts to remedy the problem! The fundamental issue is not being addressed in this manner. The good news is that we can help you get your chimney back into its proper position by providing underpinning and polyurethane slab lifting services.

Before Santa brings your already vulnerable chimney crashing down, give us a call or book your appointment online today to take advantage of RLM Retrofit Foundation’s free-of-charge and obligation Foundation Inspection Corona service for homeowners.

How Reliable Is Your Current Structure Corona
Winter is a good time to inspect a foundation Corona