Hanging Christmas Lights on Your Shingle Roof
The warm glow of Christmas lights on a home is one of the most iconic aspects of the holiday season. What better way to show your neighbors your holiday spirit than by lighting up your home? It is also one of the first things that catches people’s eyes when they drive down the street during the holiday season. Strung across the front, spiraling up a perfectly shaped tree or lining the roof, these twinkling bulbs will never cease to amaze.
But did you know that there is a wrong way to hang lights and it can affect your shingle roof? We've put together alternative solutions that keep your roof (and gutters) safe from damage!
Types of Christmas Light Roof Clips
It is never recommended that you use staple guns or nails that will puncture your roof or home exterior when hanging Christmas lights. You are probably wondering what you should use instead, right? There are many roof clip options available at your local hardware store that make a great alternative!
The type of clips that you use will be determined by the type of roof edge that you have. Here are some of the most common and effective Christmas light roof clips that you can find at your local store:
Hook Clips: The clips will hook onto the edge of your gutters, and the line of lights can then be placed onto these hooks.
Line Clips: These clips are best for icicle or rope lights that don’t require the bulbs to be oriented a specific way. These also hook over the edge of your gutters but will achieve a tighter hold than your typical hook clip.
Bulb Clips: Do you need all your bulbs pointing in the exact same direction? If so, bulb clips are what you are looking for! They create a clean look that allows you to point the bulbs up, down or facing outward. These clips can be installed by hooking them onto your home’s gutters or the drip edge.
Roof Peak Clips: For those who take their Christmas lights to the next level – literally. These clips are installed onto the peak of your roof and grip the shingle edge. The end result will give you that precise desired roof outline you are looking for.
You can learn more about the various types of Christmas light roof clips here.
How to Hang Your Christmas Lights
We recommend buying more lights than you think you need, especially if you are guesstimating the size of your roof. The chances you are going to need them are pretty good, and if you don’t need them, you can always return any extra boxes to the store.
Next you will want to formulate a plan. Consider where your outlets are located, how many extension cords you will need to safely light the exterior of your home, and if your ladder is tall enough.
Because you will be working from a ladder, we always recommend having a second set of hands to help you hang your lights. That way your assistant can pass you additional sets of lights or other supplies, and you won’t find yourself continually going up and down the ladder. It is also important to ensure that you have your ladder positioned securely on the ground before ever climbing it.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to reach higher than your position on the ladder allows, you can either use a taller ladder, a light-hanging pole, or can rent special equipment, such as a bucket lift. It is never recommended that you stand or walk on your roof.
Taking Your Lights Down After the Holidays
We know it is tempting, but whatever you do, do not just pull on the string to take your lights down! We completely understand that it will save you a lot of time. However, in the process you could end up pulling down your gutters or damaging your shingle roof. We recommend taking your lights down the same way that you put them up. Not only is this the safer alternative, but it can provide you with a better way to wrap your string of lights as well!
As you get up on your roof, if you notice a problem with your asphalt shingles, please give NH Grand Roofs a call. Our team of professionals can perform a roof inspection to address your concerns and can provide a free cost estimate should your roof need to be replaced. We are available by phone at 603-552-7152 or you can email info@nhgrandroofs.com.
