Chimneys in a house are very common, and actually, can add much to the aesthetics of a house.  However, although a chimney may be a very sturdy structure, it also may be in danger of collapsing if not properly constructed or maintained.  This is actually a real possibility not just in areas that experience earthquakes. 

A collapse could come caused by the deterioration from wind and weather over time.  This is proved true by one man who was crushed by a chimney that was blown off by the wind from the roof of the building that he was living in.  Obviously, this is a tragedy that anyone would want to avoid, so what are some things to watch out for to ensure your chimney is structurally sound?

Some places to start to look and see if your chimney is in good condition are the most visible aspects of the chimney.  Firstly the mortar, try sticking a screwdriver through the mortar does it crumble? Is the chimney leaning or listing?  Is there any external damage due to something falling on it, like a tree or scaffolding?  Something else to inspect on the chimney is the internal support that is used to tie the stones or brick to the structure. 

Other things to check are the footings and their condition. Contact us for any more tips or questions, to avoid this potential hazard.