As the seasons slowly transition, you’ll find many Kansas City homeowners taking advantage of the final warmth of fall by proactively hanging their holiday decor. While Christmas lights are a festive and predictable part of the winter months, this long-held tradition can do damage to your roof without proper planning and care.
If you don’t want to pay for roof repair in Kansas City right after the holidays, take heed. Here are some tips and tricks for safely hanging holiday lights without damaging your roof, brought to you by local Overland Park roofing company Shamrock Roofing and Construction.
Ditch the Nails and Staples
Unfortunately, many homeowners make the mistake of using a staple gun to hang holiday decor. While this gadget definitely gets the job done quickly and securely, it can also puncture your roofing materials. You should never use anything to affix holiday lights that could make a hole in your roof. This includes nails, staples, or screws. Even the smallest puncture creates an opportunity for water infiltration and long-term damage. Instead, our team recommends using plastic fasteners or a special adhesive that won’t require any contact with the roofing membrane.
Pick the Right Parts
With so many holiday light options on the market, picking the right one can feel like quite the chore. However, choosing a bulb that is designed for outdoor use is a must. Otherwise, you may find yourself at increased risk of a fire. Don’t hesitate to give your local roofing company in Kansas City a call if you’re not sure that your #1 choice is outdoor-approved!
Tread Lightly While on the Roof
While you may be able to complete your light-hanging project without ever touching the roof, most homeowners will need to climb up top to get the job done. That said, you’ll want to take precautions during this process. Wear rubber-soled shoes, step lightly, and avoid using sharp tools that may harm your asphalt shingles. It’s much better to tip-toe up there than clomp around like a herd of reindeer!
Take Caution When the Season Ends
Once the holidays have passed and it’s time to close up shop, it can be tempting to take shortcuts when putting away the holiday decor. Yanking down the lights may save time in the short term, but it can actually create a long-term headache. Our best advice? Take your time when removing your Christmas light display. Remove each fastener gently, and repack the lights so they’re well-organized and ready for next year. You (and your roof) will thank us later!
When in Doubt, Call Your Local Roofing Company in Kansas City!
If you’re not quite the DIY homeowner your neighbors are, that’s okay. You can always call our team at Shamrock Roofing and Construction for help and advice. We’re the hometown favorites when it comes to roof repair in Kansas City. We’ve even been known to hang a mean holiday display or two!
Contact us today to learn more about our residential roofing services or to schedule a free roof inspection. Then get ready to enjoy the holidays in style!