When you think of holiday season decorations, twinkling outdoor lights come to mind. Before climbing up on the roof there are some important things to keep in mind when decorating your roof line.
Plan ahead! Planning your project is important to an appealing and safe display. After you decide on the look you want, measure carefully and be sure to get all the supplies you need to save time and hassle later. Check your lights before you get on the roof. Make sure they work and look for broken lights and exposed wire as this could be a fire hazard. Choose light strings made for outdoor use. Plan how you will string the lights together and keep in mind that too many lights on one power source could also be a fire hazard. Check the manufacturers safety instructions and take note of installation instructions and placement near other decorations.
The best place to hang lights is your gutters, but if you have to attach them to your roof, there are good clips that can be purchased in most holiday decorating departments. These will allow you to attach the lights to your roof without damaging the shingles. Clips can attach to gutters or slide under the shingles and secure to the roof edge. NEVER staple or nail into your shingles! This will leave a small hole where water will penetrate and cause damage to the roof and wood. Clips are inexpensive compared to repairing or replacing a roof damaged by nails or staples and are easily removed and reused.
Plan ahead! Planning your project is important to an appealing and safe display. After you decide on the look you want, measure carefully and be sure to get all the supplies you need to save time and hassle later. Check your lights before you get on the roof. Make sure they work and look for broken lights and exposed wire as this could be a fire hazard. Choose light strings made for outdoor use. Plan how you will string the lights together and keep in mind that too many lights on one power source could also be a fire hazard. Check the manufacturers safety instructions and take note of installation instructions and placement near other decorations.
The best place to hang lights is your gutters, but if you have to attach them to your roof, there are good clips that can be purchased in most holiday decorating departments. These will allow you to attach the lights to your roof without damaging the shingles. Clips can attach to gutters or slide under the shingles and secure to the roof edge. NEVER staple or nail into your shingles! This will leave a small hole where water will penetrate and cause damage to the roof and wood. Clips are inexpensive compared to repairing or replacing a roof damaged by nails or staples and are easily removed and reused.
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