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Case Study: Repairing a Leaning, Damaged Chimney in Cleveland, OH

Homeowners in Cleveland, OH, noticed their chimney leaning dangerously and cracking, threatening their car and neighboring property. The issue was traced to foundation settlement caused by shifting soil, common in the area due to heavy rain, snowmelt, and drought conditions.

Our team installed four helical piers to stabilize the chimney. These galvanized steel supports, driven deep into load-bearing soil, provided a permanent fix. The process, including excavation and installation, was completed efficiently in just two days.

The homeowners were relieved to have their chimney stabilized, eliminating safety concerns. With a long-term warranty on the piers, they gained lasting peace of mind.


The Challenge

  • Leaning chimney
  • Cracked brickwork
  • Foundation settlement

The Solution

  • Helical pier installation
  • Foundation crack repair
  • Chimney stabilized

The Impact

  • Restored chimney
  • Secure foundation
  • Safer driveway

Before Foundation Repair:

Foundation Settlement

In Cleveland, where heavy rain and snowmelt saturate the soil, foundation settlement is a common issue. A couple of Cleveland homeowners recently contacted us with concerns about their chimney. The structure was cracking and leaning away from the house, creating a serious safety hazard. They feared it might collapse onto their car or the neighbor’s property.

Chimney Cracks

The house, built in 1920, had a chimney added in 1963, and the homeowners, having lived there since 2010, were well aware of its condition. During the initial inspection, our team confirmed their concerns. The chimney on the east side of the house had noticeable stair-step brick cracks, missing bricks, and a significant lean.

After Foundation Repair:

Helical Pier Installation

After thoroughly assessing the site, our inspector recommended installing helical piers under the chimney’s foundation. Four piers were installed into the ground using specialized equipment, ensuring they reached the appropriate depth. Steel brackets were then attached to the chimney’s footing, permanently stabilizing the structure.

Seeing the Positive Effects

These piers not only prevent further movement but can often restore the structure to its original position. With the helical piers in place, the homeowners could rest easy knowing their foundation was secure. Backed by a long-term warranty, this solution provides ongoing protection against future settlement issues.

Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

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Charles latimer was a very kind and knowledgeable inspector

Charles latimer was a very kind and knowledgeable inspector

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Thank you to David Danku and Ohio Basement Authority for the exceptional work and service today on our basement. Very thorough inspection…

Thank you to David Danku and Ohio Basement Authority for the exceptional work and service today on our basement. Very thorough inspection and precise repairs completed by David whose glowing personality was the icing on the cake! Signed up for 3 more years for peace of mind and of course, it was very affordable to do so. Thank you and see you all for next year's inspection!

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William, russell,and Levi are more than welcome to come to our house anytime, nicest young people we've met in awhile,they talked to us…

William, russell,and Levi are more than welcome to come to our house anytime, nicest young people we've met in awhile,they talked to us explaining everything they were doing,always asking if we have ant questions awesome awesome guys thank you

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Ohio Basement Authority is the go-to company if you want excellent plumbing services at a competitive price. I needed to get a new sump…

Ohio Basement Authority is the go-to company if you want excellent plumbing services at a competitive price. I needed to get a new sump after maintaining the old one for over 20 years, and it was time. I was able to get scheduled with Ohio Basement Authority at a convenient time for me and Kyle came out and did an outstanding job installing the new sump pump. He cleaned out a significant amount of grime that had clearly been left behind in previous years. Unlike other companies that just checked if the sump pump was working and called it maintenance without addressing the debris, Ohio Basement Authority went above and beyond as evidenced by the photos. I'm incredibly grateful for the professional and thorough service they provided in replacing my sump pump the right way!!!

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After 30 years in our home, our foundation was in serious need of repair. Ohio Basement Authorities was selected to do the repair work…

After 30 years in our home, our foundation was in serious need of repair. Ohio Basement Authorities was selected to do the repair work needed to stabilize the home. They were very professional and quickly demonstrated that they had the expertise and equipment needed to effectively and efficiently get the job done. Very impressive was that a team of just 3 dug out a massive amount of dirt along the entire side of our house which then allowed them to install necessary materials to stabilize the foundation. Additionally, these 3 completed all needed work in less than a day and a half! Big shout out to Elijah, Robert and Isaiah W. from the Ohio Basement Authorities Branch in Cincinnati Ohio. I highly recommend them to anyone needing foundation repair.

Need Foundation Repair in Ohio?

CFI measuring exterior wall in West Virginia

If you’re concerned about foundation settlement, whether it’s a leaning chimney or sticking doors and windows, don’t wait to address the issue. Early intervention saves time, money, and stress.

Contact Ohio Basement Authority for a free inspection and repair quote. Our experienced team is ready to restore your home’s stability in a way that works for you and your budget.

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