Hanging your Christmas lights and setting up the Christmas decoration brings on a wave of emotions. Excitement and frustration are usually the most common and they happen fairly close together. When hanging your lights, it is important to do safely. Additionally, keep the integrity of your roof intact as well. Today, we at Nickerson Roofing would like to share some tips on hanging your lights and setting up your decorations without harming your roof and especially yourself.
Preparation for Hanging Christmas Lights on Roof
Every November and December, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are more than 15,000 holiday related injuries that occur. Before you jump in there are a few things to do before start your project.
– To spare you the grief while balancing on the roof, untangle all of the strands of lights.
– Check your lights for bad bulbs, frayed wires or lights that flicker before hanging them. These could be signs of electrical damage, which poses a potential fire hazard. Make the proper adjustments, repairs, and replacements.
– If extension cords are needed, make sure they are rated for outdoor use.
– Before ascending to the rooftop, ensure that your ladders are in good condition and that you set them on flat, solid ground.
– When you hang the lights directly from a ladder do not to extend beyond the natural reach of your arms.
Use Christmas Light Clips to Avoid Damage to Roof
The most effective way to hang your holiday lights and avoid damage to your roof, the lights, and keep you safe is to utilize plastic clips that easily attach to your shingles, gutters, and eaves. The handy plastic clips are specifically clips designed for holiday lights. They are simple to install and remove at the start and conclusion of the season. They are cost effective and readily available at any home improvement store. Traditional nails or staples can puncture your shingles and gutters which allow moisture to seep in, leading to roof damage. These implements can also puncture the wiring of your lights, deteriorating the insulating coating, which will contribute to electrical problems.
Zip Ties & Sandbag Weights to Hold Down Exterior Christmas Lights & Decorations on Roof
With decorations, zip ties go a long way, along with sand bags. Tying them down to the chimney or other durable structure points for additional support and security is optimal. If your decorations aren’t secured and sufficiently anchored, they can easily tip over, being safety hazard as well as cause damage to your roof.
Protect Your Roof From Damage
To ensure the lifespan of your roof, limit the weight of the decorations you keep on top as well as limit your time spent walking on the rooftop. Tread carefully and wear safety shoes, sneakers or so some kind of softer shoe that still provides a good grip. Getting an early start can improve the integrity of your roof as the shingles will not have ample time to soak up the sun’s rays making them less durable.
Packing, Storing & Organizing Christmas Lights & Decorations
At the conclusion of the holidays, put the lights and decorations away in a like manner. Carefully remove everything and put it all away carefully and organized. Avoid ripping the lights away and carefully remove the clips and zip ties. Try not to linger on the roof and traverse the roof carefully.
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If you spot any damage on the roof while hanging your lights, contact Nickerson Roofing for quick repairs before they become more severe and eventually lead for the need to premature roofing replacement!