HOW TO INSTALL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PROPERLY TO AVOID ROOF DAMAGE

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to get into the festive spirit by hanging lights from your gutters or roof. These lights are joyful for everyone to see, but they can come with a cost. Let’s look at how Christmas lights damage your roof and how to safely hang Christmas decorations.

ROOF AND GUTTER DAMAGE FROM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Hanging Christmas lights is common during the holiday season, but improper installation causes damage to your roof and gutters. Homeowners believe securing lights with staples and nails is harmless but doing so can leave unwanted damage long after Santa and his elves have gone down the chimney.

USE THE CORRECT CLIPS

When you are hanging Christmas lights from your roof, use the proper clips. Specific clips are made for different types of roofing material. Many stores have light clips to match your roof material. Not using the right clips for your Christmas light display causes damage to the shingle’s matting and seal. You should never puncture the material to hang your lights, no matter what type of roof you own. 

AVOID NAILS AND STAPLES

The smallest punctures in your roof create a hole where water may leak into your home and damage its structure. Nails, staples, and other sharp items should not be used to hang Christmas lights from your roof. Repairing your roof from water damage may cost thousands of dollars, even from a small nail hole. This also applies to installing hooks into your gutter system. The holes left by the hooks cause drainage problems. When the gutter is unable to direct water away from your home efficiently, it puts your foundation and walls at risk of water damage. 

KEEP YOUR GUTTERS CLEAR

It is best to avoid hanging lights or other holiday decorations near your gutters. If the lights are blocking melting water from the roof, it causes ice damming. The water and ice build up under the shingles and leak into your home. Whether it is your roof, gutter system, or soffits, you should not use nails and staples on any exterior surface of your home. Water damage, when left unnoticed, causes expensive repairs due to rot and mold. 

SAFETY TIPS FOR HANGING YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Before hanging your Christmas lights, use the proper equipment and tools for the installation. Here are some safety tips to remember when hanging your lights:

• Check your ladder for damage or broken parts. Your ladder should be in good condition before using it. 
• Clear any surfaces your ladder is set up on and make sure it stands up straight
• Have three points of contact when climbing a ladder
• If you need to be on your roof, use a spotter and a harness. A harness protects you from falling off the roof and getting seriously injured.
• Professionals are here to help if you are unsure about hanging Christmas decorations yourself.

When you are decorating for the Christmas season, it is important you install your lights correctly and not damage your roof. Use the proper equipment and safety precautions when hanging your lights. If you believe you have roof damage, Badgerland Restoration is here to help. Schedule a free, no-obligation assessment to have your roof inspected for damage today.