The holiday season is a joyous time for families and loved ones to gather, celebrate, and ring in the new year.
To celebrate the season, many of us like to hang Christmas lights from our homes. There’s nothing like a well-decorated house during the holiday season, after all!
In order to decorate your home like a winter wonderland, you’ll have to use tools like screws, tacks, nails, and hammers. Though these tools are useful, they can also be misused during the Christmas season, leading to roof and exterior damage that lasts far beyond New Year’s Day. Not to mention, there’s always the chance that you can have an accident while installing these lights.
Needless to say, there are several hazards associated with hanging Christmas lights. That’s why safety should be your top priority. Keep reading for a few tips from the experts at Valor Home regarding hanging Christmas lights, roof damage, and physical accidents.
Ensure a Proper Roof Inspection
It’s better to be sure than sorry. To reduce the likelihood of lasting damage or an accident, you’ll want to get a roof inspection before the holidays. Little things like a wrong footstep or placing your weight on a weakened spot on the roof can do immense damage to your roof and possibly put you in danger, too.
A thorough roof inspection will give you peace of mind and ensure that your roof is safe to walk on while you’re hanging your lights.
Curious what an unsafe roof may look like? Read our post, “10 Warning Signs Your Roof Isn’t Safe Anymore.”
Use Plastic Clips Instead of Nails and Hammers
Roof shingles can withstand years of harsh weather but not the severity of nails and hammers. One wrong hit and you can break a shingle, create cracks or gaps and damage your roof majorly. Considering that your roof is likely to be covered in snow, the damage caused can be even more severe.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix: using plastic clips to hang your lights. Plastic clips are easy to find at most home goods retailers and offer a damage-free way to hang those beloved Christmas lights. They are also easy to remove when the festivities are over.
Be Mindful of How You Walk on Your Roof
Walking all over the roof could be dangerous. You need to do it tactfully considering which parts can handle your weight and which can’t. Try to find a secure spot to do the most of the job. The less you walk around, the better.
Use Non-Slippery Shoes For Your Safety
While going up on the roof, ensure you use non-slippery shoes for your safety. Slips are a big concern when climbing on your roof in the winter, and this is especially true if you’ve recently experienced snow. Remember, not only could you get hurt by slipping or falling, but also the roof can get damaged when you fall on it.
Is Your Roof Damaged? Call Us for Help!
If you have accidentally damaged a shingle or two of your roof, don’t fall back to DIY fixes. It may create a bigger mess. Contact a reliable roofing service near you and let the experts deal with the roof damage.
Valor Home offers quality Roof Replacement, Roofing Installation, and other home improvement services across all Maryland & Virginia areas including Arnold, Severna Park, Edgewater, Crownsville, Cape St. Claire, and the surrounding areas. If you notice any sign of roof damage or suspect that there may be damage, contact us immediately!