B&H Chimneys in Baltimore: Chimney Sweeping and Repair for Wood and Gas Fireplaces

B&H Chimneys is a family-owned chimney service company that handles cleaning, inspection, repair, and installation work across Baltimore and surrounding counties. The business operates as a full-service provider rather than a sweep-only operation, meaning homeowners can address everything from routine maintenance to structural damage without calling multiple contractors.

What B&H Chimneys actually does

B&H Chimneys performs National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Level 1, 2, and 3 inspections using video camera systems to identify creosote buildup, cracks, loose mortar, and animal entry points inside the flue. Beyond cleaning, the company handles tuckpointing and chimney rebuilds, liner installation for wood and gas fireplaces, damper repair and replacement, and cap work. They also service gas logs and fireplace inserts. The business is licensed and insured, a requirement in Maryland for chimney work involving structural repairs.

Services and pricing

Chimney sweep and Level 1 inspection runs approximately $150 to $250, depending on chimney height and accessibility. A Level 2 inspection, which includes a more detailed examination of the exterior and roof area around the chimney, typically costs $300 to $400. Level 3 inspections, which involve partial removal of chimney components to assess hidden damage, run $500 to $800. Tuckpointing (repairing mortar joints) is priced per square foot, generally $15 to $35 per foot. A full chimney rebuild can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or higher depending on height and materials. Call B&H Chimneys directly to confirm current pricing, as rates can shift seasonally and with material costs.

How B&H Chimneys compares to other Baltimore-area providers

Several other chimney companies operate in Baltimore, including ChimneyTech and All Stacks. ChimneyTech emphasizes rapid scheduling and offers weekend appointments, which suits homeowners who cannot take weekday time off; their pricing is typically 10 to 15 percent higher than B&H, reflecting their convenience-based model. All Stacks focuses heavily on preventive maintenance contracts, which work well for property owners managing multiple rental units but less so for single-home owners who rarely need service. B&H Chimneys occupies the middle ground: licensed for structural work that some smaller sweeps cannot legally perform, but without the premium pricing of emergency-response specialists. Choose B&H for reliable, comprehensive service on a standard timeline; choose ChimneyTech if you need a weekend slot; choose All Stacks only if you manage properties and want annual contract pricing.

Who B&H Chimneys suits and does not suit

B&H works well for homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces or gas inserts who need cleaning before the heating season, as well as anyone buying a home and facing a chimney inspection contingency. The company is equally equipped to handle a cracked flue liner or a chimney that needs rebuilding from the crown down. B&H does not suit homeowners looking for same-day emergency service in the middle of winter, nor does it focus on decorative or cosmetic work like custom chimney caps (though they can install standard caps). If your primary goal is a quick sweep and you have no structural concerns, a smaller local sweep may cost slightly less.

What the first visit involves

Most first visits begin with a phone consultation to confirm the type of fireplace and any visible concerns. B&H will schedule a standard inspection and sweep, which takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the chimney's condition and height. A technician will use a video camera to show you the interior of the flue on a monitor, pointing out creosote levels, cracks, or damage. If repairs are needed, you receive a written estimate before work begins. For routine cleaning on a well-maintained chimney, the job is often finished the same day. Structural work like tuckpointing or liner installation may require a second visit or scheduling around material delivery.

Hours, parking, and logistics

B&H Chimneys operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday availability (confirm availability when you call). Technicians arrive with their own equipment and do not require special parking arrangements beyond access to your roof or chimney exterior. The company services most of Baltimore city and Baltimore, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties; call to confirm they cover your address, as very remote locations may fall outside their service area. Most jobs do not require permits, but structural rebuilds or liner installations may trigger a Baltimore City or county inspection requirement; B&H will advise you before work starts.

B&H Chimneys fills the practical middle ground in Baltimore's chimney service market: licensed enough for serious repairs, attentive enough to explain what you're paying for, and established enough to still be operating when you need a follow-up question answered next season.