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Case Study: Push Piers Stabilize a Leaning Chimney in Florence, SC

push pier installed under a chimney

A tilting chimney was identified during a routine home inspection for a real estate transaction in Florence, SC, raising concerns about potential foundation issues. The seller’s agent required a swift and effective solution to address the issue before finalizing the sale.

Mount Valley Foundation Services, a Groundworks Company serving the Columbia, SC, area, proposed installing two push piers to stabilize the chimney and address the underlying foundation problem. This approach provided a long-term solution while minimizing disruption to the property.

The chimney was stabilized, ensuring the structural integrity of the home and resolving a key issue that could have hindered the real estate transaction. The seller’s agent was able to move forward with confidence, knowing the property was in good condition for the new owners.


The Challenge

  • Leaning chimney
  • Selling the home

The Solution

  • Push piers

The Impact

  • Stabilized chimney
  • Enhanced home value and safety

Before Foundation Repair:

leaning chimney

Potential Safety and Selling Concern

For most people, purchasing a home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. Thorough inspections are critical to uncovering any potential issues before committing to a purchase.

During the inspection of this Florence, SC, home, a slight ½-inch lean in the chimney was identified. While a tilting chimney can sometimes result from the chimney’s own weight, in this case, the problem indicated a more serious issue: foundation settlement and instability. Left unaddressed, the problem could worsen over time, potentially compromising the home’s safety and value.

After Foundation Repair:

push pier installed under a chimney

Installing a Lasting Solution

Upon discovering the issue, Mount Valley Foundation Services quickly met with the seller’s agent to inspect the property and propose a solution. The inspector recommended installing two push piers—which are advanced deep into the ground until reaching load-bearing soil—to stabilize the chimney and prevent further leaning. The inspector provided the seller’s agent with a detailed quote and explanation of the process to share with the homeowner. The repair plan was designed to be completed quickly, ensuring the issue would not delay the sale or burden the future homeowners.

Seeing the Positive Effects

Mount Valley Foundation Services’ quick response and targeted solution ensured the chimney was stabilized before the home changed hands. The push pier installation addressed the foundation problem and prevented further issues, allowing the real estate transaction to proceed smoothly.

Leaning chimneys can signal significant foundation issues, and catching these problems early ensures they can be addressed before they escalate. This repair not only preserved the home’s value but also provided peace of mind to both the seller and the future homeowners.

Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

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Luke and crew came out an did an excellent job. He was very transparent, punctual, and professional. They installed 6 beams to reinforce…

Luke and crew came out an did an excellent job. He was very transparent, punctual, and professional. They installed 6 beams to reinforce the foundation. extremely happy with the work done.

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Great customer service and solid work. Darrell was very knowledgeable and answered any questions I had, he is very thorough and transparent….

Great customer service and solid work. Darrell was very knowledgeable and answered any questions I had, he is very thorough and transparent. Darrell and his crew Derrell and Sam worked efficiently and effectively.

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Clint Weimann from the Greenville branch attended a meeting at my holiday home. Not only did he review issues that we have been…

Clint Weimann from the Greenville branch attended a meeting at my holiday home. Not only did he review issues that we have been experiencing with our foundations at the property, but he also highlighted additional defects and proposed suitable remedy. I was overly impressed by his promptness, attention to detail and knowledge. Well done Mount Valley! Highly impressed!

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Mount Valley Foundation concrete lifting team came today and lifted my floor in my Florida Room. They did a fantastic job. Thank the guys …

Mount Valley Foundation concrete lifting team came today and lifted my floor in my Florida Room. They did a fantastic job. Thank the guys for me. This completes my projects with Mount Valley.

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Very impressed with Mt Valley Foundation from our initial contact as I talked with a person to schedule an appointment for foundation…

Very impressed with Mt Valley Foundation from our initial contact as I talked with a person to schedule an appointment for foundation inspection. Dustin , our inspector, explained our issue and the work required to resolve problem. Our crew of Josh, Connor and Da:shon arrived on time, introduced themselves and began working. I was impressed by how well they worked together and were able to discuss and resolve differences. One issue arose and they handled it in a mature and honest manner. We now have a very safe kitchen floor and they even left us with a working sink till new kitchen arrives. Would give 10 of 10 if possible.

Need Foundation Repair for Your Home?

Foundation problems have a way of surfacing at the most inconvenient times, often during home inspections when real estate transactions hang in the balance. What appears as a minor structural quirk can actually signal serious underlying issues that threaten property value and buyer confidence.

The experienced professionals at Groundworks companies like Mount Valley Foundation Services understand the urgency these situations demand and respond with swift, reliable foundation repair solutions that protect all parties involved. Don’t let foundation issues derail your plans. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn how our repair solutions can secure your property’s stability and value.

Related Resources

Foundation Repair FAQs

A foundation problem happens because of an underlying cause. It’s common for that underlying cause to be something related to the soil underneath the foundation, which can easily extend into the rest of the foundation. For example, if your foundation is settling because water is eroding the soil underneath the foundation, you may have excess water running through the soil on the property. That can also erode the soil underneath concrete in other areas of the property, leading to overarching foundation concerns you need to address.

Foundation settlement can be a serious concern, as it may lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. How serious? That depends on factors like how long the issues have been going on. Neglecting foundation issues results in visible structural damage and potential safety risks for the home’s occupants. Contact an expert for an inspection to assess the status of your home’s foundation.

Groundworks’ solutions are made to last long-term. When you have your foundation repaired by us, it comes with a lifetime warranty of the home. This warranty is transferrable to new homeowners should you decide to sell your house.