The holiday season is here which means it’s time to hang lighting decorations to awe and inspire your neighbors. It’s important to think about safety during this time to reduce the risk of injury and potential hazards to your home. If you plan to install lighting outdoors, consider a roof inspection to ensure your home can handle the activity. Below are several do’s and don’ts to help holiday decorating go smoothly.

Do:

Schedule a roof inspection.

You should make sure your roofing is safe before you attempt to hang holiday lighting. Let a contractor examine your roof to check for holes or damaged shingles that could become problematic once outdoor lighting is installed.

Use appropriate safety gear.

Before you go outside, put on the right protective clothing. Wear heavy-duty gloves, a warm jacket, and safety goggles to protect your eyes. You should also use a ladder if you’ll be installing lights on the roof.

Don’t:

Hang lights alone.

Accidents can occur at any time, so use the buddy system while hanging lights. Make sure a spotter or assistant is with you to ensure the appropriate safety measures are being practiced. Never climb a ladder without someone to hold it steady, and always have a cellphone with you to call for help in case of an emergency.

Leave your lights on all night.

Remember to turn the lights off to avoid high utility bills. Consider adding a timer, so that the lights will turn off at set times. This way, you won’t be burning energy in the middle of the night when few people will be awake to see your dazzling outdoor decorations.

Don’t go through the winter season without a proper roof inspection. Contact the professionals at General Roofing located in Anchorage, AK, to handle your roofing services. Their skilled contractors offer a wide range of roof repair, maintenance, and installation work to protect your home. To schedule a roof inspection, call (907) 561-1460, and visit them online for additional information about the company.