Doesn’t it seem like the neighbors have taken outdoor lighting and holiday decor up several notches? We all want the prettiest house on the block for the holidays. Friendly lighting competitions in neighborhoods are festive and fun. However, when installed incorrectly, Christmas lights and other decorations can damage your roof.
How Can I Safely Decorate My Roof and Exterior for the Holidays?
You can achieve the perfect festive look while protecting your roof and exterior. Here are a few dos and don’ts for getting that magical look while preventing damage to your home.
- Don’t hang lights or decorations from your shingles. Even tiny holes can cause leaks or other damage. Avoid nails and staples, as they can puncture your roof.
- Hang lights using plastic clips attached to the gutters or eaves. However, pay attention to the weight of your lights and avoid putting too much pressure on your gutters.
- Untangle and test lights before you hang them to avoid unnecessary headaches and extra work.
- Make sure your outdoor lights are waterproof and designed for exterior use. LED lights are preferable as they’re weather-resistant and more energy efficient.
- Check your light strands regularly to ensure they’re not getting frayed by weather or animals.
- Check the amount of electricity your lights require and avoid overloading your circuits: you can create a fire hazard if you’re not careful.
- Avoid putting heavy decorations like statues and wood cutouts on your roof. The idea of Santa and his sleigh on the roof may be appealing, but it may damage your shingles or worse. Save heftier decorative pieces for the lawn.
- Keep decorations away from your chimney–especially if you actively use your fireplace. It creates a fire hazard.
- Avoid installing inflatables on the roof. If they blow away, they can cause tears and damage to your shingles. Tie-down inflatables on your lawn to avoid damage to the exterior of your home in case of wind. Consider shutting down your inflatables in bad weather or on extra windy days.
- Consider hiring an insured installation company for your lights. There are numerous qualified professionals in Northern Virginia. Check for insurance and references before you hire a lighting company.
- Work in pairs or teams if you decide to DIY your holiday lights. Always have someone hold the ladder for you. One idea is to work with a friend and light up both houses together.
- Work around the edges of your home using a ladder instead of climbing up on your roof. Not only is it dangerous, you can also damage your roof if you don’t step carefully..
- Be careful when you remove lights and decorations. Don’t rush: tearing and pulling can lead to damage. Take a few days to remove if needed.
Spread Holiday Cheer While Protecting Your Roof
Yes! It’s 100 percent possible to have a gorgeous, festive exterior for the holidays while protecting your roof and siding. Following the guidelines above and knowing when to call a professional installer can prevent damage and significant headaches. If you have concerns about the overall condition of your roof as you prepare for holiday decorating, give DryHome Roofing & Siding a call. Our experienced team will inspect your roof and ensure it’s weather resistant and safe for Santa. Happy holidays from our family to yours.
