How to Avoid a Chimney Collapse: Inspection

Chimneys are among the heaviest and most structurally vulnerable of all outside components of a structure. Accidents caused by their collapse can cause death. A collapse can likewise trigger expensive structural damage to the building and its surroundings. Examination, maintenance and preparedness are important safeguards against chimney collapse.Observe the 3/4" gap between the chimney and the rest of the structure. Picture by InterNACHI member Frank Bartlo.

Wind and other elements might trigger a currently deteriorated chimney to collapse. An elderly guy in Britain was squashed by a wind-toppled chimney as it fell from the roof of the managed-care center where he lived. This case is, regrettably, fairly unremarkable, as such accidents happen often for a range of reasons-- from weathering and wind, to falling tree limbs and bad design.

Chimneys collapse by the hundreds during major earthquakes, normally snapping at the roofline. More than half of the houses in Washington State inspected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following the Nisqually Earthquake in 2001 sustained chimney damage. Chimney collapses were extensively reported following the massive-magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck New Zealand in September 2010.

Earthquake damage and injuries can be caused, in big part, by bricks and stones as they fall from chimneys onto vehicles, structures and people. These collapses take place unexpectedly and without warning. Collapses can likewise trigger implosion-type destruction as the chimney makes its method through the roof and attic, destroying part of the living space and hurting residents below. For these factors, it is vital that chimneys, particularly in seismically active areas, be examined periodically for indications of weakening. Following an earthquake, it is even more vital that chimneys be checked for indications of imminent or future collapse.

Chimneys must be examined for the following flaws:

• mortar in between the bricks or stones that collapses when jabbed with a screwdriver;
• missing out on or inadequate lateral support-- typically, steel straps-- used to tie the chimney to the structure at the roof and floor levels. Building regulations in some seismically active regions require internal and external bracing of chimneys to the structure;
• mechanical damage to the chimney, such as that due to falling tree limbs or scaffolding;
• noticeable tilting or separation from the building. Any space needs to be often measured to monitor whether it is enhancing; and
• chimney footing flaws, including the following:
• undersized footing, which is footing cast so thin that it breaks, or does not adequately extend past the chimney's base to This tall, slim chimney was eventually replaced with a more durable chimney. Photo by InterNACHI member David Valley.support its weight;
• deteriorated footing, due to weathering, frost, loose or poor-quality building; and
• poor soil below footing, including worn down, settled or otherwise weakened soil, frost heaves or extensive clay below the footing.

A more comprehensive assessment performed to the International Phase I Standards of Practice for Inspecting Fireplaces and Chimneys may likewise be considered.

The following additional precautions may be taken:

• Attach plywood panels to the roof or above the ceiling joists to serve as an obstacle between falling masonry and the roofing.
• Enhance the existing chimney by fixing weak locations.
• Take apart the chimney and change it with a flue or a stronger chimney. Keep in mind that tall, slim, masonry chimneys are most susceptible to earthquakes, weathering, and other types of wear. Even more recent, reinforced or metal flue chimneys can sustain considerable damage and require repair service.
• Move youngsters's backyard, patio areas and parking locations far from a harmed chimney.
• Instruct household members to get far from chimneys throughout earthquakes.

Homeowners need to call their local structure departments to acquire required authorizations prior to starting any substantial building that might affect the chimney structure and/or its supports.

In addition to collapse dangers, leaning chimneys can also make using the fireplace unsafe. Hearth cracks, side cracks in the fireplace, openings around the fireplace, and chimney damage all present the threat that stimulates or smoke will certainly get in the home or structure cavities. Look for proof of fireplace motion. Following an earthquake, property owners ought to have their chimney inspected before making use of the fireplace.

Commercial chimney collapses are uncommon, but they are worthy of reference due to the devastation they cause. In one horrible occurrence in main India, more than 100 workers were killed when a 900-foot (275-meter) tall chimney collapsed on a building site. One of the worst construction website disasters in recent history, the collapse was blamed on heavy rain. While security standards are usually more stringent beyond India, office chimneys everywhere need examination.
In summary, chimneys should be checked to prevent deadly, expensive collapses.


Brought to you by http://bestlongislandhomeinspection.com/