Hernandez Chimney Inc provides chimney sweep services in Baltimore, including preventive chimney sweep, chimney inspection & diagnostic check, creosote removal & flue cleaning, and more. Every job is handled by licensed, insured technicians with upfront written pricing, and backed by a workmanship guarantee, with free estimates for all of Baltimore and nearby areas.
Baltimore’s old brick homes and modern fireplaces share one thing: they all need a chimney sweep at least once a year. But not all sweeps are equal. Ours goes beyond the basic scrape, we use rotating brushes and high-powered vacuums to pull out every trace of creosote, even in tight flues. Why? Because that sticky black gunk doesn’t just make a mess. It’s highly flammable, and once it hardens into a glossy coating, it’s nearly impossible to remove without damaging your chimney. We’ve seen too many Baltimore fireplaces where homeowners waited ‘just one more season’, only to need a full relining job. Our preventive sweep catches buildup early, keeps your draft strong, and gives you peace of mind before holiday fires or that first cold snap. Licensed, insured, and backed by a 30-day workmanship warranty.
Call about this serviceYou wouldn’t drive a car without checking the oil, so why risk your chimney? Our inspections aren’t just a quick glance up the flue. We use a chimney camera to spot cracks in the liner, rust in the damper, or nests from Baltimore’s persistent squirrels and birds. These issues don’t just reduce efficiency, they let carbon monoxide seep into your home. We’ve found blocked flues from fallen leaves in Baltimore’s older neighborhoods, corroded caps from salt air near the harbor, and even structural damage from shifting foundations. Our report tells you exactly what’s wrong, what’s safe to ignore, and what needs fixing, no upselling, just honest advice. Required by law before selling a home? We handle that too, with a full written report for your records.
Call about this serviceCreosote isn’t just messy, it’s a serious fire risk waiting to happen. In Baltimore’s damp climate, that soot from your fireplace doesn’t just sit there, it reacts with moisture and hardens into a tar-like substance. Stage 1 is like coffee grounds; Stage 3 is like black glass. We’ve pulled out enough of it to know: the longer you wait, the more aggressive (and expensive) the cleanup becomes. Our tools include high-pressure air systems to blast away stubborn buildup without scratching your flue. We also check for hidden moisture in the masonry, which can lead to spalling bricks or rusted connectors. After cleaning, we’ll show you how to reduce creosote buildup, like burning hotter fires less often and using seasoned hardwood. No shortcuts, just a chimney that’s safe for your next fire.
Call about this serviceA chimney isn’t just a pipe, it’s a system holding up your roof, venting gases safely, and resisting Baltimore’s weather. We’ve patched leaks in flues after winter ice cycles, sealed gaps where rainwater seeps into attics, and even rebuilt damaged crowns on older homes near the Inner Harbor. Our repairs use high-temperature mortar and stainless steel flashing to match your chimney’s original build. Pro tip: if you notice white stains on your ceiling or a musty smell in your fireplace, that’s water damage, often from a cracked flue liner or missing cap. We’ll diagnose the root cause and fix it right, so you’re not dealing with mold or structural issues later. All work comes with a 1-year warranty, and we’ll walk you through how to spot future problems.
Call about this serviceOlder Baltimore homes often have clay liners that’ve lasted decades, but they don’t last forever. Exposure to heat, moisture, and Baltimore’s salt air can turn them brittle or cracked, letting carbon monoxide into your living space. Our relining service uses flexible stainless steel liners that fit snugly and last 20+ years. We’ve seen too many cases where homeowners ignored a ‘funny smell’ after lighting their fireplace, only to find out their liner was failing. Our process includes a full inspection, removal of the old liner, and installation of the new one with proper sealing at every joint. We’ll also check your damper and smoke chamber for damage while we’re there. Relined chimneys draft better, burn cleaner, and give you the confidence to enjoy your fireplace without worry.
Call about this serviceSquirrels don’t just make a mess; they chew through flue liners, nest in soot, and block your chimney completely. We’ve pulled out enough nests to know: the longer they’re in there, the more damage they cause. Our process starts with a visual inspection (often from the roof) to locate entry points, then we remove the animal humanely and clean out all debris. Next, we repair any chewed masonry or liners, and install stainless steel mesh screens to keep them out. Pro tip: if you hear scratching in your chimney or see shredded insulation in your attic, that’s your sign to call us before they cause a fire. We’ve saved Baltimore homeowners thousands in repair costs by catching these issues early, and we’ll do the same for you.
Call about this serviceFast response, upfront pricing, and workmanship guaranteed. Get your free estimate today.