🎵It’s the most, WONDERFUL time…🎶
The holiday season is upon us. And if you are like me, you’re ready to spread festive cheer. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or a first-timer, you may not know how to hang Christmas lights on the roof. Besides avoiding a trip to the ER, this can make a big impact on your holiday spirit and your home’s holiday curb appeal. In this blog post, we share some tips and tricks to safely and effectively hang Christmas lights on your roof.
We won’t micro-manage Christmas magic, but here are 7 helpful tips to make sure your decoration days stay merry and bright—not ending with a humbug.
How to Hang Christmas Lights on the Roof
1. Plan Your Design
Before you get up on your roof, take some time to plan out your design. I know you are excited, but consider where you want to place the lights. Are you making a pattern, following the roof lines of your roof, or just adding to the Christmas chaos? Think about where the power source will be located and how many lights you’ll need to cover the area.
2. Gather Your Materials
This seems like a no-brainer, but this step is necessary for every project not just to how to hang Christmas lights on the roof. Make sure you have all your decorations, lights, extension cords, clips or hooks for attaching the lights to your roof, and a ladder for reaching high areas. Don’t forget to ask that friend or family member to help you, especially when working on taller parts of your roof. Pro tip: bribe them with egg nog.
3. Test Your Lights
Before you start hanging, test those lights to ensure they work properly. Tangled lines are a pain, but there’s nothing worse than spending hours hanging lights only to find out that half of them don’t light up. Replace any burnt-out bulbs or faulty strands before you begin decorating. This set also ensures you have replacement bulbs and not the special kind of Christmas light strand that was mysteriously discontinued. (Ask me how I know that one 
)
4. Use Proper Clips or Hooks
Now it’s time. Now you need to actually know how to hang Christmas lights on the roof. To hang, it’s important to use the right clips or hooks to secure the lights in place — and protect your roof. There are a variety of options available, such as shingle clips, gutter hooks, and adhesive clips. At Roofing Louisiana, we recommend clipping your lights to the gutter, as that will protect your shingles as much as possible. If you don’t have gutters, choose the clip or hoot that best protects your roof material, so the lights are installed securely without damaging your roof.
5. Start at the Top
To avoid tangles and ensure a neat appearance, start hanging your Christmas lights at the highest point of your roof and work your way down. This will help you maintain a straight line and make it easier to connect multiple strands of lights.
6. Use Extension Cords Safely
If you need to use extension cords to reach your roof or connect multiple strands of lights, make sure to use outdoor-rated cords designed for use in wet conditions. This is important in Louisiana. NOT ALL EXTENSION CORDS ARE CREATED EQUAL. Besides outdoor-rated cords, be sure to avoid overloading your electrical circuits and be mindful of your cord placement. Make sure wind gusts won’t damage your roof or landscaping.
7. Check for Safety Hazards
Now that you know how to hang Christmas lights on the roof, don’t neglect this last step. Before turning on your Christmas lights, double-check for any safety hazards. Make sure all cords are secure and out of the way to prevent tripping. Inspect the lights for frayed wires or damaged bulbs that could pose a fire risk. If you notice any issues, replace the lights or strands as needed.
By following these tips and tricks for how to hang Christmas lights on the roof (properly), you can create a beautiful holiday display to spread comfort and joy to your neighborhood. Remember to plan ahead, use the right materials, and prioritize safety. If you have any roof-related questions, feel free to call the experts or fill out a form.
Go ahead. Deck those halls.
Happy decorating!
