Many classic homes across Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey feature heavy brick chimneys and masonry fireplaces that define their historic charm. When facing flood zone mandates, elevating your home without destroying these features requires specialized engineering. At Ironmen Building Movers, we support complex masonry loads so you can elevate your home safely without losing architectural character. Learn more below, and contact us today.
Can You Lift a House with a Heavy Brick Chimney or Fireplace?
Independent Masonry Shoring Systems
Heavy brick chimneys and natural stone fireplaces cannot rely on standard wooden floor framing supports during a lift. Our structural riggers install specialized, heavy-duty steel shoring frames directly around the masonry base. This custom steel cage locks every brick and mortar joint securely in place before hydraulic jacking equipment ever applies upward force to the surrounding home framing.
Precision Synchronized Hydraulic Jacking
Lifting heavy masonry alongside lighter timber framing demands absolute uniform weight distribution across the entire footprint. We utilize state-of-the-art, computer-controlled synchronized hydraulic jacking systems to raise the entire building evenly. Moving every support point in exact unison eliminates structural flex, preventing stress fractures, cracked plaster, or wall separation around your valued fireplace.
Foundation Reconnection and Masonry Support
Once the house reaches its final target elevation, new concrete piers or extended masonry foundations are constructed directly beneath the chimney footprint. We ensure the massive structural weight transfers seamlessly off the temporary steel shoring and onto its new, permanent load-bearing support base, meeting all modern building codes and local safety standards.
Preserved Architectural Character and Equity
Tearing down and rebuilding a custom brick fireplace costs tens of thousands of dollars and destroys original historic craftsmanship that cannot be replicated today. Supporting and elevating your existing chimney in place preserves your home's original aesthetic character, built-in financial equity, and historical integrity for generations to come.
Elevating a home with heavy brick masonry requires high-level structural engineering and specialized equipment. At Ironmen Building Movers, we bring decades of rigging experience to preserve every detail of your property across NY and NJ. Reach out to our specialized building moving team today to discuss your upcoming project!