Holiday Lights and Your Roof: Safety Tips for Decorating Smart

Make Your Home Shine Without Damaging Your Shingles

Hanging holiday lights is a festive tradition—but doing it wrong can damage your roof, gutters, or even land you in the ER. Before you climb the ladder this season, read these roof-friendly holiday lighting tips.

🎄 Don’t Use Nails or Staples

Avoid hammering or stapling anything into:

• Shingles

• Fascia boards

• Gutters or drip edge

These punctures compromise waterproofing and can lead to leaks. Use plastic clips instead that hook onto gutters or slide under shingles without damage.

🧗‍♂️ Stay Off the Roof

Walking on a cold, frosty roof is dangerous and unnecessary. Use:

• An extendable ladder

• A helper to spot and stabilize

• A roof rake or pole to help position lights

Avoid weight and traction on steep or icy surfaces.

🔌 Watch Your Electrical Load

Check that your lights are:

• Outdoor-rated

• Not overloading a single circuit

• Plugged into GFCI outlets with timers

Inspect wires for damage before use, and don’t run cords through windows or under doors.

🧰 Proactive Roof Check

Before installing lights, it’s a good time to inspect your roof and gutters for:

• Missing shingles

• Clogged downspouts

• Loose fascia or siding

📞 Want a roof inspection before decorating?
Call Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction at (563) 655-4902
🌐 Book a pre-holiday checkup at www.roofqc.com

Make your house merry and bright—without damaging your roof.