Why Is My Chimney Leaning? 

A leaning chimney is often quite alarming, but depending on when you catch it, it may not be as catastrophic as you think. There are several potential reasons your chimney appears to be leaning. For example, if it seems all-of-a-sudden, that could mean something different than a chimney that has slowly leaned more over the last few years. Regardless, an issue of this nature should warrant a call to a chimney professional as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, let’s look at some of the most common reasons for a leaning chimney. 

1. Structural issues — One important component of a chimney is the foundation. All chimneys are required to have a footing. This is typically made of high-quality concrete and is laid at the base of the chimney. Chimneys are extremely heavy so it’s imperative to have high quality concrete and allow the correct settling time when constructing it. If you live in a very old home, it is possible that there is no footing. Lack of a footing or any low-quality footings could eventually mean the chimney will settle into the ground and lean away from the house. 

During construction, there is also room for error which means that footings could be incorrectly laid. Footings require a certain depth and material grade. If this isn’t followed, this is when cracking can occur. Unfortunately, if this happens, the structural stability will lessen and lead to large scale issues in the future. 

1. Regular wear and tear — Natural elements of nature, such as snow, wind, rain, and debris can all cause pretty significant wear and tear on your chimney over the years. Frost heaves are one of the most detrimental byproducts of winter months. This occurs when rain finds its way into small cracks in the chimney or foundation and freezes as the temperatures drop. This can cause the fractures to expand and contract which, overtime, can deteriorate the overall stability of your structure. However, with regular maintenance and upkeep, these can be caught early, and more easily repaired on the smaller scale (such as filling in the cracks). Other times, these cracks can get out of hand and cause your structure to start leaning or even crumble.
2. Soil issues — It may surprise you that even soil can contribute to a leaning chimney. Excess rain with inadequate drainage could lead to a less secure base for your chimney. As rain occurs, deterioration or erosion can occur in severe cases. 

If you are experiencing any of these issues, you should contact your professional chimney professional as soon as possible. The quicker that the issue is identified, the higher the chance that the repairs will be minimal and less expensive. Make sure to keep up with all of your regular cleaning and inspection appointments to further minimize risk of big issues. 

Leaning chimney? Call Dubuque Fireplace & Patio today!

The team at Dubuque Fireplace & Patio can assist with helping to get your chimney back to structurally sound before it becomes a bigger issue.

We can also help with any of your chimney or fireplace needs — from inspection to ensuring everything is in perfect working order to install and everything in between, our expert team will provide outstanding support every step of the way.

If you’re ready to install or in need of a cleaning or repair, call us today at (563) 582-5156.