old house granite under brick chimney?

Question

Hey everyone.I'm looking at buying an old house (200 years old) with a center chimney.In the granite block basement, the chimney is built on top of a stack ofgranite blocks. My first reaction is that the whole thing is rediculous, andthat no way is this adequate. After asking around, seems this is notuncommon in old houses. It's been fine for 200 years right?Anyone see this before? The chimney looks to be sound, and the homeinspector thinks it is fine. Could this have any advantages, other thansaving costs on bricks when granite was cheap and plentiful?See picture here:  for any input.

PrecisionMachinisT · Accepted Answer

If it bothers you, maybe form around and fill with concrete ???

toller · Answer

Does the inspector have good liability insurance?

SQLit · Answer

Those pictures would make me look further for a residence. But I am not inlove with older homes. I grew up in old homes and the issues that they had.I want none of that for me.

raven · Answer

Well, it certanly looks scary, but consider: the damn thing has stood that way for twenty decades.  If it was going to fall over, it would have.  John

Tom Baker · Answer

It is worth asking whether or not it has been that way for twenty decades. Old houses get worked on repaired, changed. I'd search for history of the house. It would be worth having an engineer with background in old buildings look at it. AND contrary to the suggestion to add concrete, I would suggest you work with the historic fabric. Anyone not willing to work with the givens of historic structures should find a new structure.

TB

old house granite under brick chimney?

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