Many things can cause a chimney to lean to one side, but it is crucial to have it inspected immediately
Chimneys are a classic and timeless addition to any home. If you have a chimney you know how important it is to maintain it regularly. A tilted or leaning chimney is a sign that there is a serious issue with the chimney structure. There may also be cracks, falling or missing bricks, and crumbling at the base. Many things can cause a chimney to lean to one side, but it is crucial to have it inspected immediately. Here are some reasons why your chimney is tilting.
Poor Construction
It is essential that you hire only qualified masons to construct your chimney, and they should be using the proper materials. If a chimney was not built by competent professional contractors or substandard brick and mortar was utilized during installation it can lead to foundation problems. It’s important to keep an eye out for damage during the winter, as the freeze-thaw cycles can cause significant foundation damage. Be sure to have your chimney and foundation inspected during the winter months.
Improper Drainage
Even if your foundation was appropriately built, poor water drainage around the home could cause moisture damage. When water settles and builds pressure around the foundation, it can cause the structure to crack. These minor cracks leak moisture into your home, and they can continue to expand until the foundation is severely weakened. As the foundation deteriorates, the weight of the chimney will become more difficult to hold in place. This can cause your chimney to begin to tilt. In fact, once this occurs, it will only get worse until you have a professional come to repair it.
Weak Footing
As your home ages, the footing that holds the chimney in place may naturally start to deteriorate. If the chimney footing is not wide enough or buried deep enough, it may crack or crumble underneath the significant weight of the brick and mortar stacked on top of it. At a minimum, the footing should be one-foot-thick and extend at least six inches from the chimney on all sides. Additionally, footings should be well below the frost line.
Weather Damage
Masonry is extremely long-lasting, but it does not last forever. Several decades-old chimneys have decayed mortar and missing bricks, which can unbalance the chimney and cause leaning. The heat, rain, snow, and cold will also take their toll on your chimney. If your chimney has been around for a while, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys to Fix Your Leaky Chimney Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has been serving customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.