Buddy the Elf would tell you that “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” But if you’re like us and not a fan of singing in public, you can show your Christmas spirit by decorating your home for the holidays. If you choose to hang your own lights as opposed to hiring a professional, you’ll want to make sure you do it without causing any damage to your roof. At Christmastime, you want to spend your money on gifts, not roof repair! Here are a few tips to help you get your Christmas lights hung without damaging your roof.

Make sure you test all your lights before starting. You don’t want to hang all your lights just to find out that some of them don’t work. Check all your lights for burnt out bulbs or frayed wires before attempting to hang them on your home. If you find a strand that doesn’t work, the best option is to just throw it out and get a new strand. Be sure to also check the labels on the lights to make sure they are made for outdoor use.

Try to avoid walking on your roof by hanging the lights from a ladder. Every step you take on your roof wears away the protective surface of your shingles. If you have a tile roof, we recommend having a professional hang your lights as the tiles easily crack, break, or slide out of place. Make sure you use safety precautions when using a ladder. Make sure the ladder is on a level, solid surface or have someone hold it for you. Move your ladder frequently and don’t reach too far; the only way to go is down!

Avoid using staples or nails to attach Christmas lights to your roof, or anything that will puncture the roof covering. You don’t want to put any holes, no matter how small, in your roof as holes can lead to leaks. Eventually those small holes can lead to other major problems with your roof, causing the need for us at J-Conn Roofing to come out and do repairs. If possible, hang the lights from gutters or eaves. Plastic clips are the best option for hanging your lights as they won’t damage your roof- they are easy to install and remove. If you are attaching the clips to your shingles, make sure you do not lift the shingles as that can easily cause damage. They also make a specific clip for the peak/ridge of your roof if you plan to go all out like Clark Griswold.

Merry Christmas!