There’s nothing like driving through a neighborhood where all the houses are neatly outlined in twinkly lights. It takes careful planning to get the lights all on so they look straight and even. And it takes even more care to hang them without doing any damage to your roof shingles.
Many homeowners enjoy hanging the lights themselves; it’s part of the holiday tradition. But it can be dangerous, so be careful! Here are a few tips for hanging holiday lights in ways that prevent damage to your shingles. It’s not a bad idea to call a KC roofing company for advice or help; many roofing companies provide this service along with other roofing services in Kansas City.
#1. Don’t poke any holes! Whatever you do, don’t nail anything to any part of the roof. It’s especially important not to pound nails through the shingles. Holes weaken shingles and allow water to get in underneath. This will not only cause structural damage in the future, but it may also negate your warranty if you should ever need to file a claim. The “no holes” philosophy applies to guttering too.
#2. Use plastic gutter clips. Many manufacturers make specialized clips for holiday lights that attach snugly to the guttering without damaging it. Where there are no gutters, these fasteners can be attached to the drip edge or the shingle – as long as you don’t lift the shingle too far. You can also use adhesive strips to attach the clips to the house’s vertical face, keeping the clips away from the shingles altogether.
#3. Buy the right kind of clip. Not all clips are created equal, and the style you choose may determine the success of your holiday light-hanging extravaganza. There are several types available; some are better than others in specific scenarios.
If you need advice before hanging your holiday lights this year, give us a call at Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We specialize in residential roofing services in Kansas City and have been advising customers on their roofing issues since 1977. We’d love to help you get your house ready for the holidays. Contact us today for more information or to get answers to your holiday light questions.