Chimney Inspection: Preventing Collapse

Chimneys are amongst the heaviest and most structurally susceptible of all exterior elements of a structure. Accidents due to their collapse can lead to death. A collapse can likewise trigger expensive structural damage to the building and its environments. Evaluation, upkeep and preparedness are crucial safeguards versus chimney collapse.Observe the 3/4" space between the chimney and the rest of the structure. Image by InterNACHI member Frank Bartlo.

Wind and other aspects may cause a currently deteriorated chimney to collapse. A senior man 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, sadly, fairly plain, as such accidents happen frequently for a range of factors-- from weathering and wind, to falling tree limbs and poor design.

Chimneys collapse by the hundreds throughout major earthquakes, usually snapping at the roofline. More than half of the houses in Washington State examined 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 large part, by bricks and stones as they fall from chimneys onto vehicles, structures and people. These collapses take place suddenly and without warning. Collapses can likewise trigger implosion-type damage as the chimney makes its method through the roof and attic, demolishing part of the living area and injuring occupants below. For these reasons, it is important that chimneys, specifically in seismically active regions, be examined occasionally for indicators of weakening. Following an earthquake, it ares more important that chimneys be inspected for indicators of impending or future collapse.

Chimneys should be inspected for the following defects:

• mortar between the bricks or stones that crumbles when jabbed with a screwdriver;
• missing or inadequate lateral support-- normally, steel straps-- used to tie the chimney to the structure at the roofing system and floor levels. Building codes in some seismically active areas 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;
• visible tilting or separation from the structure. Any gap should be often measured to keep track of whether it is increasing; and
• chimney footing defects, including the following:
• small footing, which is footing cast so thin that it breaks, or does not adequately extend past the chimney's base to This tall, narrow chimney was ultimately changed with a more sturdy chimney. Image by InterNACHI member David Valley.support its weight;
• scrubby footing, due to weathering, frost, loose or poor-quality construction; and
• bad soil listed below footing, including eroded, settled or otherwise weakened soil, frost heaves or extensive clay underneath the footing.

A more comprehensive inspection carried out to the International Phase I Standards of Practice for Inspecting Fireplaces and Chimneys might likewise be thought about.

The following additional safety measures may be taken:

• Connect plywood panels to the roofing or above the ceiling joists to function as a barrier in between falling masonry and the roof.
• Strengthen the existing chimney by fixing weak locations.
• Tear down the chimney and change it with a flue or a more powerful chimney. Bear in mind that tall, slim, masonry chimneys are most susceptible to earthquakes, weathering, and other forms of wear. Even more recent, enhanced or metal flue chimneys can sustain substantial damage and need repair.
• Transfer youngsters's backyard, patios and parking locations away from a damaged chimney.
• Instruct relative to obtain far from chimneys throughout earthquakes.

House owners must call their regional building departments to obtain necessary authorizations prior to starting any considerable building that may impact the chimney structure and/or its supports.

In addition to collapse hazards, leaning chimneys can likewise make using the fireplace unsafe. Hearth fractures, side cracks in the fireplace, openings around the fireplace, and chimney damage all present the threat that sparks or smoke will get in the living space or structure cavities. Look for evidence of fireplace motion. Following an earthquake, property owners should have their chimney examined prior to using the fireplace.

Commercial chimney collapses are unusual, but they are worthy of mention due to the devastation they trigger. In one awful incident in main India, more than 100 employees were killed when a 900-foot (275-meter) tall chimney collapsed on a building site. Among the worst construction website disasters in recent history, the collapse was blamed on heavy rain. While security requirements are usually more strict outside of India, commercial chimneys all over require assessment.

In summary, chimneys must be examined to avoid deadly, high-end collapses.

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