Cracked Chimney

Having a cozy fireplace to gather around is a beloved feature of any home, but if the chimney itself is damaged, it becomes a significant safety concern.

Ignoring cracks in your chimney undermines its structural soundness and jeopardizes the safety of your home. Basement Authority of West Virginia understands that your home is an invaluable investment that deserves quality care.

That’s why our services include all-inclusive foundation repair solutions, which are designed to tackle issues like cracked chimneys at the source.

By the time you finish this page, you’ll grasp why your chimney is developing cracks and what can be done to maintain your home’s structural well-being and your family’s safety.

What Is a Cracked Chimney?

A cracked chimney involves visible or concealed breaks in the chimney’s brickwork or stone structure. Such cracks can appear in multiple locations, including the flue, chimney crown, and main body.

They are often most visible in the mortar joints that connect the bricks. These cracks are not merely cosmetic; they can precipitate serious issues like water intrusion or foundation settlement.

You might also see spaces forming between the chimney bricks, which may lead to more severe damage and could even cause the chimney to tilt or become detached from the house.

What Causes Cracked Chimneys?

Multiple elements contribute to the emergence of cracked chimneys, with foundation settling due to unstable soil being the most common. West Virginia has its share of clay-heavy soils that are prone to shifts in moisture content.

Soil stability can be affected by several factors, such as:

Rainfall and Waterlogging: Excessive rain or snowmelt will saturate the soil, reducing its ability to support the chimney’s weight.
Frost Heave: When winter rolls around, water in the soil will expand as it freezes and may push against your chimney’s base, pushing it out of line and forming cracks.
Drying and Shrinking: Dry weather or drought conditions lead to soil contraction, creating spaces where the chimney foundation can sink.
Improper Soil Compaction: During construction, inadequately compacted soil may fail to support the chimney effectively.
Intrusive Tree Roots: Roots from nearby trees can displace the soil and even infiltrate the chimney structure, contributing to its instability.

Chimneys are often constructed independently from the main house foundation, making them more vulnerable to soil-related challenges. When the soil fails to sustain the chimney, cracking and separation from the house is more than likely to occur.

Can You Fix Chimney Cracks?

Absolutely! Repairing cracked chimneys is possible, but it requires a comprehensive approach. Quick fixes like sealing bricks, using adhesives, or other DIY measures are only temporary.

The chimney will continue to move if it’s not stable, causing new or recurring cracks. At Basement Authority of West Virginia, we determine the root cause and apply specific, lasting repairs.

As homeowners ourselves, we know that each home has its own specific needs. That’s why we offer an array of foundation repair options tailored to your home, such as foundation pier systems.

How to Fix a Cracked Chimney

Inspection and Diagnosis

Our specialists conduct an in-depth inspection of your home, its foundation, and the chimney. They assess the severity and locations of the cracks and any additional damage.

Install Foundation Piers

The ideal solutions for a damaged chimney involve foundation piers that permanently fortify the structure and can even help return it to its initial position. Additional masonry might be required afterward.

Depending on your property’s soil condition and chimney state, we employ either helical piers or push piers. These are inserted deep into the ground until stable soil is reached. Here’s how it works:

Excavate to reach the chimney base
Deploy hydraulic machinery to insert the piers
Regularly check the pressure and depth of the piers
Continue to screw the piers deeper until they hit stable soil or bedrock
Attach a strong steel bracket to the foundation for load distribution
Set small rivets in the exterior bricks as reference points
Fill the excavated soil back in

Regular Maintenance Inspections

We offer optional maintenance to ensure the piers continue to secure your chimney. Our team revisits for yearly inspections, aligning laser levels with the newly installed system to confirm the piers are still working effectively.

Why Address the Chimney Issues Now

Postponing repair of a cracked chimney increases the risks, results in added expenses, and poses safety concerns. Act quickly to:

Minimize Safety Risks: Neglecting cracks may lead to structural failure and eventual collapse.
Block Water Entry: Cracks enable water to seep in to your basement or crawl space, which leads to even more structural decay.
Mitigate Fire Risks: A weakened chimney poses both falling and fire hazards.
Economic Benefits: Early intervention typically costs less than extensive, later repairs.
Enhance Property Value: A well-maintained chimney increases your home’s worth.

Basement Authority of West Virginia offers specialized, durable solutions for effective and lasting chimney stabilization.

Contact Basement Authority of West Virginia for Enduring Chimney Fixes

Don’t let a cracked or tilting chimney endanger your home and loved ones. If you see signs of chimney deterioration, reach out to Basement Authority of West Virginia without delay.

We offer a complimentary, obligation-free inspection to assess your home and recommend the most effective repair options. Trust Basement Authority of West Virginia for all your chimney and foundation repair requirements.

Resources

The Ultimate Guide to West Virginia Soil: Impacting Your Foundation

Homeowners considering foundation repair of any kind will benefit from understanding the soil in their region. Read our handy guide to learn more about our state’s soil types.

Cost of Foundation Repair in West Virginia

We know the first thing that pops into everyone’s head when they hear the words “foundation repair.“ They imagine a huge bill that they can’t afford. And yes, we know foundation repair is not cheap, but there are a few ways to go about getting foundation repairs that will help you keep costs down and […]

Settling Foundation Warning Signs

When your house starts looking like a fairy tale cottage because of its leaning chimney, it’s time to take action. A leaning chimney is never a good sign, and it means that your foundation is settling. A settling foundation can be harmless, or cause lots of problems. The good news is that Basement Authority of West […]