Chimneys Leaning IN Pushing In Walls. What To Do?
This is the first time I have seen this. I have heard of chimneys leaning out, but on this house the two chimneys at each end are actually pushing in the upstairs bedroom walls. Now, this house was built in the 1870's so this isn't an overnight event. I thought that it was simply a foundation settling problem that caused chimneys to lean but then I read the paragraph below on housewhiz. Should I simply tear off the top part and build it back, tear down the whole thing, leave it alone(it's probably pushing in the center of one wall 1/4" and the other wall 3/4"
,try to get a foundation contractor to lift the inside edge(not sure that would help though if only the top is curvinng in. It might cause the bottom part to come loose from the wall). The chimney looks straight from the outside, but you don't really have any good reference since it isn't brick. It is your classic plastered over rock . Thanks
Leaning chimney stacks are very common in older properties and are caused by the sulphates in the exhaust emissions of solid fuel fires. The sulphates condense on the exposed side of the chimneystack and cause the morter jointing to expand. The net result is that the chimney through time will start to lean.
I am a contractor and have dealt with this in the past. I would not worry about 1/4" at all and probably would ignore the 3/4" as well on a home of that vintage. I would repair the walls/ lath& or sheetrock and trim, fascia, what ever is being effected by the shift. If it is only 3/4" it is not a big deal especially if it is over 20' or more. I have torn down the top 14' on one occasion and relaid it when it became evident that the chimney was crumbling and unsound.
If you have pictures and or need some specifics you may contact me at my profile.
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Thanks for the feedback Stockpro99. That is very encouraging. Since I'm tearing out the plaster already, I guess I'll just build the walls out flat and not worry about it. Would you simply nail a stud to the inside of the bent studs, but sticking out maybe 1/2" or so and then nail the sheet rock onto that? I love old houses. There is always something interesting. I think we're actually going to live in this one ourselves.
If that is what it takes to give you a good surface to place your sheetrock on then do it. If it is just one stud sticking out a little then you could shave it as well.
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