Up on the housetop reindeer pause, and out jumps good old Santa Claus! We all know Santa’s rooftop landing is a prelude to the all-important chimney plunge and the good stuff that comes with it. But what does Santa look for in a roof? The good news is that Santa can land his sleigh just about anywhere. Pitched roofs, flat roofs–he’s got it covered.
If your roof is in good shape, it can support Santa and withstand the elements.
How Much Does Santa Weigh?
According to the experts at Santa Tracker, jolly old Saint Nick is estimated to weigh 250 to 350 pounds. Good thing he’s got Christmas magic on his side. While we recommend leaving the roof work to the pros, we always make an exception for everyone’s favorite holiday icon and his nimble reindeer.
What Type of Roof Does Santa Like Best?
While Saint Nick has declined interviews on the subject, our professional expertise allows us to make an educated guess about Santa’s roof preferences.
- Gable roof: The classic triangular gable roof with two sides meeting at the ridge is one of the most popular designs in America and a favorite with Santa. The reindeer have this design down after years of practice, and the big guy can get his footing by straddling the ridge line. Santa score: 10/10
- Gambrel roof: The gambrel roof is shaped like a traditional barn with two slopes per side. The gentle upper slope provides a smooth surface for landing the sleigh. Santa score: 9/10
- Modern flat roof: The modern flat roof is actually a very gently sloping roof to allow water to slide off. It’s a piece of cake for Santa’s team (maybe a little too easy since the big guy still likes a challenge). Santa score: 9/10
- Hip Roof: With four slopes meeting to form a ridge, the hip roof is easy for the reindeer to navigate. However, it loses a couple of points since it gives passersby a clear street-level view–and we all know peeking is a no-no. Santa score: 8/10
- Mansard Roof: this aesthetically pleasing style, inspired by French architecture, combines features of gambrel and hip roofs with four sides and double slopes. And while Santa’s a big fan of aesthetics, he knows that the Mansard’s flatter upper pitch can cause snow to pile up, making his mission a little more challenging. Santa score: 7/10
How Can I Get My Roof Ready for Santa?
Milk and cookies are a must once Santa makes his way down the chimney. But a well-maintained roof is what Santa really wants for Christmas. What can you do outside to make things easier for Santa and his sleigh? We have a few suggestions to make the big guy’s job easier (bonus: these will also help protect your home from the elements this winter).
- Fix or replace loose or missing shingles to make your roof easy to navigate. Replacing shingles also boosts curb appeal and improves weatherproofing.
- Don’t delay minor roof repairs. Keeping up with small problems can avoid bigger issues down the road.
- Make sure your attic is insulated and well-ventilated to prevent ice dams.
- Clean and replace your gutters as needed.Gutters channel rainwater away from your roof and foundation. Damaged or clogged gutters can leave your house vulnerable to water damage as leaves and debris build-up.
- Make sure holiday lights and decorations are installed safely. Don’t hang lights or decorations from your shingles.
- Get a roof inspection if you see or suspect damage after a weather event.
Happy Holidays from DryHome Roofing and Siding
Is a new roof or roof repairs on your holiday list? Do you need an inspection to ensure your roof is ready for winter? It’s the perfect time to call the pros at DryHome Roofing & Siding for an estimate. We’ll help keep your home warm and dry all winter long and guarantee a smooth landing for Santa. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our team.
