Now
that the holiday season is here, it's time to get decorating on the outside of
your home! Holiday string lights are typically a part of the decorations to get
your home ready, but these can be very tricky to hang up. When hanging your
holiday lights, you especially do not want to potentially damage your roof in
the process. Continue reading to learn how to hang lights without damaging your
roof.
The
most important aspect of preventing damage to your roof while putting up lights
is to practice patience and caution.
Do Not Use Nails Or Staples
One
of the easiest ways to put up string lights is with nails or staples, but this
is one of the most common ways that you can damage your roof. Any time that
roofing materials are punctured, you're inviting water and moisture in. Once
moisture gets in, extensive water damage and mold growth can occur which
results in costly repairs.
Know Where To Hang Your Lights
When
you're hanging string lights on the edge of your roof, you have to decide if
you are going to place the lights on the gutters or the shingles. There are
plastic clips for both options, but if you choose your gutters, make sure that
you clean out your gutters so there is not any additional weight added to their
load.
If
you'd like to learn more about cleaning and maintaining your gutters, click here.
Shop For Plastic Clips
Plastic
clips are key to putting up string lights without damaging your roof. These
plastic clips are designed to be easy to install, simple to remove, affordable,
and readily available. These clips hook onto your gutters to prevent you from
having to make any holes in your gutters or shingles.
Inspect Your Lights Before Decorating
Before
you put up your lights, make sure you check for any bad bulbs, frayed wires, or
flicker lights. These three signs could be signals for electrical damage. An
electrical fire can damage not only your roof but your home. To keep yourself
and your family safe, make sure your string lights are in good condition.
Hanging
your string lights improperly can leave your home and roof susceptible to
extensive damage over time. However, it does give you an opportunity to spot
any points of concern on your roof or gutter system. If you see any problem
areas while installing your lights this holiday season, it's time to call a
roofing professional. Our team at Roof It Forward can perform a free video
inspection to analyze your roof, show you proof of any concerning spots, and
explain any necessary repairs. Schedule your free roofing inspection today.
