Coal Chute and Chimney Repair
Many older homes in Northern New England have coal chutes and chimneys, especially those built before 1950. Many colonial houses in our region feature distinctive central chimneys made from stone or brick that measure 10 feet or more.
While coal is no longer a popular energy source, traditional masonry chimneys remain a popular design feature in our region.
The problem is that both coal chutes and chimneys frequently face structural challenges over time, such as cracks that lead to water leaking into a basement or crawl space. A leaning or tilting chimney is also a structural problem. While coal chute and chimney repairs can help prevent some exterior damage, they often only address symptoms—not the source. At Groundworks, we go beyond masonry patchwork and tuckpointing to tackle the root cause of water intrusion and structural damage.
Issues That Require Coal Chute and Chimney Repair
Coal chutes and chimneys are common architectural features in many older properties in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, including those with colonial, Victorian, and Cape Cod-style designs. That’s because coal was a popular energy source used to heat homes for over 100 years. Chimneys were also necessary for wood stoves and fireplaces.
If not maintained properly, these structures may cause the following problems in your home:
Coal chutes
- Cracks and gaps that invite water into your basement
- Pest infestations from an exposed coal chute
- Soil erosion when a coal chute is exposed to moisture, resulting in water pooling around your foundation
Chimneys
- Water damage and rust from cracked mortar
- Foundation pressure when a chimney tilts, shifts, or settles
- Decreased energy efficiency from cracked flues
- Reduced curb appeal
Why You Need More Than Coal Chute and Chimney Repair
A mason can maintain and fix your coal chute, or chimney,but investing in the following services solves the underlying issue:
This is where Groundworks comes in. With extensive local knowledge and years of expertise, we can protect your home and loved ones if you live in a property with a coal chute and/or chimney.
You may require our services if you notice any of the following:
Ignoring these concerns lead to more expensive repairs in the future. Our team will inspect your home for free, determine the root cause of damage, and recommend custom-engineered solutions based on your budget and needs.
How to Fix Problems From Old Coal Chutes and Chimneys
If coal chutes and chimneys cause water intrusion and structural issues, Groundworks can help. We offer the following repair solutions for Northern New England homeowners:
- Chimney foundation repair: If you have a tilting or leaning chimney, we can use underpinning solutions like push piers and helical piers to transfer the weight of your chimney’s foundation to load-bearing soil under your home. This potentially restores your chimney to its initial position.
- Foundation repair: We can also use underpinning If a coal chute or chimney is causing settlement or other problems with your home’s foundation.
- Basement waterproofing: Solutions like sump pumps, interior drains, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers can be effective if you have water intrusion in your basement due to issues with your coal chute or chimney.
- Crawl space encapsulation: Properly sealing your crawl space is a great way to protect this area from water intrusion.
How Groundworks Can Help
If you have an old coal chute or chimney, Groundworks has various solutions to safeguard your home from long-lasting damage. Serving Northern New England, we offer free, no-obligation inspections, so contact our team today.
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