While it can be fun to put up holiday lights, it's traditionally had its share of downsides. In addition to requiring a ladder, adding seasonal cheer to a home's exterior previously involved driving screws, nails, or staples into the roof or siding. The small holes these fasteners create can allow moisture to penetrate the roofing system, potentially leading to leaks, mold, and mildew.
These days, you can choose many options to spread holiday cheer without damaging your home or taking on unnecessary risks. Here are the most effective ways to decorate for the season.
Consider Decor That Doesn't Involve the Roof
The safest way to bedeck your home for the holidays is to decorate another part of the house or your yard, away from the roof. Here are a few ideas.
Projectors
Light projectors shower your home with a moving light display, featuring anything from snowflakes to traditional holiday characters. With many options, you're sure to find one that suits your house and neighborhood. And since the projector units sit close to the ground, you don't risk damage to your home and don't need a ladder to install them.
Inflatables
Inflatables are staked into the ground and can help create a variety of holiday themes, from the classic nativity scene to an eye-catching menorah. They're easy to install and won't damage your home. However, inflatables are susceptible to weather events—during high winds or heavy snowfall, you may want to unplug or turn off the fan to prevent them from taking flight or creating a risk of electric shock.
Tree Lights
You can hang lights from trees, landscaping, or other structures in your yard. Stringing lights around bushes, up light poles or tree trunks, and under a carport are all good alternatives to hanging them on the roof.
How to String Holiday Lights on Your House
If you really want to put up holiday lights on your house, you can do so safely without damaging your roof or siding.
Seek Help
Only use a ladder with a partner nearby to help maintain stability and provide assistance. If you don't feel comfortable climbing a ladder or want additional help, contact a roofing contractor.
Use Plastic Clips
You can mount holiday lights using plastic clips that attach to gutters or shingles. The most common ones clip to the gutter's edge and hold either individual lights or the wire between them. You can also use siding clips to string lights vertically.
Alternatively, you can install roof peak clips, which grip the shingle's edges at the top of the roof. They require access to the roof ridge, so professionals often use them.
To remove the lights at the end of the season, take down the clips individually. Don't pull on the string of lights, as doing so could damage your gutters or the light string.
Try Magnetic Clips
You can use magnetic clips to attach individual bulbs or sockets to metal roofs or flashing. You can easily take them down by pulling on the string of lights (in this case, it's OK).
While you're working around your roof, take a few minutes to inspect it for potential damage or quality issues. Contact a contractor if you have any concerns.
Holiday Lighting Options
Select lights that are properly rated for outdoor use. LEDs are often recommended due to their energy efficiency, and they don't heat up like incandescent bulbs. You can also plug in multiple strings to the same outlet without fear of overloading the circuit, making LED lights more versatile.
When it comes to types of holiday lighting, you have a few options.
Large Bulbs
It doesn't get much more traditional than large bulbs. You can use clips to ensure they're all pointing the same way, or string the cord through them for a more carefree look.
Mini Lights
Mini lights don't put out as much light as large bulbs, so they may not be the best option for the roof. However, they're great for windows, trees, or indoor displays.
Icicle Lights
Icicle lights have strings of small bulbs that hang down from the gutter or roof to look like icicles. Use clips to attach the main string to the gutter line.
Raindrop Lights
Raindrop lights are animated to look like raindrops. You can hang them in a cluster in a small area or spots where traditional string lights don't work.
Decorative Bulb Covers
Decorative bulb covers give your home a unique look. You can get them shaped like snowmen, stars, ornaments, or other holiday motifs.
Smart Lights
Smart lights are the newest trend in holiday lighting. An app lets you control the lighting colors, patterns, intensity, and blinking speed so you can create your own unique light show. When paired with music, your home will become a neighborhood attraction.
Remember to Prioritize Safety
Safety should always be your first priority when you put up holiday lights. If you need a ladder to achieve your desired design, don't climb one without a helper nearby, and ensure you have the right ladder for the job. Also, attaching lights to your house with temporary clips instead of permanent fasteners can help keep your roofing system healthy.
If you notice any roof damage or concerns while planning your holiday decorations, don't hesitate to contact a roofing contractor that's certified by GAF. They have the expertise to assess and address any roofing issues, ensuring your home stays protected throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Whether you hang lights or opt for other outdoor decor, you can spread holiday cheer this season safely and creatively.
