Deck the halls, don’t ruin your roof…falalalalalalalala
Speaking in a non-singing voice, we’ve seen some damage to roofs because people installed Christmas lights improperly. As you’re likely aware, roof damage can cause water leaks when the rain comes, compromise your insulation, or invite wild animals into your home.
In this article, we’ll inform you of a few tips for installing Christmas lights this season so that you can festively adorn your home without causing damage.
General Tips:
- Clean your gutters before putting up decorations. It’s a good idea to clean your gutters regularly, but you specifically want to tackle this during the holiday season. Why? Because even using the applicable UL standard LED lights which have a lower heat output, leaving debris of leaves and sticks could pose a fire risk as Christmas lights have the potential to warm up a bit the longer they stay on.
- Before you hang the lights, be sure your roof and the region surrounding it are stable enough to support the weight.
- Look for shingles that have fallen off the roof and address any issues before installing lights. If you need assistance with this, please contact us here.
- Ensure your gutter system is securely fastened.
- Make sure your eaves and flashing are also in good condition.
And when you’re certain your roof can safely handle the lights, you may proceed!
Step 1: Don’t Use Staple Guns! Or Nails. Or Sharp Prickly Objects That Can Make a Hole.
Simply put, you don’t want to make a hole in your roof. Stapling to your eaves (the wood around the perimeter of your roof) is most likely okay. But do avoid putting staples or nails or screws or any type of hole into your shingles. After you remove them post-holidays, the holes can become water intrusion points that could rot your decking, destroy your insulation, and compromise your ceiling, walls, and paint.
Step 2: Use Clips Instead!
There are a variety of clips on store shelves that allow you to hang Christmas lights without damaging your roof or the sides of your home. They work by clipping to gutters, shingles, or eaves. However, we recommend that you only set your clips to the gutters or eaves, instead of the shingles as a loose shingle could fall off and later cause water to leak into your home.
There are different types of clips for different types of roofs and lights. Here are five that we recommend depending on what you want to use them for:
- All-in-one clips for shingles and gutters
- Clay tile roof clips.
- Eave clips.
- Clips for putting lights on the ridge of your roof.
- Parrot clips for flat roofs.
Step 3: Walk on Your Roof ONLY When Necessary
It’s best if you always use a ladder to hang your Christmas lights. It’s safer both for you and the house. But there may be times that require you to break the rules to deliver some extra Christmas decorations (and cheer) to your home and the neighborhood.
So, if it’s absolutely necessary… Here are some Santa-approved safety tips since the Big Guy’s never ruined anyone’s roof, that we’re aware of!
- Wear shoes with soft soles such as sneakers.
- Take your time, and walk lightly so that you don’t fall or create a crack by walking too forcibly.
- If the sun’s bright or if it’s exceptionally hot outside, don’t walk on the shingles.
- If you have a tile roof, wear soft shoes and place your feet on the bump (2 peaks) and not in the valley between the tiles.
After the Holidays
It may be easier to pull or tug the lights from their clips, but if you’re not cautious, you might damage both your property and those pricey Christmas lights. Make the extra effort to use a ladder and carefully remove each clip so you can prevent roof damage.
Finally…
When in doubt, don’t do it. If you’re wondering if a certain kind of Christmas decoration might damage your roof, wait for expert advice to know for certain. Reach out to us here to get Native Roofing’s opinion and to schedule a roof inspection.
Broward: 954-236-9986
Palm Beach: 561-469-7930
