Photo Album: Settling & Cracking Chimney Corrected by Helical Piers in Westerville, OH

  • At first glance, it doesn't look like there is anything wrong with the fireplace.
  • Cracks are visible when taking a closer look at the brick on the fireplace.
  • The chimney has begun pulling away from the rest of the home, which is a sign of settlement. Sometimes chimneys are built on a foundation that is not connected to the rest of the home, making it even more at risk of settlement.
  • After excavating the area around the chimney, crews work to expose the footing to prepare it for the future foundation bracket.
  • Two Helical Piers have been advanced into the soil, and the foundation bracket is installed and secured to the footing. This is a quick installation, and the problem is solved once and for all.
  • The weight of the home is transferred through the piers to competent soil, and is lifted back to level if possible. This will stabilize the chimney and foundation, and benefit the interior fireplace.
  • The soil around the installation is replaced, leaving minimal traces of work. But the foundation is permanently stable because of the Helical Pier installation.

Album Description

After living in their house for 14 years, homeowners in Westerville, OH, recently began to notice cracking in their chimney and the floors sagging around the chimney. They were concerned about these issues worsening over time, or that the chimney could fall.

Seeking an immediate, permanent solution, they contacted Ohio Basement Authority. Inspector Matthew Wojciechowski observed chimney settlement and cracks on the chimney's interior and exterior. It was also beginning to pull off of the foundation.

Ohio Basement Authority crew members excavated the area around the chimney and installed two Helical Piers that will permanently stabilize the foundation.

Thumbnail View

  • Things are not always what they seem
  • A closer look at a growing problem
  • A look at an exterior problem
  • Crews expose the footing
  • What a stable chimney looks like
  • Stabilizing the chimney and foundation
  • The work has been completed

our service area

We Serve the Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati metros and Southern Ohio

Our Location:

Ohio Basement Authority
911 Stelzer Road
Columbus, OH 43219
1-614-254-6006

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