All the cold weather we’ve enjoyed the last few weeks has gotten us thinking about decorating for the holidays! We offer professional holiday light installation (click here if you’d like a free quote) but we also know that many families enjoy the tradition of decorating their home themselves. 

To keep you on Santa’s nice roof list, we’ve put together a few key Holiday Decorating Do’s and Don’ts to ensure your home or property isn’t damaged as you hang your festive decor. 

Holiday Decorating Do’s & Don’ts:

DO Use Clips To Hang Lights

Plastic clips are a handy way to hang lights without damaging your home. They come in several styles and can attach to your gutters, shingles, or eaves without causing damage. Using proper clips that don’t damage your home will prevent the need for professional roof repairs in the future.

DON’T Staple Christmas Lights To Your Roof

You NEVER want to put holes in your roof for any reason! As a roofing contractor in Dallas and Fort Worth, we see a lot of damage caused by staples. As quick and easy as they may make light installation, the holes left behind create weak points in your shingles. These tiny holes can allow moisture to seep in, leading to cracks in your shingles and damage to your home. 

DO Use A GFCI Outlet For Outdoor Lights

A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet prevents electric shock from systems that could be exposed to wet conditions. For outdoor lights exposed to rain or snow, this acts as a circuit breaker and protects your family and your home from a shock risk.

DON’T Run Strings Of Lights Through Windows Or Doors

Running a light strand or extension cord out of a window or doorway can seem like a simple solution if you have a shortage of outdoor outlets. However, when that door or window is closed, the internal wires can become frayed or damages from the constant pressure. This makes a safety hazard for shocks or electric fires. (Remember, if you need an outdoor outlet installed, we can help!)

DO Use Ladders Appropriately

Falls are the leading injury landing people in emergency rooms during the holidays. It’s important to follow safety precautions as you use ladders to hang lights and other decorations. Make sure that you have a second person as a spotter to hold the ladder for stability at all times. Move your ladder over instead of reaching to prevent tipping and consider using a wooden or fiberglass ladder to prevent electric shock as you work with lights. 

DON’T Forget To Turn Off The Lights

Especially if your family is enjoying a live Christmas tree this year, lights should not be left on overnight. Even LED lights can overheat and the combination of overheated lights and a dry Christmas tree could cause a fire. We suggest turning off your lights anytime you go to bed or leave the house.

And finally, DO Call In An Expert if you find any damage to your roof while you’re hanging your lights! Take the time while you’re on the ladder to check your shingles, eaves, and go through a DIY Roof Check. We’re always happy to give you a free repair estimate or a free professional roof inspection to get your home prepped and ready for the winter weather.

We’re wishing you the brightest decorations on the block and the happiest of holiday seasons!