​Hang Those Christmas Lights Without Messing up Your Roof

Before the year ends, there is still one holiday that many people look forward to—Christmas—which is just around the corner. It is the perfect time to spend with family and friends while enjoying festive decorations.

A popular decoration during this season is Christmas lights. But when it comes to hanging these lights, especially on the roof, it's essential to do it correctly. Each year, 15,000 injuries are reported in November and December, all related to outdoor lighting.

Hang Those Christmas Lights Without Messing Up Your Roof

Nobody wants to celebrate their holidays in the hospital, and you certainly don't want to be the exception. Best Access Doors is here to provide a few tips on how to stay safe when hanging Christmas lights without damaging the roof.

1. Be Careful When Using the Ladder

Climbing tall ladders can be extremely dangerous, especially if the ladder is used incorrectly or the wrong type is chosen for the job. It's essential to have someone with you when using a ladder, just in case of an accident. Always use caution and common sense to prevent ladder-related injuries.

2. Use Clips to Avoid Roof Damage

Hanging Christmas lights can be done without stepping on the roof, depending on the type of house or building. However, accidents can happen due to loose shingles, tiles, or wet and icy conditions. 

The best method is to attach the lights to shingles or gutters using plastic clips, available at local big-box stores. They allow for swift installation and removal of lights. You can secure them to the gutters or sides of the home or building but avoid blocking drainage channels while working.

If you aren't careful enough, this can change water flow and weaken the entire roof system. If using plastic clips, ensure they are safe for all roofing components, as some may not be suitable for gutter decorations.

3. Check the Lights First

Before hanging the Christmas lights, inspect each strand and look for damaged bulbs or frayed wires. While it is terrible to have malfunctioning light bulbs or wires, having a fire is even worse. This can occur if you don’t thoroughly check all lights inside and outside the home or commercial building.

4. Never Put Holes in the Roof

Puncturing a roof is never recommended, as roofing materials are designed to stay watertight. Creating holes or entry points can weaken the materials, and even the smallest fasteners can damage shingles, leading to water seeping in during the first rain. 

Instead, consider alternative solutions, such as the BA-ALRF-LA aluminum roof hatch, providing safe and secure roof access without compromising the structure.

5. Think Before Walking on the Roof

Best Access Doors does not recommend walking on the roof. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also cause damage. A single loose shingle can easily lead to a fall. This task is best left to professionals with the proper safety equipment. 

6. Exercise Extra Caution When Walking on Shingles and Tiles

If you need to walk on the roof to hang holiday lights, wear soft, ripping shoes, and always have someone on the ground to guide you.

Additionally, roof pipes are fragile and can break underfoot. It’s important to avoid cracked shingles and stepping on the roof’s troughs, as this can lead to further breakage. Prepare the lights before getting on the roof to minimize the time spent there. 

7. Avoid Hanging Lights in Wet or Icy Conditions

Slippery conditions due to rain, snow, or ice make hanging Christmas lights particularly hazardous. A wet or icy roof dramatically increases the chance of slipping, which can lead to serious injury. It’s best to wait for clear, dry weather to hang the lights safely. It also prevents potential roof damage caused by moving around in these conditions. 

8. Stay away From the Chimney

The chimney is usually far from the gutters, requiring a walk. It's best to leave the fireplace without Christmas lights to protect the roofing system. However, if you decorate Santa’s entrance, do so carefully.

Additionally, plastic blow-up decorations don’t mix well with chimneys, as they can melt from the heat. It’s wise to place them at a safe distance. Also, be cautious when placing twinkling lights around the chimney, especially if the fireplace is still in use.

9. Ditch the Miscellaneous Décor

A plywood cutout of Santa and his eight tiny reindeer might look cute on the roof, but is it the best place for it? Probably not. To protect it, it's best to minimize the weight load. Skip the bulky decorations and opt for the brightest lights you can find instead. Also, avoid damaging the roof when removing clips or fasteners.

10. Find a Way Around the Roof

The best advice? Be realistic. The most effective way to protect the roof from damage is to avoid decorating it altogether. Instead, consider alternatives like beautiful lawn Christmas decorations, which save you the trouble of climbing on the roof.

Parting Words for You

These tips will help keep you and the roof safe and sound during Christmas. It's also important to remember one key thing—never go overboard! Overdecorating and overloading your roof can become more of a headache than a source of joy. 

Once the holiday season ends, store your festive decorations in a storage unit to free up space. From towering Christmas trees to twinkling lights and delicate ornaments, self-storage offers various unit sizes to accommodate all the holiday treasures, ensuring they remain pristine and ready for next year's celebrations.

If you need help or supplies from Best Access Doors, don’t hesitate to explore our products for your access door needs. We offer a safer and more convenient way to reach hidden areas without climbing on the roof. This ensures easy access for maintenance or decorating tasks while protecting the property from unnecessary damage.