Foundation Issues: Tilting, Leaning Chimneys in Macon, Charleston, Savannah

We can identify and repair issues related to a failing chimney

A full masonry chimney can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. If your chimney's foundation (or the soils underneath that foundation) are unable to support the weight of the chimney, it will begin to tilt.

Is your chimney or smokestack tilting and separating from your home? This could be a sign of a serious foundation problem that needs to be repaired. At Lowcountry Foundation and Crawl Space Repair, we specialize in providing high-quality foundation repair solutions for all types of foundation problems.

If you have a leaning or tilting chimney, cracks where the chimney foundation meets the home foundation, damage to the roof where flashing meets the chimney, or gaps between the chimney and home walls that have been filled in with mortar, foam, or caulk, we can provide you with a permanent chimney repair solution.

Call us today at 1-800-638-7048 or click below to get a free estimate on chimney repair for your home. We offer all our foundation repair services in Savannah, Charleston, Macon and nearby areas in Georgia and South Carolina.

Repairing tilting chimney problems

(Top) A chimney is tilting away from the home foundation by about 1".

(Bottom) The chimney repaired with a helical pier system, used in conjunction with a push pier foundation repair on the main house foundation.

One of the most shocking and dramatic signs of settlement is a chimney separating away from the rest of the home. We will be able to assess the damage and identify the cause and extent of the problem. Because this is often one symptom of a potentially serious foundation issue, we recommend checking the rest of the house for problems as well.

Why do chimneys lean?

• Chimneys sometimes have a missing or inadequate chimney footing. When this occurs, your chimney has not been designed with the proper structural support, and it will fail over time.
• Chimneys experience tilting problems most commonly when the structure has been built on poor supporting soils. If the soils supporting your chimney are not sufficient to hold its weight, the chimney may begin to sink, causing it to separate from the rest of the home and tilt outward.

Installing helical piers for chimney repair

At Lowcountry Foundation and Crawl Space Repair, we recommend stabilizing a tilting chimney with a helical pier system. These foundation piers include a helical blade that allows the piers to be driven (or "screwed") deep into the ground to stronger supporting soils.

Once driven into the ground, a bracket is attached to the helical pier and mounted on the footing of your chimney's foundation. Once installed, the helical pier can even be used to attempt to return your chimney to its original position.

A word of warning

Filling in the void between your house and chimney is not the answer! Many homeowners will have the void filled with masonry, foam, caulk, or some other material. This is a temporary fix only -- and it'll have to be removed when the real repair is done.

It's also important to note that structural issues with your chimney are often connected to other, potentially much more serious foundation problems. The same problems that caused your chimney to lean and show signs of failure can apply equally to your foundation or structure. We can help you identify and repair any other foundation issues.

We can repair your tilting chimney in Georgia and South Carolina!

At Lowcountry Foundation and Crawl Space Repair, we specialize in foundation repairs of all kinds, including those related to tilting, leaning chimneys. Our warrantied solution will quickly and permanently solve your foundation issue.

We provide free, written foundation repair estimates to homeowners throughout our service area. Each estimate is made in person, on site, and comes with no obligation to you. Our service area includes Savannah, Charleston, Macon, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Warner Robins, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hilton Head Island, Hinesville and nearby in Georgia and South Carolina. Call or e-mail us today to schedule your appointment!

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.