Could My Fireplace Leak Indicate A Foundation Problem?

If you are experiencing fireplace leaks, it could indicate that you have a sinking foundation! This would include the sinking and settlement of the chimney. This could cause fireplace leaks. Foundation sinking and shifting are caused by the soil beneath the foundation. When the soil gets too wet, it will heave, and when it becomes too dry, it will shrink. All of this shifting of the soil will also cause the foundation to shift and move. Foundation failure is imminent if it is not taken care of at the first noticeable sign. Some of the signs of foundation settlement to look for in and around your home are:

• Fireplace leaks
• Ceiling cracks
• Floor cracks
• Wall cracks
• Sticking doors and windows
• Sloping floors
• Leaning chimney
• Bowing or leaning walls

All of these are signs of a foundation problem. At the first sign of foundation settlement, it is important to contact an expert to come and inspect your home. The professionals at Basement Masters Waterproofing will come and give you a no-cost evaluation and offer you the foundation repair solution to fit your needs. The sooner the repair is done, the better.

Don’t ignore fireplace leaks! This is one of the most significant signs that you may be in need of foundation repair. It is an indication that the chimney has settled, causing cracks in the chimney. This would cause fireplace leaks.

Fireplace Leak Solutions in Virginia

If your fireplace leak is caused by foundation settlement, the experts at Basement Masters Waterproofing have the repair solutions to get your foundation back to its original level and structurally sound again.

We use underpinning products such as steel piers to repair a settling foundation. The first step for installing these piers is to drive them deep into the ground through the unstable soil layer until they reach a solid soil layer. Once the piers have reached the solid soil layer, each pier is load tested. After load testing, the entire weight of the structure is lifted onto the piers to level and stabilize the structure.

Wall anchors are used to repair bowing or leaning walls. These anchors are installed in the soil adjacent to the foundation and work by applying pressure that counteracts the pressure from the soil that is causing the bowing or leaning walls. Once the anchors have been sunk into the soil near the wall, a hole is driven through the interior basement wall and a rod is inserted through the hole. The rod is then attached to the anchor. A plate is installed over the rod on the interior wall and used to tighten the rod. This pulls the wall back to its original. These anchors also strengthen the wall so that they won’t bow or lean in the future.

Basement Masters Waterproofing has the experience and products to get your foundation structurally sound again. Our employees have over 25 years of experience in foundation repair and basement waterproofing. We take pride in the outstanding reputation we have established and intend to keep it that way. Don’t ignore your fireplace leak; it could indicate a foundation problem. Contact the experts at Basement Masters Waterproofing today for a no-cost evaluation.

This post was originally published on 12/7/2015 and updated on 11/16/2021 for accuracy and a larger scope of information.