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For many homeowners, the fireplace is a place for warmth and comfort during the colder months. However, they often don’t think about the condition of the chimney, which is key to making a fireplace as safe and efficient as possible. The chimney plays a vital role in...

When you’re guiding clients through the process of buying or selling a home, every detail matters, including the chimney. For many buyers, especially those looking at older homes, the fireplace and chimney are more than just charming features. They’re potential...

While the summer sun is still shining and cool temperatures feel far away, it’s almost time to start preparing your home for the fall! Even though cold nights feel a long way off now, it’s the perfect time to get your chimney ready for the fall. Before you light your...

Whether you are helping a buyer look for a new place to call home or a seller get ready for their next steps in life, you know the value of a home inspection as a real estate agent. It’s one of the most important steps in the buying or selling process, as it helps to...

Many homeowners don’t think about hiring a chimney company until fall rolls around and they want to start a fire in the fireplace or until they need an urgent repair. However, taking your time to find the right company can save you time and money. A well-maintained...

As a real estate agent, you’ve seen firsthand how home inspections can make or break a sale. One of the parts of the home that is sometimes forgotten about when prepping a home for the market is the chimney. Problems with the chimney or fireplace are surprisingly...

Your dryer works hard to help you have fresh, clean laundry as often as you need it. However, did you know that all of those loads of laundry could lead to a clogged dryer vent that poses serious risks to your home and family? A dryer vent that isn’t properly...

Spring and summer in Maryland often mean plenty of rain, high humidity, and storms for Marylanders. In fact, last year there were even 12 tornadoes throughout the state. Selling a home after a major storm is not business as usual. Even if the property looks fine,...

Your home’s gutter system plays a vital role in protecting your roof, siding, foundation, and landscaping from water damage. When gutters are clogged or not working correctly, water can spill over the sides and wreak havoc. Despite their importance, gutters are often...

Selling a home is not always as easy as real estate agents want it to be, and smart agents know to look for ways to boost property value, streamline the sales process, and avoid any surprises during buyer inspections. While plenty of sellers know to spend time on curb...

Your chimney is a crucial part of your home. Beyond being a requirement for a roaring winter fire, your chimney provides you with the ventilation that you need to stay safe. Even if you do everything right, your chimney can still experience damage. With spring storms...

When it comes to high-end roofing materials, few options match the beauty, durability, and great reputation of slate. For real estate agents, understanding the benefits of slate roofing can give you an edge when marketing luxury and historic homes. Whether you’re...

Many people worry about air pollution outdoors, like smog or traffic fumes. However, indoor air quality can be even more important. While many homeowners focus on visible cleanliness, the hidden systems that circulate air throughout your home can significantly impact...

Every real estate agent knows that finding what makes a home different is critical in a competitive market. While it might not be the most glamorous selling point, many buyers today are looking for properties that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also...

Maintaining your chimney is essential to ensure the safety and functionality of your fireplace. A neglected chimney can lead to serious hazards, including chimney fires, carbon monoxide buildup, and poor air quality in your home. What are the signs that you need to...

As a real estate agent, showing homes in their best possible light is important to attract qualified buyers and maximize offers. One often-overlooked yet essential feature that can make or break a buyer’s impression is the chimney. A clean, well-maintained chimney not...

As a homeowner, it’s easy to overlook the importance of your chimney when considering your never-ending list of home maintenance tasks. However, regular chimney inspections are critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home. Whether you frequently use...

Real estate agents often live by many sayings, but one of the most common is simple—you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Even small things, like a weathered doormat or dirty gutters, can make prospective buyers think twice about making an offer....

Many homeowners are delighted to have a fireplace and chimney to enjoy a warm fire on cold nights. However, maintaining a safe and efficient fireplace requires more than simply lighting a match. Neglected chimneys and fireplaces can pose serious risks, including house...

When it comes to buying or selling a home, every detail matters. For real estate agents, ensuring a smooth transaction requires not just market knowledge but also attention to potential issues that could complicate the process. One such potential issue that is often...

Leaves are falling, nights are getting cooler, and your calendar is filling up. Between pumpkin carving and preparing for Thanksgiving, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the exciting parts of fall. However, it’s also the time to start thinking about home maintenance,...

First impressions are important, and nobody knows that more than real estate agents. While staging the interior and ensuring the landscaping is tidy are great steps in preparing a property for sale, many overlook the importance of clean chimneys and gutters in...

Heating-related fires happen in tens of thousands of homes across the United States every year, and the leading factor contributing to home heating fires is “failure to clean” according to the National Fire Protection Association. Creosote accumulation inside of your...

As a real estate agent, your goal is to present properties in the best possible light to potential buyers. Clean, well-maintained homes are naturally going to be more appealing, and one often overlooked factor that can significantly enhance a property’s value is the...

Maryland has had plenty of rain this year, which means that your gutters have been working overtime. Gutters are designed to direct rainwater away from your home, but when they become clogged with leaves, debris, or anything else stopping the flow of water, they can...

As a real estate agent, you work tirelessly to meet the needs of your buyers. One of the fastest-growing concerns that buyers today have is the sustainability of their future home. Slate roofing is an attractive option for eco-conscious buyers, and it also offers many...

Keeping your chimney safe is an essential part of maintaining your home that often goes overlooked until you go to light a fire in the fall. Many homeowners underestimate the importance of regular chimney cleaning, as they wrongly assume that occasional use means only...

Every real estate agent wants to offer their buyers and sellers an excellent experience. One critical aspect of preparing a home that is often overlooked is the chimney inspection. A well-maintained chimney not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a property but also...

When it comes to maintaining a healthy home environment, duct cleaning is one of the most effective ways to reduce allergens around the house. However, many homeowners hear myths about what duct cleaning can and cannot do, which makes it difficult to separate fact...

As a real estate agent, you want all of your buyers to have the best experience possible. While there are plenty of obvious things that they might want to ask the seller to fix or repair on their own, some other things are hidden out of sight. The ductwork in a house...

Slate is one of the most desirable roofing materials, as it can last for over 100 years with the proper care and maintenance. It is also naturally fire-resistant, mold-resistant, and coordinates with a variety of exterior design aesthetics. However, if you don’t take...

Chimney maintenance plays an important role in ensuring home safety, and every real estate agent should understand the role that it plays in the value of a home. A chimney, whether it is attached to a traditional fireplace or a wood stove, can add value and ambiance...

Many homeowners think about cleaning the gutters in the fall when leaves have accumulated and in the spring when rain is falling. Unfortunately, your gutters need care all year long, not just when rain or leaves are falling! To take the best care of your gutters, you...

In the world of real estate, every detail counts when it comes to showcasing the value of a property to prospective buyers. One feature that can significantly increase a home's appeal and value is the roofing material. Slate roofing is a timeless and practical choice...

Spring is here, which means that many homeowners won’t be lighting a fire again for many months. However, you should still schedule a chimney inspection to make sure that everything is good to go for the fall. How can regular chimney inspections help to improve...

While there are plenty of seasonal maintenance tasks that homeowners dread, gutters are near the top of the list. Cleaning the gutters can be messy, wet, and gross—and that’s if you aren’t afraid of heights or standing on a ladder! However, cleaning the gutters is...

A chimney is not just something that you gather around on a cold winter night to enjoy time with your loved ones—it’s also a key piece of your home that requires proper care and maintenance. Many homeowners overlook the importance of chimney maintenance and assume...

As a chimney inspection company that works closely with real estate agents, we understand the pivotal role a chimney plays in the overall safety and functionality of a home. Chimneys, while often overlooked, can be the centerpiece of a home sale. However, they are...

Winter is still here, and rain and low temperatures can lead to a major hazard known as ice dams. These icy formations can cause serious damage to your gutters, roof, and home. Here are some of our best tips for preventing ice dams and keeping your gutters flowing...

Chimneys are not just a way to create a comfortable and welcoming ambiance in a home, they are also a critical piece of the house that requires regular maintenance to avoid any safety issues. While home inspections are a common part of the buying and selling...

As the cozy winter season sets in, there’s nothing like the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire in the hearth. Unfortunately, sometimes unexpected guests like animals can decide to make your chimney their home. It’s easy to panic when you realize that there is...

As a real estate agent, you're the bridge between sellers looking to move on and buyers eager to start anew. Ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience involves more than matching properties; it's about safeguarding the interests of both parties. One critical aspect...

When many people think about their fireplace during the holiday season, they visualize stockings hung from the mantle. This is a charming and classic holiday scene, but it’s also incredibly dangerous if you’re planning on lighting a fire. What hazards should you think...

As a real estate agent, you're well aware that first impressions matter significantly when it comes to selling a house. From curb appeal to interior details, every detail counts. One aspect that's often overlooked is gutter maintenance. Do gutters really need to be...

Gutter guards are devices that are marketed as a cure-all for leaves and other debris that can accumulate in gutters and prevent proper drainage. When you are buying gutter guards, the salesperson might tell you that you will never need to clean your gutters again....

As a real estate professional, you value the safety of your clients now and in the future. One of the essential parts of buying a home is the home inspection. While home inspectors are highly trained and able to detect many different problems in the home, they are not...

There’s something truly magical about having a fireplace in your home. Whether it’s cozying up by the fire after a long day at work or celebrating the holidays with friends and family in front of a crackling hearth, a fireplace is a wonderful addition to any space....

As a real estate agent, your clients trust you and your guidance throughout the buying and selling processes. When things are competitive and devolve into a bidding war, it can be easy to let some things go by the wayside. What’s one thing that should never be...

Where did the time go? It feels like only yesterday that you were unpacking swimsuits and getting ready for a summer full of fun, but now school buses are hitting the streets and fall is almost here. With the end of summer and the transition into colder weather, there...

There are countless things that your clients need to worry about as they get ready to list their homes on the market, from making small repairs to painting the walls a neutral color. In the hustle and bustle of taking care of things that are immediately obvious, it’s...

Every year, there are thousands of house fires that start due to the fireplace or chimney. While not all of them do catastrophic damage, they add up to millions of dollars’ worth of property damage every year. Thankfully, there are numerous ways that homeowners can...

As a real estate agent, you are a great resource for every one of the buyers and sellers that you work with. The more that you understand about the houses that you are seeing every day, the easier it will be for you to provide everyone with an excellent experience....

When many homeowners think about energy efficiency, they are thinking about their conventional HVAC system. However, your fireplace also plays a big part in the energy efficiency of your home. There are many simple ways to improve the efficiency of your fireplace and...

Many real estate agents understand the importance of home inspections for their clients. These represent a prime opportunity for finding issues with the home before your buyer is living in it and responsible for paying for repairs on their own. Unfortunately, some...

Your fireplace adds beautiful warmth and ambiance to your home, but only if it is properly maintained and not a hazard to you. Whether you moved into a new home and you are concerned about how old the fireplace is or you’ve been living in the same place for decades...

Every buyer is attracted to different amenities, which is why some of your clients look specifically for houses with pools and others immediately rule out any property with a pool. However, some features are almost universally beloved, like the fireplace. Do...

Between spring rains and summer storms, you might notice moisture accumulating in your chimney. A leak in your chimney is not just a minor issue, as it can indicate severe structural issues that should be addressed as soon as possible. Masonry chimneys can last for...

When your clients are getting ready to list their homes on the market, there are many different parts of the home that need to be inspected. One of the most important things is the chimney. As a real estate agent, you aren’t expected to be performing these...

You might not see the air ducts in your home, but they play a critical role in moving heated and cold air throughout the property. When your ducts are clean and in good condition, you will enjoy fresh air and minimal indoor allergy symptoms. However, over the years,...

Most homebuyers want to purchase properties that don’t need urgent work done, which is why it’s so common to ask about the roofing material and the installation date. Slate roofing is unique for a few reasons—clients might be less familiar with it, it only needs to be...

There are many different reasons why people have their chimneys cleaned on an annual or bi-annual basis. From better efficiency to improved home safety, chimney inspections and chimney cleanings are critical parts of owning a fireplace and chimney. One of the things...

Energy prices have increased across the board, and many homebuyers are thinking about the cost of heating and cooling their dream homes. As a real estate agent, you can prepare for this new reality by learning new ways to showcase energy efficiency features throughout...

Most homeowners know the basics about their fireplace and chimney, but they aren’t quite sure what’s going on inside. That’s totally fine, since you have professionals like Clean Sweep Maryland for that! However, when you are told that you need to install a new flue...

Many of your future clients are currently making new year’s resolutions for their properties to get them ready for listing. One of the very important things that should be on every home seller’s checklist is duct cleaning. Why does it matter, and should you really...

Fireplaces are a gorgeous way to add ambiance to your home, but that warm and cozy feeling can quickly evaporate if smoke is coming back in instead of out. There are many different reasons why fireplace smoke might blow back into your home, and here are some of the...

When you are preparing to help your buyers and sellers make any home transaction, the inspections are often one of the most important parts. If buyers find out about an issue that will take thousands of dollars to fix, it could compromise the entire sale. Scheduling a...

Every year in the United States, there are over 25,000 chimney fires. While not all of them lead to severe damage to the rest of the home, some of them leave people without a place to live at all. The good news is that there are many small ways that you can decrease...

Cold weather is here, which means that prospective homebuyers are interested in all things cozy! When you are selling a home that has a chimney and a fireplace, it isn’t always realistic to have it lit for all of your showings and open houses. Additionally, if the...

After you’ve scheduled your fall fireplace and chimney maintenance, your chimney will be clean and ready for warm evening fires and safely enjoying time with friends and family. However, the small choices that you make every day can impact how quickly dangerous...

There is nothing as frustrating as losing a buyer because of a delayed inspection, especially during an unpredictable housing market. When homeowners put their trust into a real estate agent, they expect reliability. When Baltimore’s best real estate agents need...

With October only a few days away, Spooky Season is about to officially kick off. Unfortunately, our team is not certified to remove ghosts or ghouls from your home, but we can help in a variety of other ways! With that in mind, we’ve decided to outline a few of the...

All realtors know to make sure the HVAC system is working to perfection and the caulk in the bathtub is touched up, but many totally gloss over one of the most potentially dangerous parts of the home: the chimney. Over time, even well-maintained chimneys can...

As the sun sets on the summer of 2022, we’re entering our favorite time of year: fireplace season! If your home is looking a little worse for wear, now is the time to repair. Colder months and harsher weather are on the horizon, making the start of autumn the perfect...

You’re probably already familiar with our chimney cleaning and inspection services that make us a top choice for realtors throughout the Baltimore region, but that’s not all Clean Sweep brings to the table. We also offer a variety of services to ensure your client’s...

Summer has been flying by and back to school season will arrive before we know it! Now is the perfect time to relax and enjoy some of the best weather our state has to offer. Additionally, it’s a great time to make a manageable to-do-list to give yourself a head start...

Realtors work hard to earn and maintain their reputation with homebuyers and sellers alike. As such, you are likely no stranger to helping clients check every box to ensure their needs are met as they prepare to enjoy their new space to the fullest. Along your journey...

Summer has arrived here in Maryland, and that means two things when it comes to the weather: humid days and stormy evenings. While it’s easy to forget about our chimneys during this time of year, both the humidity and the rainfall of the summer season have the...

Is it okay to DIY chimney cleaning? Are homebuyers really concerned about the safety of a chimney before signing on the dotted line? Can a home inspector detect all the potential issues with a chimney? If you ask these questions to a variety of people, you are bound...

While the buying frenzy of early spring 2022 is starting to cool off, there’s no question that many Marylanders are still searching for the perfect place to call home as we move into the summer. As you walk your clients through the stages of purchasing their home this...

When you picture the most sought after features of a home, you probably imagine things like brand new kitchen appliances, a spacious deck, or plenty of yard space. It’s likely that functioning gutters wouldn’t be anywhere near the top of the list. The only time we...

Apart from the occasional chilly spring night, we have largely exited fireplace season and will be shifting our focus to staying comfortable by keeping cool air inside of the house instead of warm air. Even still, springtime makes the perfect time to catch up on your...

We are officially entering peak season in the real estate industry. Even with ticked up interest rates, they are still under the historic norm. As such, this spring will be as competitive as ever! You won’t have any trouble getting visitors to an open house. However,...

Spring has arrived in Baltimore and for homeowners, that means it’s time to start focusing on checking off tasks on the spring to-do-list. Once your yard clean-up and pruning are complete, here’s how Clean Sweep can ensure your home is ready for the warm, and...

Its February, which means that spring is just over one month away at last. However, us Marylanders don’t need Punxsutawney Phil to let us know that Maryland winters can linger with us a little longer than we’d prefer. With the cold February and March ahead of us,...

We always stress the importance of chimney inspections to our customers involved in real estate. Whether your client is buying or selling a home, it’s in their best interest to have this critical inspection completed. Above all, a Level 2 chimney inspection is...

Now that snow is seemingly in the forecast every week here in Maryland, it’s the perfect time of year to maximize warmth and coziness with a nice fire. You should think twice before lighting your next one, however. When is the last time you had a proper chimney...

Happy New Year! Home buying competition and prices both soared in 2021, and there is no reason to think that will be changing any time soon. As such, many across the state of Maryland are gearing up to list their homes on the market this spring! Naturally, this will...

While January marks an exciting time of year for new beginnings and goals, it’s also among the driest times of year. Naturally, this means that our homes are at greater risk for fire related complications. That’s why we’ve decided to provide a few tips for keeping...

Winter is only a couple weeks away now, and colder weather is sure to come along with it. That makes right now the perfect time to address any deficiencies in your home when it comes to keeping it nice and cozy. If you have any drafty windows or are in need of HVAC...

Winter is just a few weeks away now, meaning if you haven’t used your fireplace yet this year, the perfect opportunity will be here before you know it. Here are a few tips to help you select safe, high-quality wood for all your fireplace, woodstove, and outdoor...

Building and maintaining a strong reputation are critical factors for success in real estate. The little details count, and that’s why we recommend going out of your way to partner with a trustworthy and reputable chimney sweep when it’s time for your client’s...

We’re just a few weeks away from peak fall foliage here in Maryland. After we take in all the beautiful sights across our state, the leaves will begin making their descent toward our yards. Some of them may end up in our gutters as well, which leads us to the...

If you have clients entering the home selling process this fall, it’s very likely that the prospect of purchasing a home with a fireplace will be enticing to potential buyers. A chimney and fireplace are excellent perks when searching for the perfect place to call...

Putting off dryer cleaning keeps our dryers from working at their peak efficiency at best and can cause dryer fires in our home at worst. Around 3,000 dryer fires are reported per year, and 34% of them take place due to a lack of routine maintenance. During the humid...

Home inspectors are known for being very thorough, but there are areas that can escape their expertise. The chimney is often one of them. That’s because inspectors are generally looking for obvious signs of wear and damage during their chimney inspections. If the...

August heat is here, and that means our air conditioning systems are working as hard as ever around the clock. If your air conditioning isn’t keeping your home particularly cool this summer, that doesn’t necessarily mean that expensive repairs are on the horizon. An...

There are many types of roofing materials homeowners can select from when the time comes for a replacement. In the United States, asphalt roofing is by far the most popular choice because of its decent durability and competitive cost. As a realtor, there is a 100%...

Before the sale or transfer of any property, a Level 2 chimney inspection is required. What exactly are we looking for when we conduct such inspections? Throughout the process, our goal is to provide an accurate assessment to the chimney in regard to its current...

A clean chimney not only ensures that your fireplace burns brightly, but it also protects your home from fire and pests all year long. While most homeowners are aware that their chimney must be inspected and cleaned before lighting the first fire of the season in the...

If your client is in the midst of selling their home, they’re probably aware of the inspections their home will be subject to over the coming months. In an effort to save money, some homeowners may decide to simply take care of their chimney cleaning themselves. As...

Duct cleaning has several benefits that homeowners are sure to appreciate. For starters, contaminants like dirt and dust can notably reduce the efficiency of an HVAC system, causing the system to work harder and cost more to run simultaneously. Additionally, duct...

Have you had your chimney cleaned in the last year? Yearly chimney cleanings play a large role in keeping our homes and families safe from harm. If you’ve fallen behind on your chimney maintenance, fear not! You might be surprised to learn that spring is the perfect...

Inspections are one of the final steps in the homebuying process. When they don’t go so well, however, buyers you expected to pull the trigger on the home of their dreams could back out of the deal altogether. As such, it’s important to inspect each home for common...

Are you planning to upgrade your roof this year? If so, you’re probably pouring through all of your material options and weighing the pros and cons. There are a lot of roofing materials out there, and each of them offer a host of unique features and benefits. Out of...

A chimney and fireplace are excellent perks when searching for the perfect place to call home. However, there are some things that prospective buyers should know before purchasing a home with a chimney. Be sure to tell your clients these key bits of information before...

Okay, that may have been a slight exaggeration. We don’t have superpowers and the closest thing we have to a Batmobile is our fleet of fully stocked service trucks. Even still, there is a lot we can do to protect you and your family from all the dangers associated...

When homeowners put their trust into a real estate agent, they expect to have an expert in their corner looking out for their best interests. As you guide your clients through the homebuying process, be sure to have these questions in mind. Chances are the buyer and...

If we needed a reminder that there’s still plenty of winter to go, the snowstorms of early February definitely did the trick! Whether you’ve been lighting up your fireplace all winter or have yet to enjoy your first fire of the season, there’s a decent chance it’s...

When it comes to chimneys, seemingly small issues may be symptomatic of something serious brewing that can have major repercussions down the road. As such, if any unusual scents are coming from your client’s fireplace, you should help them get to the root of the issue...

There’s nothing like cozying up with a warm blanket after it spent a cycle in the dryer. You might be surprised how hard our dryers have to work behind the scenes to keep our clothes clean, dry and comfortable, however. As such, a lack of routine dryer vent...

We all clean out our lint traps after using our dryers, but that simply does not do enough over the long haul to keep us and our loved ones safe from potential threats. Even if we clear our lint trap after each use, lint eventually starts to build up within our dryer...

With peak holiday season just a few weeks away, we’re in the thick of fireplace season now! One of the last things you and your loved ones should have to worry about this time of year is dealing with chimney related complications. With that in mind, let’s jump into a...

Inspections are a required part of the homebuying process. But what if the previous owner never used their fireplace? Are you in the clear to skip the chimney inspection portion and save your client some money? The Short Answer The short answer is that you cannot skip...

With the weather getting colder and winter right on the horizon, it’s safe to say that fireplace season is here. Before you enjoy your first autumn fire, however, there’s some steps you should take to make sure your chimney is 100% safe and ready for use. Have a...

Sometimes the sale of a home can hinge on the outcome of a home inspection. No buyer wants to hear that the inspection of their prospective home went poorly. As a real estate agent, you should always emphasize the importance of proactive chimney inspections to prevent...

As a homeowner, you want to take excellent care of your home and keep all of your family members safe. Chimney sweeps are an integral part of that goal, as they help to remove flammable material and obstacles from the chimney and ensure the structure of the chimney is...

As a real estate agent, you are one of the first places that your home sellers or buyers will go when an inspection returns with issues noted. It’s a great idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most common surprises that pop up during pre-listing chimney...

Whether your home has had a fireplace for decades or you just purchased a home with a brand new fireplace tucked inside, knowing how to safely use it is essential. Fireplaces, when used and maintained properly, are very safe. However, when you don’t maintain them or...

Real estate professionals are expected to have a great deal of knowledge about not only selling homes but also different parts of the home. Chimneys have specialized vocabulary to describe different elements of the chimney, and understanding different vocabulary terms...

If you’re a homeowner, there is a good chance that you have heard how valuable a chimney cap is to the short-term and long-term integrity of your chimney. Even though your chimney might seem strong and able to endure years of harsh weather and wildlife activity,...

As a real estate agent, you encounter hundreds of houses every year. While all of them might not have a chimney, many of them probably do. In many Maryland homes, chimneys can help residents to stay warm in the coldest months of the year. The issues can arise when...

Winter isn’t the same without a warm fire to gather around on brisk nights, which is why homeowners like you enjoy having a fireplace. While the fireplace might be a centerpiece of your home, there’s a good chance you don’t spend too much time thinking about your...

Gutters might not be the most glamorous part of the home that you are selling, but they play a critical role in the structural stability of the home over time. Small issues during the installation process can snowball to basement leaks and foundation cracks. During...

Gutter guards are sold as a cure-all for gutter problems, as they are marketed as preventing all debris and build-up from entering the gutter and saving plenty of headaches as a result. However, their steep cost can make homeowners think twice, Should you install...

Homes are hitting the market as COVID-19 restrictions start to lift in Maryland, and as a result, many home sellers are looking to list. However, getting out of the house is harder than it used to be! If your home sellers are curious about the length of time it takes...

Gutter cleaning is not the most glamorous spring clean-up task, but it is critical to maintaining the structure and safety of your home and property. The minor investment you make every year in gutter maintenance actually prevents steep costs down the road to repair...

Over the past week, we’ve heard from many customers concerned that they will not be able to have vital cleaning, repair and maintenance services due to recent orders from Governor Hogan. We wanted to let you know that we have been classified as an essential business,...

Spring is here, and along with it comes plenty of rain and sunshine. While sunshine is a great thing for getting outside and enjoying time with your family, rain can shine a spotlight on any issues with your chimney. What are the most common spring chimney problems...

A Note to Our Valued Customers, Clean Sweep Maryland prioritizes the safety of our customers and employees every day of the year. With the recent spread of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, we want to let you know that we are monitoring this situation as it...

When you work with your clients to list their homes on the market, there are many factors that can increase or decrease the value of the property. One of the more subtle things that affects its value and appeal to buyers is the gutters. A home with the wrong gutters...

A drafty fireplace is not only annoying to walk by; it can also dramatically increase your energy bill as you struggle to combat the cold air flowing into your home. Clean Sweep can help to repair your fireplace to ensure that no cold air is flowing in, but what could...

Your home seller has a chimney sweep service and inspection scheduled before the first open house date, but what will actually happen during that appointment? Here is what you and your home sellers can expect when a professional chimney sweep from Clean Sweep Maryland...

Have you noticed any issues in the masonry on your chimney this winter? Did you wait to complete the repairs that your chimney sweep suggested during your fall inspection? Before you schedule those repairs, you might be wondering when the optimal time of year to have...

The average homeowner or home seller might not think too much about their gutters, but the gutters are a critical piece of every property. Without the right gutters, a home can have issues with basement flooding, foundation cracks and other serious problems. Do the...

Slate is one of the most beautiful roofing materials, and slate roofs can last for over a century with proper care and maintenance. However, the maintenance process is not safe for the average homeowner to tackle. Why is slate roofing maintenance and repair best left...

As you help homeowners put their homes on the market and help prospective home buyers find the perfect house for them, you will encounter many chimneys. Just like with many other parts of the home, safety goes beneath the surface. Chimneys that look great could have...

Chilly nights and brisk mornings are here, which means that many homeowners are suddenly noticing problems with their chimneys. While many chimneys can last for decades with regular preventative maintenance and repairs, some homeowners forget about the importance of...

When your home sellers need to clean their chimneys before an inspection, who do you have on speed dial? Choosing and recommending the right chimney sweep is essential to protect your home sellers and your reputation. How can you make sure that you are recommending a...

Now that the colder months are here, it’s time to prepare your chimney for cozy nights by the fire. However, sometimes you start a fire or open the fireplace only to find an unpleasant smell. At Clean Sweep, we regularly receive calls about strange and suspicious...

Real estate agents understand how essential chimney inspections are to the home sale process, which is why they recommend them to their home sellers. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t think about the inside of their chimney unless something goes wrong. During a...

As winter approaches, many homeowners start to think about insulation. Could adding attic insulation make things warmer during the winter? One of the types of insulation that many homeowners completely forget about is chimney liner insulation. What Is Chimney Liner...

As a real estate agent, you understand the critical nature of a house inspection. Unsafe wiring, improper plumbing and construction done without a permit can all ruin a potential home sale. However, do you understand why proactive chimney inspections are just as...

Every year, there are over 25,000 chimney fires across the United States. These fires lead to over $125 million in property damage. Aside from the property damage, there are numerous lives lost and harmed as a result. One of the most notable causes of these tragic...

Your home sellers have a gorgeous home that has plenty of curb appeal. You won’t have any trouble getting visitors to an open house! However, the dangers lurking beneath the home’s surface are what can ruin a home sale when you have interested home buyers. Before...

Whenever you make an investment inside or outside of your home, you want to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. This is especially true when installing devices that help to protect the structural integrity and safety of the rest of your home, like gutters. Your...

Duct cleaning should be on every home seller’s checklist before listing their home on the market. While some homeowners can get away with not cleaning their ducts before moving, you should encourage all pet-owning home sellers to have a professional duct cleaning...

The recent thunderstorms and downpours have led many area residents to wonder if their chimneys have a leak problem. While the rain is awesome for cooling us off and keeping the lawn watered, the last thing that you want to encounter is a leaky chimney. The Symptoms...

Many real estate sales include a home inspection contingency, which details the buyer’s and seller’s options in the event that issues with the property are discovered during the home inspection. Having a thorough understanding of the inspection contingency clause and...

Warmer weather is here, and many homeowners are kicking air conditioning systems on for the first time only to find that the cool air they want to come out isn’t so cold. Spring is a great time to upgrade your HVAC system and replace it with something new or have...

Even in the warm months, the condition of a home seller’s fireplace will play a major factor in the home sale. An unsafe fireplace could require costly repairs before a buyer will agree to the purchase. An unattractive or non-functional fireplace could do more harm...

Chimney caps are a relatively small and inexpensive thing to install, but they play a vital role in the safety of your home and chimney. The small piece of metal installed at the top of your chimney prevents numerous potential mishaps from occurring, including animals...

The foundation of your home isn’t just important because it’s what your home sits on; it’s also incredibly expensive to repair when damage occurs. Water weakens the foundation and leads to erosion, cracking, shifting and settling. What’s one of the sneakiest ways that...

As a realtor, you want to encourage your home sellers to invest in the right things to get their home on and off the market as quickly as possible. One of the most critical parts of a house is evaluated before the car is put in park—the exterior. Investing in curb...

When preparing to list a home, many home buyers have the most critical and expensive pieces of the property inspected—the roof, the chimney, the foundation and more. However, a major storm can completely change the safety of these essential parts of a home. It’s...

Air duct cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your home, but it can be hard to tell when you’re overdue for a visit from Clean Sweep Maryland. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends a professional cleaning every 3-5 years, but some conditions...

As a realtor, you probably see almost every type and quality of roofing imaginable, from roofs that seem to have more bare spots than shingles to traditional composite shingles. However, many realtors lack experience with slate roofing. This high-quality roofing...

If you have a fireplace in your home, there’s a strong chance that it’s key to your plans to keep your family warm and cozy during the coldest months of the year. If you’re having trouble getting a fire started in your fireplace, there are a few common culprits that...

Some home sellers don’t realize that the roof overhead has issues until hundreds of pounds of winter snow weigh it down and a leak or crack appears. As a realtor, the last thing that you want to happen to a home seller anxiously waiting to sell is a serious roof issue...

Homes are designed to be energy-efficient over the cold winter months and block out heat in the summer. When frigid winds start outside, homeowners seal cracks in insulation and block out any drafts. However, those measures to keep heat in also seal in allergens and...

As a realtor, you work hard to protect your reputation with homebuyers and home sellers. While some defects in the home are hard to notice, that doesn’t make them any less lethal. Homes with mold can present serious health and safety consequences to buyers and...

Fall is here, and winter is right around the corner, which means that you should take some time to complete all of your regular fall maintenance tasks. Thankfully, Clean Sweep Maryland is here to help! Check Your Slate Roofing Fall is a great time to check your slate...

Over 15,000 house fires a year are directly associated with clothes dryers. If dryer vents are not cleaned on a regular basis to keep them free of lint, debris and excess dust, homeowners are putting themselves in a surprisingly dangerous situation. Many people don’t...

Your air ducts and heating and cooling system work hard throughout the summer and winter to keep your home comfortable. However, many homeowners still neglect the ducts that deliver clean, fresh air into their living spaces. Whether you’re a regular air duct cleaner...

With the laundry list of things that home sellers have to complete before completing the sale, it’s understandable that you might feel hesitant about recommending one more thing for the list. However, as a realtor interested in selling a home for the most value...

Unfortunately, many homeowners wait until it’s too late to schedule a chimney sweeping appointment. Just like putting off having your car taken in until the ‘check engine’ light kicks on, you should never wait until an accident or dangerous event occurs to have your...

Is it okay for homeowners to tackle chimney cleaning alone? Do homebuyers really care about how safe and clean a chimney is before signing on the dotted line? Will a home inspector be able to catch potential issues in a chimney? There are countless myths about the...

While warm fires are the last thing you want burning in your house in the summer heat, fall and brisk winter nights are right around the corner. When cooler days come around, you should start by cleaning out your fireplace and getting a chimney inspection. Once your...

Choosing the right chimney sweep is important to ensure that a home can stand up to the strictest home inspection possible and that it is ready for market. When it comes time to book a chimney cleaning, the homeowners you are working with will look to you for a...

It’s easy to forget how hard your clothes dryer works to keep your family’s clothes clean and comfortable. However, behind the convenience of being able to dry a whole load of laundry in minutes instead of days, lurks lint, dust and debris in your dryer vents. Many...

While April showers have already given way to May flowers, this month has proven to be filled with damp weekends and drizzling afternoons. Chimneys need extra TLC during extended periods of rain, snow and ice. Skipping out on critical spring and summer chimney...

Gutter cleaning is one of the least glamorous but most important outdoor chores for homeowners. Without regular gutter cleanings, serious problems like blocked downpipes and flooding can occur. If you have been a little too relaxed about scheduling your gutter...

Most homeowners automatically clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry, but there is more lint hiding in the vents leading from the dryer to the outside of the home. When was the last time the homeowner cleaned those? The answer is probably “maybe a few...

April is here, and along with it comes all of the associated April showers that make May flowers so lovely. Did you know that your chimney needs extra care during periods of snow, ice and rain? Depending on your chimney’s material, design and construction, there are...

While a chimney cap is an important part of your chimney system, not every homeowner has one installed. If you don’t currently have a chimney cap, here are some of the reasons why you should consider having one added. Chimney Caps Reduce Moisture Chimney caps prevent...

Before placing a home on the market, it’s a great idea to have the dryer vents cleaned. Unfortunately, many home sellers attempt to cut corners where they can and try to tackle dryer vent cleanings alone. Cleaning kits often trick homeowners into thinking the job is...

Plenty of homeowners acknowledge the importance of cleaning dryer vents, but don’t want to make an investment in professional dryer vent cleaning. Cleaning kits available in the hardware store might seem to do the trick, but do not approach the results of a...

  Are you listing any vacant homes this winter? If you are, now is the time to make sure that they have been properly winterized. If you don’t winterize the home, significant damages could occur and lower the property value as a result. What Can Happen Without...

Staying warm during the winter could mean piling on blankets, slipping on socks or huddling on the couch in front of a space heater, but for many people, it means lighting up the fireplace. Before you get cozy, refresh your fireplace safety knowledge with these simple...

The weather outside is frightful, and if you want your fire inside to be delightful, it’s time to invest in a chimney inspection and seasonal cleaning. Sweep Your Chimney Before you light your first fire of the fall, you should have your chimney professionally...

Fall is here and winter is right around the corner, which means cooler temperatures and warm fires in the fireplace. If your roof or chimney is looking a little worse for wear, now is the time to repair. Once the colder months are here, your energy bills will...

As the nights become cooler and winter creeps closer, prospective homebuyers are paying extra attention to two areas of the home critical for protection against the chill; the roof and the chimney. A roof or chimney that is damaged can dramatically lower home value...

Two of the biggest reasons realtors lose sales are lurking right in front of your eyes in every home—the roof and the chimney. A damaged roof or chimney lowers the value of a home and makes buyers less likely to take the plunge. Help your home sellers fix these two...

Fall is here, which means it is time to complete your fall home maintenance checklist. Investing a small amount of time in your home over the next month will ensure that your house can weather winter storms and ice. Give Your Home a Check-Up After a summer full of...

When prospective home buyers enter a home that you are showing, you want them to marvel at the beautiful foyer, appreciate the gorgeous flooring and picture their family in the space. The last thing that you want is for home buyers to find themselves sneezing and...

Seasonal allergies are incredibly common throughout the Maryland area, especially in more rural areas with higher pollen counts. However, if you find yourself sneezing throughout the year, the culprit might be inside of your home. Air duct cleanings can remove common...

All realtors know to make sure the kitchen faucet isn’t dripping and to touch up the caulk in the bathtub, but many totally forget about one of the most dangerous parts of the home—the chimney. Over time, even well-maintained chimneys can accumulate creosote build-up...

Creosote is highly flammable and incredibly dangerous, but it’s an eventual byproduct of using your chimney. How can you take care of creosote build-up in your chimney and prevent it from building up so quickly in the future? Here’s what you need to know. Creosote 101...

At your June and July showings, logs won’t be crackling in the fireplace and holiday carols won’t be streaming through the tinsel-decked halls. However, that doesn’t mean that you can skip the chimney inspection! Clean chimneys ensure that the homes you are selling...

A clean chimney doesn’t just ensure that your fires burn brightly, it also keeps your home safe from fire and pests throughout the year. While most homeowners know that their chimney needs an inspection and cleaning before they light the first fire in the fall, most...

If you are preparing to sell your home, there are many ways you could sabotage the sale without even realizing it. Here are four of the sneakiest ways you could be scaring off buyers and how to fix them with Clean Sweep. Seriously Damaged Slate Do you have slate...

By now we have surely stressed to you, our valuable readers, the importance of regular chimney inspections – but how often do you transform our advice into action? Chimney and fireplace maintenance is about proactive prevention and protection, not procrastination. The...

When homeowners put their trust into a real estate agent, they expect reliability. When Baltimore’s best real estate agents need reliability, they put their trust in Clean Sweep. There is nothing as frustrating as losing a buyer because of a delayed inspection,...

Heading outside to embrace the breeze and blooming flowers? Tis’ the season! While you’re enjoying the weather and working through your spring cleaning list, it is essential that you do not neglect your chimney and fireplace. If you do, you’re playing with fire… and...

It’s no secret that fireplaces are a well sought-after feature for homebuyers. After all, who wouldn’t want to cozy up beside bright flames of warmth? While you may not utilize a fireplace as often in warm weather as you would in the winter, a ready-to-use fireplace...

Four leaf clovers are starting to appear in yards, the grass is bright green after the rain and there’s a pot of gold sitting at the bottom of your chimney. We’re kidding about the last part, but you never know what we’ll find when we do a clean sweep of your chimney...

Here at Clean Sweep, we value the importance of providing each customer with a clear, concise and honest report featuring photos of our inspection findings with pass/fail indicators. Our highly trained technicians employ an exclusive 12-point checklist during...