Chimneys that lean, pull from the house or sink are assessed for the cause and stabilized or rebuilt with the footing fixed.
A chimney that leans or pulls away from the house is a serious sign. The heavy stack may be sitting on a footing that has settled, the soil under it may be washing out or the connection to the house may have failed. The gap you see at the siding can grow with each wet season, and a leaning chimney can eventually shed bricks or fall.
We assess how far it has moved, what is under it and whether the movement is still happening. Sometimes the answer is a rebuild of the top, sometimes a new or reinforced footing and sometimes working with an engineer when the movement is large. Keep people away from the area below a leaning chimney until it has been looked at.
We use a level and a plumb line and take photos so the movement can be tracked. A chimney that is moving needs different treatment than one that settled long ago.
Poor drainage, roof runoff and small footings are common causes. If water is washing out the soil, we explain how to stop it.
A lightly leaning top may be rebuilt. A badly moved chimney may need to be taken down and rebuilt on a new footing.
Large movement or signs of foundation trouble need an engineer. We tell you plainly and work with them.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterKnow if it moves.
The real cause.
The right level of repair.
Honest advice.
Stop the soil washing out.
Track changes.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Project situationOlder and Historic HomesOlder chimneys have soft brick, old mortar and no liner. They need a gentler approach and the right…Learn more 
Project situationStorm and Wind DamageSevere weather finds the tallest part of your house. Here is what to do and how we make…Learn more 
Project situationLeaks and Water DamageWater finds every weakness in a chimney. Here is where leaks come from and how they are stopped.Learn more Pick what you see or smell to learn what it may mean and how urgent it is.
You tell us about the chimney, fireplace or stove and what you have noticed, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look closely at the chimney, inside and out, ask how you use it and take photos of anything of note.
We explain what is urgent, what can wait and what is optional, and give you a written scope and options.
We lay drop cloths, seal the firebox and protect the roof and landscaping before any work begins.
We sweep, repair or install with the right tools and materials, checking our work as we go.
We clean up, show you what we did, share tips and set a reminder for your next visit.
It can be. Keep people away from the area below and have it checked soon.
Settling of the footing is the most common cause. Water washing out soil is another.
Sometimes the top can be rebuilt straight. Heavy movement usually needs a full rebuild.
It hides the gap but does not fix the movement.
Mark the gap with a dated line and measure it over weeks. We can set that up for you.
Chimney RebuildingLeaning, crumbling or failing chimney tops taken down course by course and rebuilt with new brick, a proper…Explore 
Storm Damage Chimney RepairChimneys hit by wind, falling limbs or lightning are made safe quickly and rebuilt with matched materials.Explore 
Insurance and Storm DocumentationDated photos and a plain written description of chimney damage, ready for you to share with your insurance…Explore 
Brick and Stone Chimney RepairCracked, spalling and loose bricks and stones replaced and reset with matched materials, so the chimney looks original…Explore Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
