Handyman & Home Repair in Wilmington, DE

The median home in the city of Wilmington was built in 1946, older than the U.S. median of 1980 and older than the Delaware median of 1987.¹ Older houses accumulate small defects - sticking doors, cracked caulk, settled trim - that bundle well into one visit. The Wilmington New Castle Co Ap station averages 92 nights a year at or below 32°F and 21 at or below 20°F.^2,3 Before the first freeze, exterior hose bibs, caulk joints and weatherstripping are the usual maintenance list.

Rainfall is substantial: about 45 inches a year, 12 days of it an inch or more.^2,3 Heavy rain finds every failed caulk joint and clogged gutter; exterior sealing is the most common repair request. Summer heat is moderate: about 22 days a year reach 90°F.^2,3 Most housing units in Wilmington are not detached houses: 26% are in buildings of five or more units and only 10% are detached single-family homes.¹ In multi-unit buildings, repairs inside the unit are the owner's; anything on the envelope is usually the association's.

Wilmington is about 9 miles from the ocean or Gulf coast in a straight line.^4,5 Salt air corrodes exterior fasteners, hinges and railings; stainless replacements are the usual recommendation. Heating dominates the year: about 4,647 heating degree days against 1,228 cooling degree days (base 65°F).^2,3 In a heating-led climate, insulation and air sealing carry most of the energy-code weight for any work that opens the envelope.