Your chimney may seem like one of those parts of your home that can be left alone for years — until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, neglecting your chimney can lead to severe and costly issues that most homeowners never see coming. Let’s break down why regular maintenance and cleaning are not optional but essential for your home’s safety and efficiency. Creosote buildup is the number one reason for chimney fires in residential homes. Each time you use your fireplace, unburned particles and tar condense on the inner walls of the flue, forming a sticky, highly flammable substance. Over time, even a small spark can ignite it...