It’s that time of year . . . when homeowners a festive touch to the holidays by hanging Christmas lights. The thing is, hanging lights can be extremely tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Following are a few tips on how to hang up lights without causing damages that lead to shingle roof repairs or the need for sloped roofing services.
Timing is Everything
Don’t put off hanging Christmas lights until the last minute. Get the lights installed before the snow hits and frozen gutter accumulations to stay safe.
Use the Appropriate Lights
No matter which style of light you prefer, buy versions that are rated for outdoor use. These lights are tested for safety by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ETL (Intertek), or CSA (the Canadian Standards Association). Also, before you go to all that work make sure the lights are working and look for frayed cords.
Choose the Right Ladder for the Job
It’s not uncommon for people to fall off the ladder or roof while hanging lights during the holidays with severe consequences. Proceed with caution and make sure the ladder is the appropriate height to access your roofline without over-reaching. Also, make sure the ladder is on stable ground. In addition, secure any safety locking features before climbing the ladder. It’s also a good idea to invest in fall prevention equipment like a harness, lanyard, etc. Also, allow yourself plenty of time to finish the job, ask a family member or friend to help, or better yet, hire a Sloped Roofing Services professional.
Use the Appropriate Accessories
Inspect the roof and decide on the best place to successfully hang your Christmas lights (eaves,
shingles, gutters) and which accessories to use. Whether it’s a flat roof, shingle roof, or sloped roof, water intrusion issues can be caused by staples. Basically, anything that puts a hole in the roofline can end up damaging the roof. Staples can also damage wires that can cause electrocution and be a fire hazard. Bottomline, using the appropriate specialty clips, hooks, or wires wisely will help you avoid costly gutter, shingle roof repairs, etc.
Be Careful Taking the Lights Down
Extensive damage can also be caused during the light removal process. Be just as careful taking the lights down after the holidays as you were putting them up. Don’t waste all your careful installation efforts by pulling them down.
Hire a Professional
Do yourself a favor and call a professional specializing in sloped roofing services, etc., and ask for a quote for Christmas light installation. There’s no price you can place on safety and peace of mind. Avoid ruining holidays with roof damage expenses and accidents. Follow the tips listed here and enjoy the holidays!
