The winter holidays are fast approaching, and homeowners are already busy preparing their houses for the holiday season. One of the most enjoyable traditions during this season is to hang Christmas lights. However, as much as you want to make your home stand out, you also need to make sure that you don’t cause damage to your roof.
Are you an aspiring Clark Griswold when it comes to hanging lights? Do you want to deck the halls without damaging your home? Here are tips on how to hang Christmas lights like a pro without damaging your roof!
Don’t Use Nails or Staples
While it may seem convenient to use nails or staples to hang Christmas lights, it can cause permanent damage to your roof. The holes over time can create issues like leaks, leading to costly repairs. Instead of using nails or staples, use light clips designed to hang lights without damaging your roof.
Use the Appropriate Clips
Instead of nails or staples, opt for clips designed specifically for hanging lights. Here are a few types you might consider:
- All-In-One Clips: These clips are best for shingles and gutters, offering a versatile solution for most homes. They’re easy to install and remove, making them ideal for homeowners who want to avoid causing any damage to their roofs. Plus, they’re designed to hold lights securely, so you don’t have to worry about your decorations falling off.
- Eave Clips: Whenever possible, hang lights from eaves rather than shingles to prevent damage. Eave clips attach to the underside of your roof’s overhang, keeping your lights firmly in place. This method not only protects your shingles but also gives your lights a uniform, neat appearance.
- Ridge Clips: Mostly used by professionals, these are attached to the very top of the roof, the ridge. Ridge clips are perfect for creating those spectacular roofline displays you often see on professionally decorated homes. They allow you to securely fasten lights along the peak of your roof, adding an extra layer of sparkle to your Christmas display.
- Clay Tile Clips: Although uncommon in our region, if your roof is made from clay tiles, these clips are designed specifically for your needs. Clay tile clips grip onto the unique shape of clay tiles, providing a secure hold without damaging the material. They’re an essential tool if you’re decorating a home with a clay-tiled roof.
Clean Gutters First
Before hanging your lights, we recommend cleaning your gutters first. Debris can dry out and, while rare with new LED lights, may cause a fire hazard. Additionally, there are added benefits to cleaning your gutters, especially before winter arrives. Clean gutters prevent water damage and ice dams, protecting your roof from potential leaks.
Step Gently on Your Roof
If at all possible, hang lights from a ladder near the home rather than walking on the roof. However, if you must get up on the roof, wear soft shoes like sneakers and be careful. You don’t want to cause damage during the decoration process. Walking on the roof can cause damage to your shingles or, if you have a tile roof, cracking the tiles. Santa even wears soft shoes when he’s on your roof!
Get Your Roof Ready for the Holidays with Roof Maxx Mechanicsburg
Hanging lights can be a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. However, it’s essential to be mindful of potential damage to your roof. Before hanging your lights, contact Roof Maxx Mechanicsburg for a free roof assessment. We will let you know whether your roof is in need of repairs or qualifies for a Roof Maxx treatment, maximizing its lifespan by up to five years. We can get your roof ready for lights – and Santa! – in no time!
