‘Tis the season for Christmas cheer, family gatherings, and stringing lights on the roof in anticipation of Santa. But how do you avoid Christmas season roof damage? Keep reading to find out.

How To Avoid Christmas Season Roof Damage

When the Christmas spirit hits, the safety of your roof is the last thing you have on your mind. But, your jolly season can become a disaster if you don’t know how to avoid Christmas season roof damage. So, here are 7 tips for you to enjoy your roof and festivities for years to come.

1. Wear Rubber-Soled Shoes

Foot traffic is one of the most common causes of roof damage, especially during the holiday season. Wearing rubber-soled shoes is a must when climbing onto your roof. They will give you stability and gripping power for safety, but they will also be gentler on your shingles.

2. Don’t Use Staples

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when decorating their homes for Christmas is using a heavy-duty stapler when hanging lights. It may keep them in place but wreaks havoc on your shingles. And when you remove them, it causes even more shingle damage.

3. Avoid Using Nails

Avoid using nails to secure your decorations on the roof. They can cause serious damage. Not lonely does the nail pierce the shingle, resulting in a hole, but the hammer’s force can damage the underlayment. When this happens, you run a higher risk of developing a roof leak, leading to a costly repair or replacement.

4. Use Light Clips

Instead of staples or nails, use light clips. Light clips help you avoid Christmas season roof damage. They’re easy to install on the gutters and grooves of the roof and hold them securely in place without putting a strain on your shingles. When the season is over, they’re just as easy to remove.

Pro tip: Be cautious not to put too much weight on your gutters. Space the clips out so the weight of the lights and decorations are evenly distributed.

5. Avoid Decorations Around the Chimney

Do not place plastic decorations or lights near the chimney, especially if it’s functional. The last thing you want is melted plastic or exploding bulbs on your roof.

6. Know When Not to Decorate the Roof

All roofs are different. Your roof slope tells you what you need to know. If you have a roof slope greater than 45 degrees, you should avoid using decorations like inflatables or plastic figurines on your roof. Gravity pulling on the decorations can create strain on your shingles.

If your roof can handle the decorations, tie the inflatables and lightweight decorations down with clips and twine. It will help secure them during winter storms or heavy winds without causing roof damage.

7. Invest in a Roof Inspection

Invest in a professional roof inspection, especially if you love to deck the roof yearly. We recommend having your roof inspected twice yearly (spring and fall).

Need a roofer to make sure your roof is ready for the holiday season? Contact Perry Roofing Company today at 479.306.7327 for all your roofing needs. Our experts can help you with roof repair, roof replacement, inspections, and roof tune-ups.

Get a Free Estimate today!