Chimney Pulling Away from the House

An exterior chimney separating from the main wall, often creating a visible vertical gap or tilting outward at the top, signals that the chimney footing is settling independently of the main foundation. Chimney footings are frequently shallower and smaller than the main foundation.

In NJ, this is exacerbated by freeze-thaw heave on undersized chimney footings. Helical pier underpinning under the chimney footing arrests further movement and can often recover some of the lean during installation.