Since your chimney is one of the major barriers to fire danger in your home, and consequently one of the primary sources of fire outbreaks, it's important to keep tabs on its condition to identify when a repair chimney wise is necessary. Here's a short list of quick regular checks you can perform on your own, or that you can hire a chimney repairman to undertake in order to evaluate when repairs and maintenance are in order.
From the Inside
The easiest place to begin an evaluation of whether your chimney needs any attention is from your living room.
Check the firebox. Cracks and loose joints in the masonry can easily be repaired by applying refractory cement to seal up the offending areas.
Examine the Damper. It should open and close easily, and you don't want to see any evidence of extensive rust, cracks or pitting. If you do, it's time to have your damper replaced.
Look Up The Flue. Use a high powered flashlight and inspect the flue liner for cracks or other defects. All the joints should be smooth and tight. If you see a problem, some repair chimney work is definitely a must. You want your flue to be as seamless as possible to prevent fire or heat from reaching the materials behind it.
From the Outside
Many chimney problems aren't identifiable from inside your home. The next step is to get out your ladder, crawl up onto the roof and perform the following inspections. If you have a steep roof, or aren't comfortable with heights, contact a certified chimney sweep or repairman to look things over for you.
Remove Any Blockages. The tops of chimneys are favorite places for birds and squirrels to build nests, especially in the spring and summer months when the fireplace isn't used. If you've got unwanted guests, be sure to remove all the debris to eliminate the consequent fire danger.
Check the Flashing and Brick and Mortar Joints. Just as with the inside of your fireplace, the exterior of your chimney needs to be tight and without defect. Reseal your flashing if it needs it, and be sure to reseal all cracks, loose bricks, and mortar joints with a cement compound to prevent further deterioration.
Is There Evidence of Water Damage? If so, apply a waterproof sealant to your chimney to prevent further damage.
Inspect the Interior. Use a high-powered flashlight to inspect the interior of your chimney from above. Again, check the flue liner for defects, and also keep an eye out for creosote or soot deposits. These deposits are a leading cause of damaging fires if they're not dealt with. If you're chimney needs a cleaning, contact a chimney sweep to remove these dangerous deposits.
Finally, keep in mind that unsafe chimneys account for over $200 million dollars in damage and a number of deaths each year. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends an annual chimney inspection to ensure optimal safety. Whether you suspect you may be in need of a repair chimney job, or are just do for a regular checkup, contact a certified chimney sweep or chimney repair specialist to inspect your chimney to identify and perform necessary cleaning or repairs. 
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
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