Christmas Cheer: Roof Hazards From Lights And Decorations

Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to spread festive cheer than with a dazzling display of lights and decorations? However, while adorning your roof with twinkling lights and festive inflatables may seem like a great idea, it's important to proceed with caution to avoid causing costly damage to your home. From using the wrong fasteners to overloading your circuits, there are several pitfalls to navigate when transforming your roof into a winter wonderland. So, before you deck the halls and jingle those bells, read on to discover how to avoid a roofing disaster this Christmas.

Don't use staples, hammers, or nails

Hanging Christmas lights and decorations on your roof can certainly spread some festive cheer, but it's important to do it without damaging your roof. Here's why you should avoid using staples, hammers, or nails:

Holes and Punctures

Staples, hammers, and nails can leave behind holes and punctures, no matter how small, which create entry points for water to leak into the structure of your roof and your home. These holes can go unnoticed but often lead to costly repairs down the line. Water can seep through these holes and damage the decking (the plywood board beneath the shingles).

Damage to Shingles and Gutters

Using staples or nails on asphalt shingles is particularly harmful. Puncturing shingles with staples or nails will cause melting snow or rain to penetrate and damage the underlayment of shingles. This can also happen if you lift shingles to attach lights underneath them, as they are designed to lie flat and provide a seal from wind and moisture.

Additionally, staples, nails, and screw hooks can damage gutters by leaving holes when removed, causing drainage issues. Gutters are designed to carry water away from the roof and the home's foundation, so putting holes in them compromises their function and appearance, reducing the home's value.

Compromising the Waterproof Seal

Using nails or staples anywhere on the home breaks the waterproof seal installed by the manufacturer, allowing water to seep in and cause damage. This includes nailing or stapling into fascia (the wood around the perimeter of the roof), which can also result in splitting the wood and causing aesthetic issues.

Alternative Options

Instead of staples, hammers, or nails, opt for plastic clips or ties to attach Christmas lights to your roof or gutters. These won't puncture your shingles, gutters, or other roof parts, ensuring a damage-free festive season.

Avoid walking on your roof

Walking on your roof can cause significant damage and is incredibly dangerous. If you can, it's best to avoid it altogether.

The Dangers of Walking on Your Roof

Foot traffic is a major cause of roof damage. Walking on your roof can damage your shingles if you're not careful. Not wearing the proper footwear can cause considerable damage, known as "footfall". This is easy to spot, typically on the edges of the shingles. More severe damage happens in the summertime, and the shingles will smear under the pressure of your feet.

Walking on a roof can also be extremely hazardous to the person doing so. In a 2014 study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 647 fatal falls from roofs.

How to Minimise Roof Walking Hazards

If you absolutely must walk on your roof, there are several precautions you can take to minimise the risk of damage and injury:

• Assess the roof's condition before you start. Look for loose shingles or tiles, clear debris from your path, and avoid walking on moss.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Avoid loose clothing that could blow around in the wind and cause you to lose your balance. Wear shoes with good traction—a soft, rubber sole is best for grip.
• Only walk on the roof in good weather conditions. Avoid going on the roof during or after rain, snow, or high winds. Stay off the roof during a thunderstorm, as there's a risk of lightning strikes.
• Use a proper roof ladder to climb up, never an old wooden one. Set the base on firm ground and extend the ladder to the edge of the roof, with the top of the ladder reaching at least three feet above it.
• Always have another person present to spot you and help if you fall.
• Wear a roof harness and attach it to something sturdy on the roof, like a chimney.
• Avoid power lines, stucco or asphalt roofs, and take care when opening a skylight.
• Avoid placing a ladder on the roof to climb higher, as this can damage the shingles.
• Take extra care near the edge of the roof by tightening your harness and securing a bracket and a 2x4 as an anchor point.

Be cautious with inflatables

Inflatables are a common Christmas decoration, but they can cause damage to your roof if not properly set up or secured. If you're in a rush to remove them, or they're not weighted down correctly, they can fall and harm your roof.

To avoid damaging your roof, do not drill or nail into your shingles or any roof features (like a chimney) when securing inflatables. Instead, use a bag of sand to weigh down your inflatables. Hang the bag on the opposite slope of the roof and set up the inflatables with wires and safe-eye bolts to ensure they are sturdy. For larger inflatables, try setting them on a platform and weighing them down with a 50lb bag of sand.

If you're experiencing windy weather, it's best to deflate your inflatables to prevent them from causing any damage to your roof.

Don't overload circuits

Christmas lights and decorations can be a great way to get into the holiday spirit and spread cheer, but it's important to take some precautions to avoid overloading your circuits and causing damage to your roof. Here are some detailed tips to help you avoid overloading your circuits:

Know Your Circuit Capacity: Before plugging in your Christmas lights and decorations, find out the maximum wattage or amperage of the circuits you'll be using. This information can usually be found on the circuit breaker panel. Make sure you don't exceed the maximum load by plugging in too many lights or high-wattage decorations.

Distribute Plug Loads: Try to distribute your Christmas lights and decorations across multiple circuits to avoid overloading a single circuit. Use extension cords to reach different outlets connected to different circuits. This will reduce the load on any single circuit and minimize the risk of overloading.

Use a Power Meter: Consider using a power meter to measure the electrical current drawn by your Christmas lights and decorations. This will help you monitor the load on each circuit and ensure you don't exceed the maximum capacity.

Choose Energy-Efficient Lights: Opt for energy-efficient LED lights instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights use a fraction of the energy, produce less heat, and are less likely to overload your circuits. They also tend to last longer, so you won't have to replace them as often.

Turn Off Lights When Not in Use: Remember to turn off your Christmas lights when you're not at home or when you go to bed. This will reduce the overall load on your circuits and give them a chance to cool down. It's also a good way to save energy and reduce your utility bills.

Be Mindful of Other Appliances: Keep in mind that your circuits also power other appliances in your home, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and heaters. Avoid plugging in high-wattage appliances on the same circuit as your Christmas lights to prevent overloading.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Christmas lights and decorations don't overload your circuits, causing damage to your roof or electrical system. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you're unsure about anything.

Use anchors and clips for decorations

When it comes to hanging Christmas lights and decorations on your roof, it's crucial to use anchors and clips designed specifically for this purpose to avoid damaging your roof. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you safely decorate your roof this holiday season:

Choose the Right Clips for Your Roof Type:

Different types of roofs require different types of clips. Whether you have asphalt shingles, a tile roof, or a metal roof, make sure to select clips that are specifically designed for that particular roof type. Using the wrong clips can lead to damage. These specialized clips are readily available in physical stores and online.

Understand the Risks of Using Staples, Nails, or Screws:

Avoid using staples, nails, or screws to attach Christmas lights or decorations to your roof. Puncturing your roof, even with small holes, creates opportunities for water to leak into the structure and cause extensive damage over time. This can lead to issues such as leaks, structural damage, mould, and increased heating bills due to air transfer. Gutters with holes may also lead to drainage problems and reduce the home's value.

Opt for Plastic Clips or Ties:

When securing Christmas lights, especially along the edges of your roof, use plastic clips or ties. These clips won't puncture your shingles, gutters, or other roof system parts, preventing damage and ensuring a safe installation. Be cautious about where you attach the clips to avoid tearing the shingles or breaking the seal.

Secure Lights to Gutters or Fascia Boards:

Instead of attaching lights directly to your shingles, consider using clips to string lights along gutters or securing lights to fascia boards. This method reduces the risk of damaging your roofing and helps protect your shingles.

Avoid Walking on the Roof:

Minimize walking on your roof when hanging lights or decorations. Foot traffic can cause significant damage to shingles, especially if proper footwear is not worn. If possible, use a ladder or hire a professional service to reach higher areas. Walking on the roof also increases the risk of falling and causing accidental damage.

Plan Your Display in Advance:

Before you start hanging lights and decorations, create a plan or sketch of how you want your display to look. Measure the roofline to determine how many lights you'll need and plan out how you'll connect the lights to power sources without causing damage to your roof.

Use Safe Installation Techniques:

When installing lights and decorations, always have an assistant to help you. Work in short sections, attaching clips to the bulb or cord before climbing the ladder. Position the ladder safely, maintaining three points of contact at all times. Attach the clips to the gutters, keeping them close enough together to ensure a taut and straight line. Move the ladder frequently to avoid reaching too far and always take safety precautions when using a ladder.

Take Down Lights Carefully:

When the holiday season is over, take down the lights carefully, removing them one clip at a time. Avoid pulling on the string, as this can damage gutters and shingles.

By following these instructions and using anchors and clips specifically designed for decorations, you can safely hang Christmas lights and decorations on your roof without causing any damage.

Frequently asked questions