Addressing a Coal Chute Leak in Gaslight Clifton
 

 
A Piece of History

We recently helped a homeowner in the historic Gaslight Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati who had a feature you don’t see every day—a coal chute on the side of their 1930s home. Coal chutes were once a standard part of homes built in the early 20th century, back when coal was the primary source of fuel for heating. Coal deliverymen would pour coal through the chute from outside the home, and it would collect in a bin in the basement for the homeowner to use as needed. While they are an interesting part of history, today they often serve no practical purpose beyond being a conversation starter—or, as in this case, a source of water problems.

Identifying the Problem

The homeowner noticed that the chute was leaking during heavy rains and wanted to know if it could be fixed. At Hughes Construction Company, we assured him this wasn’t an issue. Our team sealed and waterproofed the wall in the area of the chute, eliminating the water intrusion.



Restoring the Area

Once the waterproofing was complete, we leveled out the soil in that section of the yard. Ensuring the ground has a proper slope away from the home provides an extra layer of protection and helps water naturally drain away from the foundation.

Maintaining Older Features

Older homes often include out-of-date features like coal chutes. These spots can become weak points in the building envelope over time, especially as masonry or mortar joints age. It’s important for homeowners to monitor these areas and address leaks quickly. Small water issues can grow into bigger problems if left unchecked, from basement moisture to long-term structural concerns.

Protect Your Home

By sealing the chute and restoring the surrounding area, this Gaslight Clifton home retained its historic character while gaining protection from future water issues. If you have an older feature on your home that may be causing water problems—or you just want to make sure your home stays dry—contact us! Our team can assess the situation and provide a solution that preserves your home’s character while keeping it protected.