Handyman & Home Repair in Germantown, MD

The median home in the community of Germantown was built in 1990, newer than the U.S. median of 1980 and newer than the Maryland median of 1979.¹ Winters are long: the Washington Dc Dulles Ap station averages 102 nights a year at or below 32°F and 25 at or below 20°F.^2,3 In a long winter, pre-season checks of weatherstripping, gutters and exterior caulk prevent the water damage that follows a thaw. Rainfall is substantial: about 43 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 33 days a year at or above 90°F.^2,3 Most housing units in Germantown are not detached houses: 28% are in buildings of five or more units and only 26% 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. Germantown is about 37 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 4,604 heating degree days against 1,233 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.