III. Structural Problems and Strengthening Methods G. Weak Chimney

Many older homes have unreinforced brick chimneys that extend several feet above the roof or stand against an exterior wall. These chimneys frequently collapse in an earthquake and can fall through roofs. If a chimney is unreinforced, the most effective alternative is to take it down and reconstruct it with proper reinforcement, or replace it with a lighter metal chimney. At the very least, the top of it should be taken down to a level of one foot above the roof and replaced with a metal flue approved for fire safety by a testing laboratory and the local building department (see figure below). The lower part of the chimney should be strapped to the structure; if the chimney is reinforced strongly enough, strapping should be sufficient.

Typical Cost: $325 for demolition of top portion and

replacement with metal flue.

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