The holiday season is fast approaching, and with the advent of one of the most treasured times of the year, we seek to create warm and wonderful memories that we can look back on for years to come.
In the spirit of the season, many homeowners seek to beautify their homes, inside and out. Part of this holiday tradition involves decorating our homes by hanging outdoor decorations. Yet, few of us realize that any mistakes that we make in hanging lights can cause long term damage to our homes with lasting consequences.
Holiday decorating: The right way
Decorations are a beautiful and joyful addition to any home, but there is a right way and a wrong way to apply them. If you want to ensure that you preserve your roof while enjoying the best that the season has to offer, follow these tips for safe and correct holiday decorating:
Think outside the box. Attaching batch clips to your light strings and then attaching them to your roofline and gutters will not only save precious time, but it will also reduce potential damage to your home. A growing trend of using PVC pipe with pre-cut holes enables one to lift an entire structure into place, secured by hanging hooks, rather than attaching individual lights to the roofline.
Target key areas. There's no need to illuminate the entire surface of your roof; targeting a few key areas that will highlight your roofline and accent its aesthetic appeal makes less work for you and less potential damage for your roof. Add a few well-placed statues and some cute accents on your lawn and front door for a total package look.
Stick to lightweight stuff. Your roof is not designed to take heavy weight for a prolonged period of time, and neither are you. Sticking to light decorations will reduce stress on your roof and reduce the risk of injury to you as you apply them. If you want something big and gregarious, place it on your front lawn for all to see.
Consider the use of a light hanging pole. With less reliance on ladders and the need to get up on your roof, the use of a light pole can dramatically speed up your decorating process and reduce your risk of injury.
Don’t work alone. Being up on your roof is dangerous business, even if you’ve taken extra safety precautions. Have someone spot you when you are up in the air and have an emergency plan in place in case of an injury or a fall.
Evaluate your roof for potential safety hazards. A roof should be clean and free from snow, ice, and debris in the area that you wish to place decorations. If you must hang in those areas, get up there and clean first, making sure the area underneath these substances is clean and somewhat dry before you attempt to walk on it.
Wear proper equipment and footwear. Shoes that provide a firm grip, those that are well-fitting and comfortable, and those that provide additional support will be an essential part of staying safe during your decoration process. If you are not comfortable getting up there yourself, consider hiring a professional roofer to finish the job.
Len’s Roofing: Keeping homeowners safe for over three decades
Len’s Roofing employs only the best, highly trained, professional roofing contractors; we are passionate about what we do, and we do it well! With a commitment to providing quality work, superior customer service, and dedication to client satisfaction, we can help you preserve the health and strength of your roof for years to come. Stay safe this holiday season; call today at 941-896-7897 or visit https://www.lensroofing.com/ for more information.