How to Put Up Christmas Roof Lights Without Causing Damage
It’s that time of year again, and many homeowners are ready to install their Christmas roof lights. While this tradition is fun for many, it can also be tricky. You must consider your roof and its material when planning your lighting design – especially if you have asphalt shingle roofs. If you’re not careful, you might end up damaging your roof in the process.
The main risk when installing Christmas roof lights is that you will create holes in your roof, which will eventually cause a leak or expose your roof decking to mold, mildew, and water damage. Other risks to take seriously include fire, fall, or electrocution to the person installing the lights.
Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to hang up Christmas roof lights without damaging your asphalt shingle roof. Matute Roofing professionals are here to offer their top tips on how to set up your Christmas roof lights without damaging your roof this festive season! If you are installing strings of lights and notice areas of concern with your shingles, trust Matute Roofing for all your roof maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
Shingles Should Be Walked on Gently
For safety, use a sturdy ladder, a grounded outdoor outlet, and lights that have already been tested for shorts. Try not to walk on the roof unless necessary – and if you’re not comfortable doing so, have someone else do it for you. However, if you must walk on your roof, be sure to do so gently and in soft shoes – and avoid walking on shingles in the heat of the day. If snow is already on your roof, slick surfaces must be monitored for safety.
Use Plastic Clips for Securing Lights
If you plan to use staples, nails, or screws to hang your lights, then you may be putting your roof at risk. These tools can puncture the shingles and leave holes that can lead to leaking and other damage. Instead, purchase plastic clips designed explicitly for hanging Christmas roof lights on roofs. These clips are easy to use and won’t damage the shingles or create any holes that can cause problems later on.
The shingles’ integrity will be compromised when you remove the nails, allowing water to seep in. That means your roof decking will rot, and water will get under the roofing material and flow – potentially resulting in a leak inside the building. No one wants to celebrate the new year with water indoors.
Clean the Roofing Before Putting Up Christmas Lights
You are already up there, so why not get more bang for your buck? Before hanging up the lights, take a few minutes to clean your roofing. You don’t want any dirt or grime between the shingles and clips you are using. A damp cloth can easily do the trick and help keep your roof looking great for years.
Also, if any trees are nearby, ensure they do not drop debris on the house or around its base. This debris can be a significant source of damage to your roof.
Run the Wires Upwards to the Roofline
Secure your Christmas roof light wires by using twist ties or tape. This practice will give you a sense of security that they won’t come unplugged during installation and also protects the wires from any stray tree branches or debris falling onto them.
Once they are secured, you can begin running the cords up to the roofline. You can also tape off the female ends of your lights and extension cords. This process prevents water from seeping into the lights and causing outages or breaker issues.
Why So Many Safety Precautions With Holiday Decorations?
Trees and other tall objects can fall on your roof during a snowstorm, so it’s essential to have the best materials to hang your beautiful holiday decorations. It helps preserve your roof and its shingles and ensures your decorations stay in place for many weeks.
While viewing your Christmas roof lighting extravaganza, friends and family can focus on your roof. Make sure it looks its very best. If you are experiencing shingle failures, know the top-notch team at Matute Roofing is available to get your shingles safe and secure as soon as possible. All the shingles we install are compatible with the universal gutter clips used for hanging decorations and lights. These shingle roofs last for decades and for many holidays to come!
Why Trust Us?
In the New Jersey area, no one is better than Matute Roofing. Whether you are repairing, replacing, or simply looking for roof maintenance, we will ensure you are satisfied with our performance and services from start to finish. Matute Roofing is a family-owned & operated roofing contractor with over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry. Our experienced crew is here to help with any problems or questions! We guarantee the job gets done right the first time by making your roof our priority. Our long list of satisfied clients proves we work on your property with care and precision.
Schedule Residential Roof Repair With Matute Roofing
If you need inspections, repairs, or other roofing services, please call us at 973-618-6489. You can also fill out our contact form or check us out on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Call Matute Roofing at 973-618-6489 or fill out a contact form. We will be happy to contact you to answer any questions.
