It’s that magical time of year again, when bells will be jingling and stockings hung by the chimney with care. If you’re planning on decorating the outside of your home, particularly your roof, it’s important to consider a few things that will help you avoid any potential damage that might dampen your holiday spirit (and lighten your wallet even more than all that gift-buying).

Don’t use your shingles. It may seem easier to just staple those lights right to your shingles, but doing so could end up costing you dearly in the long run. Even the tiniest of holes in a shingle can lead to leaks and eventually rot, which means an expensive repair job down the road. Instead, stick with clips that you can attach to your gutters or eaves.

Watch your weight. Well, your decoration weight at least. Generally speaking, most residential roofs can withstand the weight of around 20lb. per square foot before becoming compromised. Keep in mind, however, that adding snow to the weight of your holiday decorations could bring you over that limit and result in costly damage.

Always inspect lights for potential problems. A string of lights may seem harmless enough, but if the wiring has become compromised, it could be a potential electrical and/or fire hazard. It’s also important to plug your lights into an external circuit that is designed to handle the proper amount of electricity.

Use precautions when climbing. If you’re using a ladder to string up those lights or put up other holiday decorations, be sure to take adequate safety precautions. Use a ladder that is sturdy and shoes that provide good footing. Make sure lights are untangled prior to climbing and if possible, ask a friend or family member to help. Falling could not only cause physical harm to you, but also damage to your roof.

Remove with care. You may be in a rush to get all those holiday decorations taken down as soon as the calendar changes, but doing so in a hurry could lead to damage. Taking the time remove things carefully will be much better for home and your wallet.

Need more roofing tips? Check out our other blog posts or give us a call today at 615-255-8288 and let’s discuss how our Nashville roofing professionals can help you.