Why Is My Chimney Pulling Away From My House?
A leaning chimney can quickly spell disaster for your home. There are several reasons a chimney might begin to pull away from your house and all are cause for immediate action. Leaning chimneys can become very dangerous if they are not addressed leading to potential collapse and severe damage to both the chimney and the home. Let’s talk about the most common causes of a leaning chimney and the corresponding solutions!
Poor Foundation
A poor foundation can most certainly cause your chimney to become imbalanced. If your foundation is weak, unstable, or becomes damaged due to natural causes like erosion, weather, or aging you should take action as soon as possible to correct this issue. Catching these problems early on will make saving your home and chimney much easier than waiting until it is too late.
Subpar Workmanship
If your chimney was not properly constructed to begin with it can lead to all sorts of issues, including a leaning chimney. A chimney that was poorly built will not be able to stand the test of time and weather due to inferior materials or construction meaning you are more likely to run into serious issues within the structure or system. Only hiring qualified masons will help ensure quality workmanship for your chimney and a more reliable structure.
Masonry Damage
Crumbling brick and mortar can cause a shift in the balance of your chimney and allow leaning to occur. Keeping up with the condition of your chimney’s masonry can help solve this issue before it escalates.
Issues with the Chimney’s Footing
If your chimney’s footing is too small or not properly reinforced this can also cause the chimney to lean as it will be left unstable. Ensuring stable footing that is large and sturdy enough to support your chimney will help to keep the chimney standing tall.
Why It’s Important to Keep Up with Chimney Care
A chimney that leans is not safe. Aside from the threat of potential collapse, other chimney troubles can also play a role in an unsafe chimney. Things like leaks, damaged components, and more can all wreak serious havoc on the safety and efficiency of your chimney structure and system. It’s important to keep an eye out for sings of damage and deterioration and call your local trusted chimney sweep at the first sign of trouble!
Annual inspections and cleanings are highly recommended in order to ensure that your chimney continues to function properly over time and it is crucial to acknowledge any necessary repairs to keep your structure in good condition.
Don’t Hesitate, Contact The Chimney Guys Today!
When it comes to chimney trouble, we’re your guys! The Chimney Guys are a proudly certified and experienced group of technicians that are here to help your chimney stand the test of time. From inspections and cleanings to repairs and installations, we’ve got you covered for all your chimney and fireplace needs. Give us call today or contact us online to schedule your next appointment with the pros!
