Licensed, insured chimney sweeps who protect your home from hidden dangers, creosote buildup, carbon monoxide, and code violations. Serving Baldwin and the surrounding areas since 2010.
Comprehensive chimney sweep for Baldwin homes and businesses.
Removes flammable creosote and restores safe airflow, critical after every 4-6 uses or once a year for gas fireplaces.
Learn more →MD requires inspections before buying/selling a home or after repairs. We catch hidden dangers others miss.
Learn more →Silent killer alert: We test for CO leaks and poor drafts that make your fireplace smoke into the room.
Learn more →Cracks, rust, or a collapsed flue? We fix them right, no temporary patches that fail in Baldwin’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Learn more →Pellet stoves and modern wood stoves need different care than old fireplaces. We keep them burning clean and safe.
Learn more →Smoke in your house? A fire in the chimney? We respond to Baldwin 24/7, no after-hours fees.
Learn more →We hold ourselves to the highest standards so you can hire with total confidence.
Baldwin’s mix of old brick homes and modern pellet stoves creates unique risks. Older chimneys (like those in the historic district) often have deteriorated liners that let heat escape, while newer systems can develop creosote faster if not used regularly. Maryland’s humidity also speeds up rust in metal components. Skipping a sweep isn’t just lazy, it’s a gamble. One unnoticed crack or thick layer of creosote can turn a cozy fire into a house fire in minutes. We’ve seen chimneys in Baldwin that looked fine from the outside but were packed with flammable tar. Don’t wait for a disaster to act.
Carbon monoxide doesn’t smell or taste, but a blocked chimney or cracked flue can leak it into your home while you sleep. We use electronic detectors to measure CO levels during every inspection, not just after fires. In Baldwin, we’ve found chimneys near the Patuxent River with water damage that trapped gases, and older homes with missing chimney caps that let CO backflow. Our tests take 10 minutes and cost less than a night at the ER. If we detect high levels, we’ll seal the leak, adjust the damper, or recommend a new cap, whatever it takes to make your chimney safe. Your CO detector is a warning system, not a replacement for professional checks.
Maryland’s fire codes aren’t just paperwork, they’re lifesavers. A chimney that meets code has proper clearance from roof materials, a secure cap, and a flue that won’t collapse under Baldwin’s winter winds. We’ve seen chimneys fail inspections because they were built too close to overhanging roofs or lacked spark arrestors. Even if your chimney looks fine, outdated construction (like single-wall pipes in older homes) can’t handle modern high-efficiency stoves. We’ll point out every code violation and explain how to fix it without a full rebuild. Compliance isn’t about red tape; it’s about protecting your home.
A chimney can look clean but still be dangerous. We don’t just remove soot, we check for structural weaknesses, proper draft, and gas-tight seals. In Baldwin, we’ve found ‘clean’ chimneys with rusted dampers that let smoke into the house or cracked crowns that let rainwater seep in, rotting the wood framing. A true safety inspection includes testing the chimney’s pull with a smoke puff test and verifying the cap isn’t missing or damaged. Many homeowners assume ‘if it’s not smoking, it’s fine’, but that’s how CO poisoning starts. We’ll give you a clear report on what’s working and what’s not, so you’re not left guessing.
Perez and Anthony Chimney Co. has been keeping Baldwin homes safe for decades by treating chimneys like the critical safety systems they are. We don’t just clean soot, we hunt for hidden risks like cracked flues, blocked dampers, or creosote buildup that could turn a cozy fire into a fire hazard. In a town where winter winds howl through the Chesapeake’s leftover breezes, a properly maintained chimney isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about preventing carbon monoxide from seeping into your living room while you sleep. Our crews arrive with tools calibrated to Maryland’s strict chimney codes, not just industry standards, because Baldwin’s older homes often hide surprises even new construction doesn’t.
"We’ve had our chimney swept by Perez and Anthony for 10 years, and they’re the only ones who ever tell us the truth. Last winter, they found a crack in our flue that was letting smoke into our bedroom, no one else would’ve spotted it. They fixed it that day and didn’t charge extra. Now we sweep twice a year, and our fireplace burns cleaner than ever. No more waking up to a room full of smoke."
"Our pellet stove was filling the house with smoke, and we thought it was the stove’s fault. Turns out, the chimney connection was clogged with creosote from years of neglect. Perez and Anthony cleaned it out in an hour and adjusted the air intake so the stove runs perfectly now. They even showed us how to monitor the burn pot to prevent future buildup. Best $120 we’ve spent all year."
"I called them after my CO detector went off during a fire. They arrived in 45 minutes, put out the chimney fire, and found that our old chimney cap was missing, letting CO back into the house. They installed a new cap that day and gave us a free smoke test. No one else would’ve responded so fast. Now I know my family is safe, and I’ll never skip a sweep again."
"Our chimney inspection turned into a full safety lesson. They showed us how to tell if our wood stove was burning efficiently (no more soot on the glass!) and pointed out that our chimney’s height wasn’t up to code after our last roof repair. They didn’t just fix the problem, they taught us how to avoid it next time. That’s the kind of service you can trust."
"I’ve had chimney sweeps come through my historic home before, but no one’s ever been as thorough as Perez and Anthony. They found water damage in the smoke chamber from a cracked crown and relined the flue before it could rot further. They even recommended a stainless steel cap to handle Baldwin’s winter winds. Now my chimney’s safer than it’s been in 30 years, and I didn’t have to gut the whole thing."
"We moved into our Baldwin home and inherited a chimney that hadn’t been swept since the 1990s. One fire nearly set off the smoke alarm, and we panicked. Perez and Anthony came out, cleaned it out in two visits, and installed a new liner where the old one had collapsed. They explained every step and gave us a schedule to keep it safe. Now we use the fireplace without fear, and our insurance premiums didn’t go up. That’s what matters."
Expert local advice for Baldwin homeowners.
We start by inspecting your chimney from top to bottom, inside and out. Using a borescope camera, we check for cracks, rust, or creosote buildup in hard-to-see spots. Outside, we look for damaged caps, loose bricks, or signs of water damage. If you’ve noticed smoke spilling into your Baldwin home or a musty smell after fires, we’ll pinpoint why. This step takes 30 minutes and is free with any service. No one should use a chimney they don’t trust.
Creosote isn’t just dirty, it’s highly flammable. We use rotary brushes and powerful vacuums to pull out all stages of buildup, even in tight flues. For stubborn tar, we might use a chimney balloon or chemical cleaner (approved for your chimney type). After cleaning, we test the chimney’s draft to ensure it’s pulling smoke upward, not into your home. If your chimney hasn’t been swept in years, we’ll warn you if the buildup is extreme, some cases need multiple visits to avoid damaging the flue.
A blocked or damaged chimney can leak carbon monoxide, a silent killer. We use handheld detectors to measure gas levels during and after the sweep. If we find high readings, we’ll seal leaks, adjust the damper, or recommend repairs. We’ve caught CO leaks in Baldwin homes where homeowners thought their chimney was fine because ‘the fire burned well.’ Don’t rely on guesswork, our tests take 15 minutes and could save your life.
We’ll give you a written report with photos of any issues, a grade on your chimney’s condition, and a priority list for fixes. If your chimney passes, you’ll get a sticker for your records. If not, we’ll explain the risks in plain terms and provide quotes for repairs, no upselling. Many homeowners in Baldwin don’t realize their chimney needs relining or a new cap until we show them the damage. Our goal isn’t to sell you more work; it’s to make sure your chimney is safe for your family.
Proudly serving Baldwin and these nearby communities.
Yes, that’s a carbon monoxide risk. Gas-like odors mean unburned fuel is escaping, often from a cracked flue liner or blocked chimney. We’ve seen this in Baldwin’s older homes where mortar joints fail over time. Turn off the fireplace, open windows, and call us immediately for an emergency check. CO poisoning doesn’t announce itself, it’s odorless until it’s too late. Our crews carry detectors to test for leaks before we even climb your roof.
If your chimney’s clogging faster than usual, it’s likely due to hard creosote buildup from burning unseasoned wood or low-quality logs. Baldwin’s damp winters can also trap moisture in the flue, accelerating creosote formation. We recommend switching to certified dry wood and scheduling sweeps every 45 days during heavy use. Our crews use rotary brushes and high-pressure vacuums to remove even the toughest deposits, something cheaper sweeps often miss.
Only if the sweep included a full inspection for structural issues, not just soot removal. Many sweeps in the area stop at cleaning, but we check for cracks, loose bricks, or blocked dampers that could still be hazards. In Baldwin’s older homes, we’ve found chimneys with hidden damage that only shows up when we test draft flow. Always ask for a written clearance note, if you didn’t get one, don’t light that fire until we’ve given you the all-clear.
No, water intrusion means your chimney cap or flashing is damaged. Baldwin’s heavy rains and snow can wear down metal caps over time, letting moisture seep into your home. We repair leaks on the spot using stainless steel caps rated for Maryland’s climate. Ignoring this can rot wood framing or damage drywall, problems that cost thousands to fix. Our crews carry replacement caps and sealants to handle repairs during the same visit.
That roar usually means a blocked flue or negative pressure pulling smoke back into the room. It’s a common issue in Baldwin’s tight-knit neighborhoods where multiple homes share chimney structures. Our crews use smoke puff tests to pinpoint blockages and clear them safely. Never ignore this, it’s a fire hazard, and we’ve seen cases where it led to smoke filling entire living rooms within minutes.
Absolutely. A sweep cleans soot, but an inspection checks for hidden dangers like cracked liners or deteriorated mortar. In Baldwin’s older homes, we’ve found chimneys with internal damage that only shows up under inspection. Maryland code requires inspections before selling a home, but we recommend annual checks even if you’re not moving. Regular inspections are the only way to spot hazards before they turn into fires or carbon monoxide leaks.
Yes, especially in Baldwin’s mix of historic and modern homes. Video inspections reveal issues like liner cracks or animal nests that a visual sweep might miss. We use waterproof cameras to document every inch of your chimney’s interior. Without this, you’re gambling that your sweep saw everything, something that’s led to fires in other towns. It’s a small fee for peace of mind.
No, and doing so voids your homeowner’s insurance. Burning trash or pine needles creates toxic fumes and clogs chimneys faster. Baldwin’s dry winters make creosote buildup worse with improper fuels. Stick to seasoned hardwood, oak or maple, and never leave fires unattended. We’ve cleaned chimneys in this area that were nearly impassable from burning the wrong materials. It’s not worth the risk.
Fast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.