Ho, Ho, Ho – It’s Christmas time again! For many Canadians, that means hanging Christmas lights across your property, with the roofline always being a popular choice. While everyone enjoys the colourful displays, often driving hours to view them, what many of these homeowners don’t realize is that in their goal to deck out their homes in the holiday spirit, they can actually be compromising the integrity of their roofs.
A. Clark Roofing and Siding LP have been providing knowledgeable and friendly roofing across Alberta for over 60 years. If you are decorating your home’s exterior for Christmas this year, be mindful of how you are fixing your decorations to your home to avoid making a mistake that could cost you down the road. In the spirit of giving, here are some tips to help you hang your Christmas decorations without damaging your roof.
Even before you start, decide on where you want your lights to hang, measure the roof line where you will hang your lights to decide on how many lights you will need, and layout a plan.
Next, before you install any electrical holiday decoration or string of lights, whether new or a family heirloom, you need to inspect and test it first to ensure that it works and that it is safe to use. Check the cords, the light sockets, the bulbs, and plugs. Also, make sure that all electrical decorations feature the Underwriting Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification logo and if it is not there, then it has not been tested for safety and it shouldn’t be used. Make sure you are using a grounded power source to prevent any outbreaks of fire or other electrical issues.
To install lights along your roofline, use plastic clips to attach your lights. Using metal staples, nails, and other surface-piercing security measures break through the surface of the roof, thus compromising its ability to withstand the elements and protect the home.
If you have large holiday decoration that you want to put on your roof this year, then you need to be sure you secure the decoration on your roof and get back down to firm ground without any roofing damage or bodily harm. Try tying your decorations to your chimney with heavy duty rope or bungee cords, and tie heavy sandbags to the base of the decoration to help keep it secure.
Here are some additional tips to help you enjoy a safer holiday.
- Clean your roof and gutters of any branches, leaves, or debris before installing decorations;
- Never place your ladder on uneven ground;
- Secure the ladder to the house or the roof to keep it from sliding or shifting;
- Avoid hanging lights on the parts of your home that are too dangerous or difficult to reach; and,
- Hire a professional to install your roof lights if you are afraid of heights.
Roofing Contractors in Edmonton
If you have questions, or concerns about your roof, or on any of our roofing services in Edmonton, contact A Clark Roofing and Siding LP at 780.465.7571 today to learn about our 5-year workmanship warranty and a free quote on your next roofing project.