Leaning Chimney
A Leaning Chimney is a Common Sign of Foundation Problems
A leaning or tilting chimney can be caused by a settling foundation. The soil around your home can move and constantly change, which can make your foundation weak and unstable. As different conditions outside change from season to season, soil can become weak and saturated with water. This constant changing of the soil can make it weak over time, thus making your foundation compromised. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services is your solution for chimney repair problems in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. We have the foundation repair experts on staff to evaluate your leaning chimney and find the right solution for your home and budget.
Understanding the Causes of a Leaning Chimney
Once a foundation starts to shift, your chimney may start leaning or tilting inward or outward away from your home. Even if your chimney is not leaning a lot, you need to look for cracks or gaps between the chimney and your siding. These gaps will allow water and insects in, causing further damage to your home. You should also keep an eye out for crumbling mortar.
Common causes of leaning chimneys include:
- Improper water drainage
- Settling foundation
- Poor foundation construction
- Expanding and contracting of the soil
Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services has the solution to your leaning chimney needs. The repair that is most used today for a leaning chimney is helical piers. These piers are driven under the leaning chimney until it reaches a good soil base. Brackets are placed on the helical piers under the chimney footing. Then a hydraulic jack slowly lifts the chimney up to its proper position.
Leaning Chimney Repair Solutions
Foundation Underpinning with Steel or Helical Piers
A leaning or tilting chimney is often one of the first signs of foundation settlement due to its weight. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services installs ECP steel push piers and helical piers to stabilize and lift the foundation beneath your chimney. Pier systems help:
- Support and re-level the settling portion of the foundation
- Prevent further chimney leaning or separation
- Transfer the chimney’s weight to stable, load-bearing soil
Wall Anchors & Structural Stabilization
If your chimney is pulling away from the structure or causing lateral pressure on adjoining walls, Matthews Wall Anchor uses wall anchors to stabilize the affected area. These systems counter soil pressure and help restore structural alignment.
- Reinforce weakened foundation walls
- Prevent additional cracking or shifting
- Provide long-term lateral stability
Waterproofing & Drainage Improvements
Water infiltration and poor drainage can weaken the soil supporting your chimney and contribute to settlement. Matthews Wall Anchor offers interior waterproofing, exterior drainage solutions, and sump pump systems to help move water away from the foundation and create stable soil conditions.
Water management helps:
- Reduce hydrostatic pressure
- Prevent soil softening or erosion
- Improve long-term foundation stability
Related Services
Foundation Repair
Moisture problems in a crawl space can signal deeper foundation issues such as settlement, sagging floors, or wall movement. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services provides professional foundation stabilization using helical piers, push piers, wall anchors, and structural supports to protect your home from long-term damage.
Crawl Space Repair
From sagging floors and rotted joists to failing support posts and moisture-damaged structures, our crawl space repair solutions address the underlying problems that contribute to mold growth. We reinforce, stabilize, and restore your crawl space to ensure structural integrity and a healthier environment throughout your home.
Waterproofing Solutions
Excess moisture is the root cause of most crawl space mold and mildew. Our interior and exterior waterproofing systems, sump pumps, drainage solutions, and vapor barriers work together to redirect water away from your home, reduce humidity, and create a dry, healthy environment under your house.
Hydroblox Residential Drainage Systems
Hydroblox panels provide high-efficiency drainage without the clogging issues of traditional pipe systems. Installed around crawl spaces or problem moisture areas, Hydroblox moves water quickly and consistently—helping keep your crawl space dry and preventing mold and mildew from returning.
Request a Free Estimate
Get a free, no-obligation inspection from Matthews Wall Anchor—trusted specialists in foundation repair, waterproofing, and structural stability.
