chimney problems in Southern California

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Chimney Problems

If you have noticed your chimney has started to tilt or lean, this is one of the signs of foundation failure. A leaning chimney can be very dangerous if bricks and mortar become loose and fall. If your chimney is separated from the structure, it can lead to issues with bugs, water, and small animals infiltrating through the chimney area.

If you have a leaning chimney, it is important to have a professional inspect your entire home for some other signs that you may have a foundation problem. Foundations on the Level will come and both determine the cause of the leaning chimney and look for other signs of foundation problems. These signs include:Leaning chimney repair by Foundations on the Level

  • Wall cracks
  • Floor cracks
  • Sticking windows or doors
  • Foundation chipping or flaking
  • Stairs or the stoop pulling away from the house
  • Sloping or uneven floors

After we inspect your home and leaning chimney, we will offer you the best solution for your repair needs. A leaning or tilting chimney can be caused due to several reasons such as:

  • Foundation settlement
  • A footing that is too small for the chimney
  • Poor soil quality
  • Footing that is failing
  • Footings that are too shallow

Let Foundations on the Level find out what is causing your chimney problems in California and offer you the best solution for your repair needs.

Why Foundation Problems Can Cause Your Chimney to Lean

Many foundation problems are caused by differential settlement. That is where portions of the foundation settle more than others.

This throws the house out of alignment, leading to issues like sticking doors and windows and cracks in walls that become stressed by the forces applied on them by the differential settlement.

For chimneys, the cause is similar. Let's say your home has a chimney that is built on the side of the house. If the chimney's foundation (if it has a separately built one) or the portion of the home's foundation upon which the chimney rests begins to settle, the chimney will likely begin to pull away from the rest of the home and lean outward. Similarly, if it is the home that is settling, it could begin to pull away from the chimney.

Regardless, you need a solution that will both raise and level the sinking portions of the foundation so everything is back in alignment and stabilize the foundation to prevent it from happening again.

Repair Solutions for your Leaning Chimney

Foundations on the Level uses helical piers to straighten and give extra support to the chimney's foundation. These helical piersChimney problems repair by Foundations on the Level look like giant screws. We use portable equipment to install helical piers which are "screwed" deep into the soil until they reach a solid soil layer that will be able to support the load of the chimney. Brackets are then placed onto the piers that have been installed under the chimney footing and the foundation is hydraulically lifted back to level. These helical piers and brackets will keep the chimney's foundation stabilized for many years to come. The entire process is done with minimal disruption.

Foundations on the Level uses only the best products available for foundation repair. We use steel push piers and helical piers that are manufactured by Earth Contact Products (ECP), the best foundation repair products manufacturer in the industry.

Foundations on the Level backs our foundation and structural repair with a 25 year warranty. Our team of professionals are certified and we have continuous learning and training to stay current on all of the technologies, products and structural support solutions.

If you notice that your chimney is leaning, tilting or pulling away from the structure, contact Foundations on the Level. We offer free inspections and estimates to homeowners in San Diego and Orange Counties in California. Don't hesitate, contact us today!