Whether you opt to make your home sparkle during the festive season with subtle snowflakes or an elaborate display of lights and animatronics, what's important is that your roof still looks as good as ever after your holiday roofing decorations come down.
Follow these six simple safety strategies as you decorate to avoid roof damage and save time, money, and hassle during the holidays.
1. Say No to Nail Holes
Avoid the temptation to nail or staple holiday decorations to your shingles, fascia or siding. The minuscule holes they create can draw in moisture, which may lead to roof leaks and rot.
Instead, use plastic gutter clips to safely hang holiday lights from your gutters or eaves. Stick with lightweight decorations so that your gutters don't sag under all that holiday cheer.
2. Send the Sleigh Down
Inflatables, statues, and holiday scenes are better left grounded. Securing heavy or oversized holiday decorations to a rooftop can damage shingles and potentially affect roof warranties. Plus, strong winds may rip off holiday roofing decorations, possibly tearing shingles.
Instead, park Frosty and Santa on the front lawn—and think of all the potential photo ops!
3. Raise Your Ladder
Use an extension ladder to hang holiday lights rather than walking on the roof. Shingles are strong and watertight, but scrambling on them can lead to granule loss and damage. Leave walking on rooftops to professionals and Santa's magical reindeer.
However, only use a ladder if it's safe for you to do so and there's a buddy present.
4. Plug In Properly
Elaborate holiday roofing decorations and lawn decor can require serious voltage, so set up with care to prevent holiday electrical fires.
Ensure lights are safety rated and made for outdoor use, and opt for low-heat LED bulbs.
Use plastic clips to hang lights. Not only do staples and nails damage roofs, but they can also pierce the protective insulation on electrical cords, leading to potential sparks.
Unplug holiday decor when you're away from home or sleeping.
Always use a GFCI outlet and follow holiday fire prevention tips.
5. Resist the Rip
As satisfying as it may be to rip down lights, it isn't worth the potential roof damage—grabbing one end and yanking can tear shingles and pull down gutters.
Instead, grab a friend and an extension ladder. Remove the light clips the same way they went up: one at a time. Carefully coil the lights as you go to make storage and next year's installation even easier.
6. Style with Safety in Mind
Be smart and play it safe when decorating for the winter season.
Grab a buddy to hold your ladder and spot you.
Skip the ladder and roof lights altogether; instead, string holiday lights around the door frame and front lawn foliage.
Hire a pro to install lights and holiday decorations if it's not safe for you to do so.
- Follow electricity safety protocols for plug-in decor.
With these simple roof decoration strategies, you can celebrate while protecting what matters most.
