Cracked Chimney

A fireplace can be a cozy and charming addition to your home, but it’s important to remember that a damaged exterior chimney can pose a major safety risk.

One common issue that homeowners often overlook is a cracked chimney. If ignored, this problem can compromise the integrity of your chimney’s structure and put your home in danger.

At Indiana Foundation Service, we know how important your home is to you, and we’re committed to providing you with the best possible care. We specialize in providing whole-home solutions, which include fixing cracked chimneys using our advanced foundation repair products and methods.

Learn why your chimney may be cracking and how fixing it can keep your entire home stable and your family safe.

What Is a Cracked Chimney?

A cracked chimney is when there are fractures in the masonry or stonework of the chimney structure.

Cracks can appear in various areas, such as the flue, chimney crown, and the body of the chimney. As shown here, they are most evident in the mortar joints between the bricks. However, these fractures are not just a cosmetic issue; they can lead to severe problems, including water leaks, reduced efficiency, and structural instability.

Furthermore, you might detect gaps between the bricks in the chimney body, which can cause additional damage, making it lean or pull away from the rest of the house.

Rest assured that our team of experts will address these issues and restore your chimney to its former glory.

What Causes Cracked Chimneys?

Cracked chimneys can be caused by several factors, the most common being foundation settlement due to soil instability. Central and Southern Indiana features expansive clay-based soils vulnerable to moisture fluctuations.

Soil instability can arise due to various factors, such as:

Wetting and Softening: After heavy rainfall, flooding, and snowmelt, the soil absorbs the water, expands, and gradually loses its ability to support the weight of the chimney.
Erosion: Excessive moisture and flooding can erode the underlying soil over time.
Drying Out and Contracting: During dry periods or drought, the soil contracts, creating voids where the chimney footing can settle.
Poor Compaction During Construction: Proper soil preparation and compaction are essential before building a chimney. If this step is omitted or not done correctly, the ground may not be able to bear the structure’s weight.
Invasive Tree Roots: Trees with invasive root systems near the chimney can dislodge and shift the soil as they search for moisture and nutrients. This activity destabilizes the soil, allowing roots to penetrate the chimney’s structure.

Chimneys often have a separate foundation from the rest of the house, making them vulnerable to these soil-related issues. When the unstable soil fails to support the chimney adequately, it begins to crack and may separate from the side of the home.

Can You Fix Chimney Cracks?

Cracked chimneys can be fixed, but DIY methods such as applying sealants or patching up cracks are short-term solutions.

Due to the instability of the ground beneath the chimney, it will continue to shift, potentially reopening old cracks or causing new ones. The only way to fix the problem is to adopt a whole-home approach.

The Indiana Foundation Service repair team finds the real reason for the problem and uses specialized techniques to fix it for good. We know that every house is different, so we offer customized foundation repair options, such as foundation pier systems.

How to Fix a Cracked Chimney

Inspection and Diagnosis

Our experts thoroughly inspect your home, foundation, and chimney. We evaluate and note the extent and location of the cracks and other damage.

Install Foundation Piers

The best tools to address a damaged chimney are foundation piers that permanently stabilize and lift it back to its original position. This may help close cracks and gaps, but further masonry may be needed afterward.

Depending on the soil and condition of the chimney, we install either helical piers or push piers deep into the ground until we reach a stable soil layer. Our SettleStop™ Helical Pier System is ideal for lighter loads, including chimneys. Here’s what the process entails:

Excavate the soil down to the chimney footer
Use hydraulic equipment to advance the piers into the soil
Monitor the pressure and depth of installed piers
Advance the screw-like piers until they reach stable soil or bedrock
Attach a durable steel bracket to the footing, ensuring load transfer
Install small rivets in the exterior brick as benchmarks
Backfill excavated soil

Annual Maintenance Inspections

Our service and maintenance programs guarantee continued pier reinforcement. We return for annual inspections, ensuring that a laser level is perfectly aligned with the benchmarks we’ve set up. This guarantees the continued security of the system.

Why Address the Chimney Issues Now

Delaying cracked chimney repairs worsens the chimney’s condition and leads to safety hazards and costly future repairs. Here’s how you’ll benefit from quickly identifying and resolving these issues:

Avoid Safety Concerns: Ignoring cracks can lead to structural instability and eventual collapse.
Prevent Moisture Intrusion: Cracks allow water infiltration, accelerating deterioration and structural issues.
Evade Fire Hazards: A compromised chimney is in danger of tipping over, and poses a fire hazard.
Cost-Efficiency: Early intervention is often less expensive than late-stage repairs.
Boost Home Value: Maintaining your chimney enhances your property value.

Indiana Foundation Service addresses chimney issues with specialized, proprietary solutions for long-lasting repair and stabilization.

Contact Indiana Foundation Service for Permanent Chimney Stabilization Solutions

A cracked or leaning chimney can quickly become a safety hazard, threatening your home and family. Don’t avoid repairs if your chimney is damaged; contact Indiana Foundation Service today for assistance.

We provide a free, no-obligation inspection to evaluate your home and recommend the best repair solutions. Trust Indiana Foundation Service for all your chimney and foundation repair needs.

FAQs

Can I fix chimney cracks myself?

While it’s possible to patch minor cracks, DIY repairs are temporary bandages that can be complex, unsafe, and expensive in the long run. We recommend a professional evaluation for a permanent solution. Contact Indiana Foundation Service today to book a free inspection.

How soon should I address a cracked chimney?

The sooner, the better. Ignoring the issue can lead to additional cracking, damage, and severe consequences, including complete chimney collapse. Contact Indiana Foundation Service when you notice problems like chimney cracks or leaning.

What types of piers do you use for chimney stabilization?

We use helical piers or push piers, depending on the specific conditions of your foundation and soil. Contact us today for a free assessment and customized repair plan.