Before the big day, you will want to make sure your holiday lights are secure and safe for Santa’s arrival. It certainly would not be a very happy holiday if he couldn’t deliver the toys and treats to your children. Decking your halls might also be damaging to your roof and your home. There are three specific things you can do or check to make sure you don’t turn into the Grinch this season.
If you have already hung your lights, you might want to double check them and if you have yet to hang a few, take these tips into account.
Avoid Extra Holes in Your Roof
Remember Clark Griswold? He used a staple gun to draw his lights across his roof and create a winter light show bright enough to blind you. Clark also ended up falling off his roof because of his lighting troubles.
Don’t be like Clark Griswold. Staples and nails can seriously damage your shingle roof. You likely will not notice anything until you take the staples or nails out and the holes get a chance to fill with water. Water can cause leaks inside your house and promotes rotting of your roof deck. While you think you are being safe by strongly securing the lights to your roof, the damage afterward will be more devastating.
Plastic clips are a great alternative to secure your holiday lights without causing damage. There are all types of clips for all types of roofing materials and types of lights. They will help you safely spread the holiday cheer and ensure your house is not damaged in the process.
Be Careful Where You Step
While you might have already placed your lights, taking them down can be just as tricky as putting them up. Minimizing the amount you walk on your roof to help maximize its life. To do so, it is best to use a ladder when putting lights up and taking them down.
If you must walk on your roof though, there are a few things you can do to make it less painful and likely not cause too much damage. Do so wearing tennis shoes as to not puncture the roof with heels or tough boots. While shingle roofs are much easier to navigate, tile roofs are a bit more tricky. Stepping on top of the peaks, not in between the tiles, can help prevent them from sliding and you from falling.
Watching your step when installing your Christmas lights will not only help you save your roof, but it might also help you save yourself. Safety is extremely important when hanging your lights or taking them down. Wearing proper shoes and using a ladder are two safety measures you should take.
Make A Plan
Before jumping into the box of lights and stringing them up wherever you like, start by making a plan. Taking a step back from your house and planning how and where to hang your lights will help you not only do so safely, but also likely in less time. Measuring before you start will also prevent additional trips to the hardware store for additional lights or clips.
Whenever it is time to dismantle your holiday display, making a plan again can make sure you do so efficiently and safely. Holiday items can be bulky, awkward and easily tangled. It is always good to take the lights down and organize them in a fashion so you do not have a mess to clean up next year.
Deck The Halls
So, no matter if you have already put your lights up for the season or are doing so soon, these three tips can help you year after year. Avoid putting extra holes in your roofing materials by using plastic clips over nails or staples. Watching your step, especially if you have a tile roof, can help prevent damage. Finally, making a plan will help you put them up and when it is time to take them down. And remember, organize your holiday decorations so you don’t have a mess next year!
If you happen to damage your roof or discover an issue while you are decking your halls, contact Craven Construction. We are available to assess the damage and offer you a FREE estimate for the necessary repairs. Our team is highly skilled, licensed, and insured to provide you with the best service possible.
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About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.