Installing Christmas lights on your roof is a festive yet stressful experience. If you don’t prepare correctly, however, holiday decorating could turn disastrous, and you may end up damaging your roof in the process. If you want to learn how to hang Christmas lights on your roof without damaging anything, you’ve come to the right place!
At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we offer expert roofing services as well as siding, and gutter installation throughout Pittsburgh, PA, and all surrounding cities, including Cranberry Township, Wexford, and Allison Park. Our licensed and insured contractors can make installing Christmas lights on your roof simple and stress-free.
Discover five steps to safely decorate for the holidays below. Call Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147 if you notice any signs of roof damage while you’re hanging your lights.
1. Perform an Inspection First
The first thing you should do is perform a full visual roofing inspection so you don’t accidentally lean your ladder against an unsafe surface. Doing so will help you determine whether or not your home’s exterior is in good condition for the winter season. Your inspection should include the following:
- Check to see if you have any missing shingles
- Make sure all gutters are tightly secured
- Inspect the roof flashing’s condition
If you’re interested in a more thorough look before you begin the project, you can call our roofing pros at Gotcha Covered Contracting for a free roof inspection.
2. Never Use Nails, Screws Staples, or Hammers
Once you know your roof’s in good shape, you can start decorating. Avoid nailing or stapling light strings and other decorations to your building, as any holes will compromise your roof’s integrity, causing potential leaks. In general, if the tool requires a hammer, it’s probably too harsh for the roof.
In addition, be sure that any wires, extension cords, and other electronics are safe for the outdoors. You need wires with heavy-duty coatings to avoid potential fire risks.
3. Find Plastic Clips Designed for Gutters or Shingles
Rather than using nails or staples, we recommend finding plastic clips that are designed to hang Christmas lights on your roof. Such clips attach directly to the edge of the gutters or shingles without damaging any roofing components. You can then clip your lights right in for an easy and safe installation.
You can often find plastic clips for gutters or shingles online or at your local hardware store. The type you choose will depend on your style preferences and the types of lights you plan on hanging.
4. Clean Your Gutters
Since you’re going through the effort of climbing up to your roof, you should consider cleaning your gutters. Clogged gutters can wreak havoc on your roofing system. By clearing out any debris you find, you’re actively preventing roof leaks, shingle damage, and more.
If you notice any cracks in the gutters, loose fastenings, or clogs in the downpipes, you should call a professional for repairs. At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we offer professional gutter repairs and replacements in Pittsburgh, PA, and all surrounding areas. With our help, you can have clean gutters in no time.
5. Practice Extreme Caution if Walking on Your Roof
When you’re ready to begin stringing up lights, avoid walking on your roof unless absolutely necessary. Walking on your roof is not only dangerous but can also damage the shingles if you do not know how to do so correctly. We recommend exercising extreme caution if you need to walk on your roof, or call an expert for help.
Call Your Local Roofers if You Notice Signs of Damage
Now that you know how to hang Christmas lights on your roof safely, you can begin decorating for the holidays. If you notice any signs of roof damage during the process, call Gotcha Covered Contracting in Pittsburgh, PA, at 724-581-8147 for a free estimate on repairs or replacements from our expert team.
