December is the season of family gatherings, holiday decorations, and festive lights. This is a season of joy – until it’s time to bring the holiday decor down from the attic. As a homeowner, you know all too well that hanging holiday lights can be a daunting task. The last thing you want to do is damage your roof or compromise its integrity while trying to spread some holiday cheer. As your neighborhood roofing expert, we’ve got you covered with safety advice so you can brighten up the season without any worries! Below are our top tips on how to safely hang your holiday decor without causing any harm to your roofing system.
Prioritize Safety
Just like any project that requires you to climb a ladder and handle electricity, safety is the top priority. You should never try to reach your roof without someone else there to help stabilize your ladder and make sure you don’t fall. Make sure your ladder is set on solid, even ground, and that you avoid walking on your roof. Putting unnecessary weight on your roofing system can weaken it and cause damage, making it more prone to collapse. Map out where you want to hang your lights before starting the installation process so that you can spend less time on the ladder. Consider using LED lights, as they are more energy-efficient and produce less heat, reducing the risk of damage to your roof.
Choose the Right Light Clips
Gone are the days of using roofing staples, nails, and shingle clips to hang your holiday lights on your roof. Creating holes in your residential roof will lead to leaks and tears, and shingle clips can cause your roof to lift over time. Instead, use plastic or metal roof clips on the edge of your roof or gutter clips made of durable materials and provide a safe and reliable way to hang your lights. Try your best to use as few clips as possible and to plan your lights before you start hanging them so you have fewer light clips to remove.
Handle Lights with Care
When handling your holiday lights, it’s important to do so with care to avoid any potential damage to your residential roof. Start by gently untangling the lights and checking for any frayed or damaged wires. If you come across any issues, it’s best to replace the lights rather than risk a fire hazard. When hanging the lights, avoid pulling or tugging on them too forcefully, as this could cause them to come loose or even break. By handling your lights with care, you can ensure that they will not only look great but also maintain the integrity of your roof throughout the holiday season. Be careful not to hang your lights near any flammable materials.
Properly Remove Decorations
Proper removal of your holiday lights is just as important as safely hanging them. When the holiday season comes to an end, start by carefully disconnecting each light strand and gently untangling them to avoid any unnecessary stress on the wires. Remove the light clips from your roof by gently sliding them off. Avoid pulling or yanking on the lights, as this could lead to roof damage.
Schedule Regular Roof Maintenance
Keep your roof in good shape year-round by scheduling regular roof maintenance appointments. Expert roof inspections will ensure that any damage to your roofing system will be caught early when it will require less extensive repairs. At WorleyByrd Roofing & Restoration, we are committed to using our expertise to protect your home. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment.
