Blog Layout

How to Keep Your Home in Good Shape: Your Home Maintenance Checklist

Chris Wright • Oct 12, 2021

How to Keep Your Home in Good Shape: Your Home Maintenance Checklist

Your home is one of the biggest investments that you will make in your lifetime. It provides a place for you to live and raise a family, but can also be an incredible asset when it comes time to sell. There are many things that need to be maintained throughout the years such as paint colors, roof shingles and gutters. These details may not seem like much on their own but over time they can add up to big problems if left unattended. To help keep your home in good shape we have compiled this checklist of 8 items with advice on how to care for them.

1. Exterior Paint

Painting your exterior is a cost-effective way to freshen up the overall appearance of your home. It’s important to keep in mind that painting the outside every few years will help it retain its curb appeal and value as well as protect against sun damage, water spots, etc.

2. Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are an important part of a roof. They help protect the home from moisture and leaks as well as curb appeal. The average lifespan is 20-30 years, but it can be extended up to 50+ if they’re replaced before major damage occurs.

3. Gutters

Gutters collect water that runs off your roof and direct this runoff away from the foundation of your home preventing basement issues like mold or mildew growth caused by standing water on walls near windows and doors. You should clean gutters twice a year at minimum because clogged gutters have been known to cause ice dams in colder climates during winter months which can lead to burst pipes due to the increased weight from snow buildup against them.

4. Exterior Foundation

Once every few years, you should inspect the foundation of your home. Excessive water can cause cracks in walls and other structural damage. You may also want to have a professional come out for an inspection if there are any signs of settlement or movement which could be caused by age-related issues with the property’s soil composition (poor drainage). This is more common with homes that were built on hillsides where natural erosion has occurred from over time or when trees have been cut down near them.

5. Garage Doors

Garage doors need to be maintained with proper tension for them to operate properly, which will keep them from sagging or bending over time. It’s a good idea to have someone come out every few years for an inspection and tune up of your garage door as this can prevent catastrophic accidents like their sudden malfunction during use that could result in injury.

6. Major Appliances

Appliances are one of those things that we don’t think about until they suddenly make a lot of noise or stop working. A few good examples would be the freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine (to name just three!). Maintenance is needed to keep these items in tip-top shape which will also save on much more costly repairs down the road.

7. Plumbing

You should have your plumbing inspected every year for any potential leaks as well as maintain it according to manufacturer recommendations. This includes checking for clogged drains by pouring lots of hot water them faster than usual so that you can see where it goes down with clear pipes versus dark ones. If there is hair blocking anything up, then use a plunger to get rid of it. You should also check all of your faucets for drips, leaks, and faulty washers to make sure water doesn’t pour out everywhere when you turn them on or off.

8. Porches

A porch is a great place to enjoy the nice weather but the wood needs to be maintained so that it will last as long as possible in order to keep up with its natural wear-and-tear from sun exposure. There are many ways to care for porches such as sealing cracks or surface scratches with paint (if they aren't too deep) and applying an occasional coat every few years if needed which can help prevent rot or other structural problems due ot moisture invasion due to rain seeping into untreated wood.

Visit Dallwig Brothers

Come to Dallwig Brothers Building Supply for all the tools and materials you'll need to keep your home maintained. Our friendly staff is knowledgeable and experienced with home maintenance and repair and is happy to answer any questions you may have.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Uncovering the Roof: A Layer-by-Layer Guide from Dallwig Brothers Building Supply

By Dallwig Brothers • 12 Oct, 2023

Dive into the architectural intricacies of a roof with Dallwig Brothers Building Supply. This comprehensive guide explores each layer of a roof, providing insights on their functions and importance in safeguarding your home. Whether you're planning a roofing project or simply curious, unravel the layers of a roof and become well-versed in the roofing realm.

A well-maintained house with a new roof, showcasing the impact of a roof replacement on the property

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof in 2023? A Comprehensive Guide

By Dallwig Brothers • 23 Aug, 2023

Curious about roof replacement costs in 2023? Explore the factors influencing roofing expenses and find budget-friendly solutions with Dallwig Brothers Building Supplies in Salem, OR.

a selection of tools on cement, including hand drill, toolbox, hammer and hardware toolbox insert

The Homeowner's Guide to Essential Roofing Tools

05 Jul, 2023

Discover the essential roofing tools every homeowner needs for DIY projects from the experts at Dallwig Brothers Building Supply in Salem, Oregon.

A picture of the sky and clouds with sun shining through.

The Benefits of Adding Skylights To Your Home or Business

By Chris Wright • 08 Jun, 2021

Skylights are a great way to add natural light and improve energy efficiency in your home or business. Learn more about the benefits of skylights in this blog post.

4 tips to keep you roof healthy

By Chris Wright • 24 Apr, 2021

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you from the elements and keeps your home safe and dry. Here are 4 tips to keep your roof healthy and lasting longer.

A roofing contractor uses a staple gone on top of a roof.

How to choose the right roofing contractor

19 Mar, 2021

Are you looking for a reliable roofing contractor? Here is a step-by-step guide to finding a contractor who will do a safe and quality job.

Skylights: The Windows To Your Roof!

20 Jul, 2020

Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into a space that may not have the natural light you enjoy. And, skylights come in all different shapes and sizes to meet the needs of the construction project. There are proper ways to install skylights so they are leak-proof and simply beautiful. If you are thinking about adding natural light to your living space, we have all kinds of great skylights to choose from. Our skylights are beautiful and unique as well as top of the line quality as with all of our building materials. We not only offer normal skylights but beautifully created ones in domes, pyramids, and custom designs as well. Bring your building to the next level with amazing building supplies from DAllwig Brothers Building Supply. We are a family-owned and operated company that serves all of the Portland areas with Building materials. Everything we offer we stand behind as we only offer the very best in quality and service. You can come and browse our selection, pick out what you need and set up a delivery. Have everything delivered the day you need the materials and not have them laying around where they could get damaged. Glass can easily break, so taking the time to plan when the skylight is going to be installed is key. Unique and Stunning Skylights Looking for a wow factor for your next building project! We have all kinds of unique and custom options to choose from. Everything we offer is nothing but top-notch and ready to install. We understand that building materials are not all alike. Big box stores are looking at volume and not quality as much as we do. We work closely with our manufacturers to ensure we have nothing but quality materials coming through our doors. If you are a builder in the Portland area, you should stop in and take a look around. We would love to discuss your needs and build a lasting relationship. We work with many Portland builders and have built relationships that they just phone in the order and tell us when to deliver. It is that easy. And, it can be that easy for you as well! We take our time on our deliveries as well. Should you want it placed somewhere out of the way, just tell us and we will be sure to put a note on it. We are dedicated to our little family business and aim to please each and every one of our customers. Amazing Building Supplies Not all building supplies are the same, just like not every builder. We also have worked with interior designers as our skylights are simply an amazing addition to any room. They open up the room and make it seem larger than life. These really do change the mood of the room and really do open up space. Natural light is known to help with depression and other mental status. And, letting in natural light from above as well as the windows allow the room to be filled with bright natural light creating a beautiful space.

Summertime and Your Home

By Dallwig Brothers • 30 Jun, 2020

It’s summer in Salem, Oregon and your house needs a facelift as the heat beats down on your asphalt shingles. Roofing in Salem, Oregon is of the utmost importance so you can keep the outside from coming in! How do you maintain your roof in the summer? It’s important to have a thorough roof inspection to ensure you don’t have any roof damage. Your roof can have a list of issues if you don’t upkeep it regularly. Watch out for problems such as cracks in the roof, missing shingles, clogged gutters, mildew, mold, bugs, nests, algae, moss, and improperly applied sealant. Salem, Oregon experiences a lot of annual precipitation which means wet home exteriors. If you have any debris on your roof it will lock in moisture which can rot your roof from the outside-in. A leaky roof should be repaired when the weather permits, during those famously long-awaited hot summers in Salem. Now is the time to head to your local home improvement store in Salem, Oregon and pick up your own roof repair tools and building materials. Dallwig Brothers Building Supply in Salem, Oregon sells everything you need for your next DIY project. The staff at Dallwig Brothers is knowledgeable about roof products and roofing tools to help you solve any issues your home may have. Dallwig Brothers not only sells roofing materials in Salem, Oregon, but also delivers them to Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. Choose from our fine selection of tools and purchase everything you need. We have a fine selection of sealants, seam lockers, roofing nail guns, air compressors, roofing hammers, roofing blade, scoop shovels, roofing shingles, measuring tape, caulking guns, tarps, drills, sawhorses, tin snips, ladder hoists, ladders, hard hats, roofing shoes, roof brackets, and rakes. Are you afraid to do your home improvement projects yourself because of the very real fear of messing it up. Professionals are called their name for a reason. Do you need a professional roofing service in Salem, Oregon? Dallwig Brothers Building Supply can also be hired to install new roofs in Salem, Oregon for you. The reason we hire professionals is because they have been trained in how to measure, cut and apply materials properly and achieve a higher level of accuracy because of their firsthand experience and training in roofing. That being said, sometimes a roof repair is small enough that it makes sense for homeowners in Salem, Oregon can take care of themselves, with the help of a few tutorials and questions answered by the staff at Dallwig Brothers. Whatever route you choose to fix your damaged roof, make sure you do it with an informed decision. Ask the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Dallwig Brothers for expert advice and recommendations for roof repair. We will give you our honest feedback because we care! We’ve all experienced the frustration of repairing our homes and, therefore, can relate to what you’re experiencing. We strive to make roofing as painless and affordable with quality materials as we can.

Extreme Weather and Your Roof

By Dallwig Brothers • 12 May, 2020

It goes without saying that weather can make a huge impact on our world around us. If a rainstorm and high winds can cause trees to topple you can guarantee it can damage your home. Salem, Oregon is known for being very wet, so it’s best to make sure your roof can weather the storm. We may not be the coldest region in the Northwest, but we sure do see repercussions of wind, rain, ice and snow! The combination of strong winds and excessive water can cause missing shingles and a leaky roof. It’s important to inspect your roof after a storm to spot signs of damage. A missing shingle is an obvious sign to look for, but even if all are present you may still have damage beneath the shingle. The shingle seal may be broken one side. If the granules are worn off on the shingle above the damaged one you may be able to see thin horizontal lines, indicating where the loose shingle below has been blowing against it. Hail, while less common in Oregon, still likes to make an appearance once in a while and can impact your roofing materials as well. Your roof can get bruised and banged up by those little ice droplets. Over time water will leak through the sealant and you may even be able to spot noticeable divots on your house’s hat. Snow is another real but rare occurrence, but as we know, it doesn’t take long for snow and ice to accumulate if the conditions are right. When these elements do accumulate they overstress your roof, cause sagging, leaking and ultimately collapse. The cycle of freezing and thawing will also loosen your shingles and create cracks and opened gutter seams. There’s a good chance that any time moisture builds up, you have the (not so) ideal growing conditions for mildew, mold, and rotting to occur below the surface. You may be able to manage the damage if you catch the leak before it’s too late. Making sure to clear your roof periodically will help prevent the weight of debris, snow and ice from sinking your roof and damaging sealant. If you already see some water leaking into your home, you can try to manage it on your own. Using a wet vac and a fan you can extract the moisture, ensuring you stop the leak from spreading and rotting any of the neighboring structure. But, as a word of caution, if you are attempting your own repairs, you must have the proper materials to doctor your roof properly. Always ask a professional, like us, if you aren’t sure. Repairing with improper adhesives, for example, can cause more damage than you bargained for. We can also help you identify how serious the damage is in case further measures need to be taken. If you live in Portland, Or or Salem, Or, Dallwig Brothers Building Supply is your best option for high quality materials and a wealth of knowledge in all things roofing!

The ABC's of Maintaining A Healthy Roof: A Guide For Homeowners in Salem, OR and Portland, OR

31 Jan, 2020

Roof damage left untreated can end up costing you an arm and a leg. We mean this figuratively, of course, as body parts are priceless. That being said, your roof does have a price and like anything valuable, should be maintained to avoid unnecessary repairs and/or replacements. Roofing isn’t always easy but the alphabet is elementary, so this list should be easy-peasy. Just remember these ABC’s of roof health and you’ll see your roof last the lifetime of the products you’ve invested in. A is for Algae! Avoid overgrowth of algae. moss, and fungus. While a couple of those may be ingredients in your daily green powder, they don’t actually improve your home’s health. These natural organisms tend to grow in between and all around shingles. Overtime they can spread until they’ve taken over your entire roof. These growths are more common in wetter climates (like Salem, Oregon) and can accumulate after lots of rainfall in the fall and winter months. Make sure you clean your roof after these seasons and replace any individual shingles that may have been damaged. Remember that Dallwig Brothers carries algae-resistant shingles to help make your job easier! B is for Branches! Trimming isn’t just for your mountain man beard! Similarly to manscaping around your chiseled jaw, you should keep branches nice and well-kept, not making contact with your precious roof. Anytime branches are overhanging they create little havens for leaves and dirt, which collect moisture and in time can cause your roof to bow and ceiling to sag. And while the many states of a man’s beard may be beautiful to some, trust us on this one, an unkempt roof is not a good look. C is for Clean the Gutters! Your mind isn’t the only thing that shouldn’t be in the gutter—neither should debris! Whenever your gutters get clogged they begin to overflow into other cracks and crevices in your roofing structure. Cleaning the gutters only costs your time so put on some gloves and take out the leaves, dirt, and the dirty images (okay, the last one is for your brain). D is for Detect Wear and Tear! You shouldn’t need Sherlock Holmes for this job. I mean, if your’e going to call anyone, call someone specialized in roofing (Dallwig Brothers Building Supply for instance), not a fictional fantasy detective. All joking aside, early detection of cracks, missing or decaying sealant, and corroded metals can save you from calling a professional. Clean any damaged areas, fill cracks and reapply sealant if necessary. We hope these tips help you and make your roof the envy of the neighborhood! Remember, ladies love a clean roof just as much as they love your glowing smile when you say, “I cleaned the roof for you, Honey.” And by the way, that last statement was simply a portrait of a nice gesture for your spouse and we don’t think it has a double meaning, but if your mind went somewhere else, you clearly need to go reread part C of this article.