Handyman & Home Repair in Baltimore, MD

The median home in the city of Baltimore was built in 1947, older than the U.S. median of 1980 and older than the Maryland median of 1979.¹ Older houses accumulate small defects - sticking doors, cracked caulk, settled trim - that bundle well into one visit. The Baltimore Wash Intl Ap station averages 93 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, 11 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. Summers bring about 34 days a year at or above 90°F.^2,3 Most housing units in Baltimore are not detached houses: 25% are in buildings of five or more units and only 15% 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.

Baltimore is about 7 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 4,484 heating degree days against 1,322 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.