Chimney cleaning removes creosote, soot, and debris from inside your flue. It’s maintenance that should happen annually. Chimney repair fixes structural problems with the chimney itself.Think of it this way: cleaning is like changing your car’s oil. Repair is like fixing the engine. You need both, but they serve different purposes. A dirty chimney can cause fires. A damaged chimney can cause house fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, or major water damage.During our inspections, we check both the cleanliness and the structural integrity. Many times, homeowners call for cleaning and discover they need repairs first.