Hanging Holiday Lights from a Roof
Tis’ the season for lights! As December begins and homeowners break out the lights there are a few things you can do to avoid damaging your roof. Here are a few tips we recommend when installing lights to avoid causing any damage this season!
Safety First!
Lights should be installed on a clear day without slippery steps or dangerous weather happening. It's always advised to have a helper, especially if you’ll be getting on a ladder.
Use Plastic Clips ONLY
Don’t be like Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation! Nailing or stapling lights to your roof shingles is a guaranteed way to damage them. Shingles are not weather tight if they’ve been punctured. The smallest of holes can let water penetrate your home. Nails can damage the shingle and drive directly into your attic space! This type of damage can provide a direct line for water to reach insulation and drywall. -Resulting in extensive damage before you even detect a problem. Plastic clips are designed to hang directly on your gutters, eaves and shingles without puncturing them and are the most inexpensive, effective alternative to anything else.
Avoid Damaging the Roof
Depending on the type of house you have hanging Christmas lights can be completed without getting on your roof. Loose tiles, shingles, icy or wet conditions can cause serious accidents. The most effective way to hang lights is by stringing them with plastic clips. You can buy them at any big box store nearby. The clips are designed to easily install and remove lights from your house. Avoid pulling the lights to remove them, you can cause serious damage to your shingles or gutters that you have attached the clips to!
Remove with Care
Taking the proper precautions when removing lights is just as important as installing them. You want to make sure the weather is as clear when taking them down and that your roof is dry and free of snow. Take them down slowly, yanking the plastic clips down can cause damage to gutters, shingles and your eaves. Remove the clips one at a time and store properly for another year!
If you do end up damaging or noticing any damage to your roof be sure to contact your local roofing contractors to help take care of any issues!