The holiday season is a time to give thanks and spend time with those we love. Wouldn't you prefer to spend that time around a warm fireplace or a dinner table instead of a hospital bed?
As roofing contractors who spend a lot of time working from formidable heights, Northpoint Roofing Systems understands the dangers of hanging lights and the importance of holiday roof decoration safety. Before our customers do what we do every day and climb up on their roofs, let's take a few minutes to review some holiday roof decorating safety tips.
Whether you're decking the halls with boughs of holly or 500 watts of LED string lights, read through our list of holiday roof decorating dos and don'ts for advice you can use to prepare yourself and your home for a safe and festive holiday season.
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Holiday Roof Decorating: Dos and Don'ts
Follow these dos and don'ts to ensure your holiday roof decorations are as safe and secure as they are spectacular.
7 Do's For Decorating Your Roof
1. Do Inspect Your Roof Beforehand
Choose a mild day to carefully examine your roof for any damaged tiles, loose shingles, or icy spots. This preliminary check not only prevents potential accidents but also helps you strategically plan your light placement and determine the number of decorations you'll need.
2. Do Choose the Right Gear
Preparation is the best way to prevent holiday roof decorating mishaps. Select sturdy, non-slip shoes, wear warm clothing, and meticulously inspect all electrical cords to ensure they're rated for outdoor use. Remember to choose a stable ladder that extends at least three feet above your roofline.
3. Do Protect Shingles by Avoiding Nails
Instead of puncturing your shingles with nails, opt for clip-on light holders or adhesive mounting solutions that won't damage your roofing materials. Keep heavy pieces on the ground and save the lightweight, easily attachable decorations for your roof.
4. Do Tie or Weigh Down Inflatables
Secure inflatable decorations using sturdy ropes tethered to your roof's eaves or soffits. You might also consider attaching them to a plywood frame for extra stability. A well-secured decoration will stay exactly where you want it, even during harsh weather.
5. Do Keep All Decorations Away from Other Objects
Strategic placement is key to both an impressive and safe holiday display. Focus on accessible areas of your roofline, avoiding steep pitches or frozen patches. Stay clear of potential hazards like chimneys, power lines, vents, and trees.
6. Do Check Your Roof for Damage
A second emphasis on roof inspection underscores its critical importance. Take the time to thoroughly examine your roof's condition, looking for any signs of wear, damage, or weaknesses. This proactive approach not only ensures your safety during decorating but can also help you identify and address potential roofing issues before they become critical problems.
7. Do Be a Courteous Neighbor
In the spirit of the holidays, consider your neighbors when planning your display. Keep decorations contained within your property lines. If you're using lights with flashing effects or sound, set a timer to limit their operation to reasonable hours. Taking a thoughtful approach to holiday roof decorating ensures that everyone will enjoy your hard work.
7 Don'ts For Decorating Your Roof
1. Don't Decorate if the Weather is Bad
Slick surfaces from snow, ice, or sleet can dramatically increase the risk of slips and falls. Save your holiday decorating for a clear, dry day when you can work safely. Your festive spirit doesn't have to come at the cost of your safety.
2. Don't Decorate Without a Helper
Roof decorating is a team effort that prioritizes safety and efficiency. Working with a ground-level partner provides crucial support, from steadying your ladder and passing tools to responding in case of an accident. Beyond the practical benefits, having a second set of eyes allows for a better perspective, helping you create a more visually appealing holiday display.
3. Don't Go Overboard
When it comes to holiday roof decorating, restraint is your best design strategy. Consider the structural limits of both your roof and electrical system, avoiding overloaded circuits and excessive weight that could compromise their integrity. A thoughtfully curated display with a few well-placed decorations will create a more impressive visual impact than a cluttered jumble.
4. Don't Haul Heavy Items Up the Ladder
Your roof is not designed to support substantial decorative weight. Opt for lightweight decorations like string lights and inflatable displays, keeping heavier items firmly on the ground where they belong.
5. Don't Nail Your Shingles, Protect Them
Nails and staples create puncture points that compromise your roof's protective barrier. Preserve the integrity of your roofing materials by using decorator-friendly alternatives that won't make them vulnerable to water damage.
6. Don't Staple Your Lights: Clip Them On
Forget the old-school staples. Modern light clips offer a damage-free, user-friendly fastening solution, securely attaching to gutters and other surfaces without compromising your home's protective structures. Clips not only protect your roof and siding but also make set-up and removal a breeze.
7. Don't Place Inflatables Near Other Objects on the Roof
Keep inflatables and other decorations away from chimneys, electrical lines, tree branches, and vents. Strategic placement prevents fire risks, electrocution, punctures, or airflow obstruction. By creating clear zones for your decorations, you'll ensure a safer, more visually appealing holiday showcase.
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Roof decoration safety also includes proactively monitoring your roof system's health. If, while spending time up high decorating for the holidays, you discover suspicious-looking damage, take the opportunity to schedule a professional roof inspection.
Northpoint Roofing Systems offers free roof inspections using state-of-the-art drone technology. As a Best of the Best National Award winner, our commitment to roofing excellence is well-established. Experience that excellence for yourself when you schedule a roof inspection with Northpoint. Our gift to you this holiday season is home safety and comfort.
Happy holidays!