Expert: James Ball - 1/2/2009

Question
I recently had foundation work (piers attached) completed on my home.  When the company was close to completion, they were going to attach a pier to the chimney base.  Then they said they noticed that our chimney was free standing and not attached to the house at all. After having a look for myself, their conclusion was right.  The foundation company said it would be best to have the chimney rebuilt from the ground up.  Is this the only option?  Is their a way I can have my existing chimney "attached" to my home?  Our home is a small 1 story brick ranch. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Philip, I would have a local Certified Chimney Sweep (www.csia.org, there you can look up by zip code to find one near you) take a first hand look at what you have to make sure the chimney is still safe, and a mason to see what really needs to be done.
James