Crawford County
Chimney Work in Crawford County
Crawford County sits in the northern Lower Peninsula around Grayling, with the Au Sable River running through it and jack pine forest on sandy soil across most of its area. It is thinly populated, heavily recreational, and cold enough in winter to make wood heat a practical rather than decorative choice.
Sandy soil has a direct consequence for chimneys: it drains well but supports poorly, and chimney footings on sand are more prone to settlement than those on the clay soils common further south. A chimney pulling away from the house wall is a foundation problem showing up at roof level.
Settlement and Separation in Crawford County
A visible gap between the chimney and the siding, cracked flashing that keeps reopening after repair, or stair-step cracking in the mortar joints all point the same direction. Repointing the crack without addressing the movement means repointing it again next year.
We would rather tell you the chimney is moving and needs its footing assessed than take payment for cosmetic work that will not hold. On sandy ground in this part of the state it is a realistic possibility worth ruling out.