As the holiday season moves ahead in full swing, homeowners across Chicago, IL, are getting excited about decorating the interior and exterior of their homes. No matter what theme you are going with for your lighting and decorations, it is important to be able to hang your lights without causing any roof damage.

If you are not careful when hanging your holiday lights, it can cause serious damage, such as broken gutters and cracked shingles. There are also risks when it comes to climbing up on your roof. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to keep yourself safe this year. 

Put Safety First

Before you get started with decorating for the holiday season, it is important to make sure all of your tools and equipment are safe for use. Inspect your ladder for any issues. Check the lights to make sure they are fully functioning and that there are no missing bulbs or shorts. The last thing you want to do is climb onto the roof and struggle to deal with a light malfunction. Making sure everything is safe and in good condition before getting started can help keep you out of harm’s way. 

Prepare for Going on Your Roof

After verifying that your lights are working, make sure they are not tangled or knotted. Trying to untangle lights while on a ladder can be quite dangerous. By making sure they are in good shape and easy to lay out ahead of time, you will be better able to handle the task safely.

Use the Right Hanging Solutions

Using the right hanging method is vital. Using hooks and other items that can penetrate the roof can cause serious roof damage, which can lead to leaks over time. For this reason, there are methods you want to avoid. 

Avoid Using Staples and Tacks

Many homeowners think that it is safe and effective to hang holiday lights with staples. Although staple guns are an excellent way to hang lights quickly, it is not the best option for avoiding roof damage. Each staple that penetrates your home has the potential to cause roof damage. Staples create small holes in the shingles, which can allow moisture to seep in. This can lead to rotting and the development of mold and mildew. You can avoid this type of roof damage by using alternative methods for hanging lights instead.

Consider Alternative Methods

Rather than using staples to hang your holiday lights, consider using plastic clips. These clips are extremely affordable and hold wires in place along your gutters. This method is generally safe and does not cause any roof damage. Another option that you can choose is using zip ties. Zip ties can secure the lighting in place without causing damage.

Another way that you can decorate without having to worry about causing roof damage is through the use of magnet lights. These types of lights are extremely attractive. They look like traditional lights; however, they are attached to your home through iron-based magnets. It is important to note that this type of lighting solution will not work on copper or aluminum surfaces. This makes it vital to test your gutters and eaves to make sure they will stick before purchasing the lights. 

Leave Heavy Objects on the Ground

Placing heavy items on your roof can increase the chances of roof damage. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to leave heavy decorations and objects on the ground. 

Placing heavy items on the roof can mar the surface of your shingles and place a significant amount of weight in targeted locations, which can cause sagging. This can make your roof more vulnerable to damage and increase the chances of moisture getting through your shingles. 

Do Not Walk on the Roof

Although it can be tempting to go out on your roof and walk around while hanging holiday lights, this is something that you may want to avoid. Walking on your roof has the potential to cause harm to you and cause roof damage.

Walking on your roof during the winter increases the chances of slipping and falling. There may be ice and slipper surfaces on top of your roof, which can be extremely dangerous to walk on. Unfortunately, you may not notice that it is there until it is too late.

Additionally, walking on the roof can cause unwanted roof damage. Without having the proper equipment and exercising careful techniques, there is a chance that you may cause damage to the shingles. Your roof shingles could weaken under your feet or break. Unfortunately, this can lead to water damage on your roof, which can be costly to treat. 

Consider a Roof Inspection

As you get ready to go out and decorate this holiday season, you may want to consider having a roof inspection performed. A professional inspection can help determine if there are any lingering issues on your roof that should be addressed before the harsh winter weather hits.

An inspection can help to determine if there is any warping, cracked shingles, worn-out shingles or other issues that need to be addressed. In addition, having a roof inspection performed before winter cold and snow set in can help provide you peace of mind.

Decorating for the holidays can be a fun way to enjoy the winter weather with your family while showing your holiday spirit. Taking these steps can help to ensure your decorations are safely hung and that your roof is out of harm’s way.

Call Our Chicago, IL, Roof Experts for Help

If there is damage to your roof that needs to be addressed, you can count on our roofing professionals at Canga Restoration in Chicago, IL, to handle this job for you. For more than a decade, our team has helped both home and business owners across the area with all of their roofing needs. 

Whether you need a repair, a replacement, or an inspection, you can count on our team to provide you with quality services throughout the entire process. To get started, contact our team today.