A leaning chimney can be a sign of more than aging masonry. When a chimney begins to shift or lean, movement in the supporting foundation can be one possible cause. If the foundation continues to settle, repairing only the visible chimney damage may not address the underlying issue.
Zavza Seal completed a chimney repair and foundation stabilization project in Bellmore, NY, to address a leaning chimney, deteriorated mortar joints, water exposure, and foundation movement.
The Problem:
The chimney was leaning and required repairs to both the masonry and the foundation supporting the affected area.
The existing chimney had old sealants that needed to be removed. The mortar joints also required repair, while the chimney crown needed replacement to improve protection from water.
The foundation below the affected area also required stabilization. Because continued settlement could contribute to further movement, the repair plan included the installation of helical piles to provide additional support to the foundation wall.
The goal was not simply to repair the visible chimney damage, but to address the foundation movement that could contribute to continued settlement.
The Repair Plan:
Zavza Seal developed a repair plan covering the chimney masonry, waterproofing, and foundation stabilization.
Chimney Joint Repair
The existing old sealants were removed from the chimney joints. Backer rods were installed where required, followed by structural epoxy and joint waterproofing sealants.
These materials were used to repair and seal the affected joints and help reduce water penetration.
Chimney Repointing
The entire chimney was ground approximately 1/2 inch to prepare the deteriorated joints for repair.
The chimney was then completely repointed with light beige mortar. Repointing replaces deteriorated mortar between masonry units and helps restore the integrity and weather resistance of the chimney.
New Cement Crown
A new cement crown was installed at the top of the chimney.
The crown is an important part of chimney protection because it helps direct water away from the masonry below. A damaged or deteriorated crown can allow water to enter the chimney structure and contribute to further deterioration.
Chimney Waterproofing:
After the masonry repairs were completed, waterproof sealants were applied to the entire chimney.
This additional protection was intended to help reduce moisture penetration and protect the repaired masonry from continued exposure to the elements.
Foundation Stabilization With Helical Piles:
The foundation required additional support because of the movement affecting the area beneath the leaning chimney.
Zavza Seal excavated the affected area and installed two new helical piles with brackets.
The helical piles were specified to be installed to a minimum ultimate capacity of 20 tons. The pile brackets were used to connect the support system to the foundation wall and help stabilize the affected area.
The purpose of the installation was to provide additional structural support and help prevent further sinking of the foundation.
Once the helical pile installation was completed, the excavation was backfilled to the original grade.
The Result:
The Bellmore project addressed the leaning chimney from both the masonry and foundation sides.
The chimney received new joint repairs, structural epoxy, waterproofing sealants, complete repointing with light beige mortar, and a new cement crown.
At the foundation level, two helical piles with brackets were installed to provide additional support to the affected foundation wall and help prevent further sinking.
This approach addressed the visible chimney deterioration while also providing structural stabilization to the foundation area below it.
Why a Leaning Chimney Should Be Evaluated?
A chimney that begins to lean should not automatically be treated as a simple masonry repair.
Foundation settlement or movement can place stress on the chimney and surrounding masonry. Over time, this movement can contribute to cracks, separated joints, water intrusion, and additional structural problems.
For this reason, a leaning chimney should be evaluated to determine whether the visible damage is connected to movement in the supporting foundation.
In this Bellmore project, the repair plan addressed both areas. The chimney was restored and waterproofed, while helical piles were installed to stabilize the affected foundation.
Professional Chimney and Foundation Stabilization in Bellmore, NY
This Bellmore, NY project required more than repointing damaged masonry. The work combined chimney restoration, waterproofing, and foundation stabilization to address the different issues affecting the property.
Zavza Seal provides chimney repair, foundation repair, helical pile installation, waterproofing, and structural stabilization services throughout Long Island and the New York City area.
If you have a leaning chimney, foundation settlement, masonry cracks, or signs of water intrusion, a professional evaluation can help determine the cause and the appropriate repair solution.