When catastrophes strike, the visible damage is often just the beginning; and it takes a skilled forensic engineer to uncover the full story. In this case, an insurance carrier assigned VERTEX to investigate the alarming separation of a stone-faced chimney from a South Carolina home following Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The homeowner reported that fierce winds and storm runoff had compromised the structure, creating gaps between the chimney and the house. What appeared to be storm-driven damage raised questions about deeper structural concerns and prompted a detailed inspection.
During the site visit, VERTEX observed significant displacement of the chimney, with the gap increasing in size from the base to the top. Exterior and interior cracking, aged caulking, and layered sealant applications all pointed to an issue that didn’t emerge overnight. While the homeowner assumed erosion and high winds during the hurricane had caused the shift, the inspection revealed no fresh signs of soil movement or wind-related damage consistent with such a recent event. In fact, the physical profile and weathering patterns suggested a different cause altogether.
Meteorological data confirmed that substantial winds did occur, however, these forces were unlikely to be sufficient on their own to cause the observed structural movement. Instead, the inspection pointed to differential settlement beneath the chimney’s foundation. The heavy masonry structure appeared to have gradually sunk over time, pulling away from the wood-framed house and shifting the porch framing in the process. The clean lines of separation and lack of fresh wood or masonry disruption suggested this had happened well before the storm arrived.
Ultimately, VERTEX opined that any movement on the date of the hurricane occurred only because the chimney had already become structurally disconnected due to past settlement. The storm may have nudged it further—but it didn’t cause the failure. Repair recommendations included reinforcing the chimney foundation and securing new structural connections to the home. This investigation serves as a compelling reminder that post-storm damage often has roots in long-standing vulnerabilities, and uncovering the truth requires more than just a surface glance.
Connect with VERTEX’s expert team to deliver objective, forensic engineering-based insights that distinguish storm-related damage from underlying structural issues. Contact us today to learn how we can support your forensic investigation needs.
