Foundation Repair Case Studies: Separating Chimney Corrected with Push Piers in Calhoun Falls, SC

Challenge

An extremely common foundation issue that happens is settlement. A lot of the settlement houses that we work with have to do with the foundation of the home and its settlement. If you have read any other content on our website you probably know exactly what this is and what it means. However, there is a type of settlement that we do not get to work with very often, chimney settlement. Chimneys can be much more susceptible to settlement than a home because sometimes the chimney is poured on a separate slab than the home.

This home had some chimney separation from the home. Thankfully for the homeowner, this chimney was not too far separated from the home to cause much worry. However, if this issue is not taken care of sooner, rather than later, the worst case is that your chimney could completely fall or collapse. While this job was not much of a challenge, any more of a lean could have increased the difficulty significantly. While chimneys are usually well built and sturdy, our crew still had to be careful in installing the push piers.

Solution

The solution was extremely simple, but also extremely effective. Push piers are usually pretty simple to install, depending on how deep the foundation for the home (or in this case chimney) is. As you can see from the second photo, the chimney's foundation was not very deep at all. The holes were dug on each side of the chimney, the piers were driven deep into the ground, and then raised to the proper height.

While this was a very quick and easy fix, it was also a very important job. While this chimney would have probably been okay for a month, a year, maybe even a few years, there really is no reason to risk it with something like this. Not only would the cost of replacing/rebuilding the chimney far exceed the cost of the two push piers, but the danger that it provides to everyone and everything around it is even worse. The last picture shows off the finished product. The chimney has been put back in its place and is all safe and sound!

We are glad that this customer called us to take care of their tipping chimney before it got too out of hand. It was a simple job, but one that we are proud of, because we know that this customer does not have to worry about anything happening to their chimney and keeping family and friends out of danger.

Project Summary

Installing Contractor: All-Dry of the Carolinas

Systems Design Specialist: Alex Rogers

Project Foreman: Francisco Gamez

Products Installed: Push Pier (2)