The holidays are a festive time to deck your home with lights. While the colorful displays are beautiful to look at, incorrect placement or improper installation might do more harm than good. Many homeowners damage their roof during the holidays while rigging up lights and decorations. Use these helpful tips to have a stellar display and avoid costly roof repairs.

3 Tips to Hanging Your Holiday Lights

1. Start With the Right Tools

Using the proper tools reduces the risk of expensive roof repair. Choose flexible plastic clips instead of staples, tape, or glue to hang lights since they're easily installed and removed. Limit the time you stand on the roof by using a ladder tall enough to reach the majority of your installation points. You should also choose heavy-duty lighting and extension cords designed for outdoor use to prevent overheating.

2. Prepare Your Supplies

All supplies should be ready to go before you step up the ladder. Start your preparation by untangling lights and testing each strand. Replace burnt bulbs and dispose of strands showing signs of sparks. This is also the time to test electrical cord voltages and the sturdiness of your ladder. These simple processes will identify issues with your supplies that could damage your shingles and gutters.

3. Take Your Time

Take your time when installing and removing holiday lights to avoid little mistakes that could result in big roof repairs. For instance, yanking off strands can rip shingles, tile, or wood from your roof. As tempting as it might be to save time, you should remove lights the way you installed them: clip-by-clip.

 

If your holiday light installation doesn't go to plan, turn to My Roofing for fast, efficient, and dependable roof repairs. Based in Kailua, HI, the locally owned roofing company has provided top-notch service to residential and commercial clients across Oahu for over 35 years. From full roof replacements to specialty coatings, their team of experts is committed to providing reliable, high-quality work. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call (808) 352-7272 to request a free estimate.