Hanging holiday lights can be a precarious task.
Start this project only with full knowledge of all the challenges involved. That way, you can prepare and reduce the risk of injury and property damage.
It’s fun to get into the holiday spirit, but hanging holiday lights must be done safely.
Preparation Is Key
The first step involved with hanging holiday lights is preparation. Make sure you have all the equipment you need to install them safely.
Only buy holiday lights that have been tested and approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) to reduce the risk of fire hazard. Untangle the strands of lights before you begin, and see if any bulbs need to be replaced. Have extension cords on hand so the light strands can reach a grounded outdoor outlet. Take care not to overload the breaker.
Nailing or stapling the lights to your home is a no-no. If you put holes in your shingles, you could end up with water damage and void your roofing warranty. Use gutter clips for hanging lights on the roof.
Make sure you have a sturdy ladder if you plan on climbing to the roof’s edge, and have a partner to help. He or she can provide extra stability by holding the ladder in place while you’re working.
Safety Tips to Follow
Always plan on hanging holiday lights when it’s dry, never when it’s wet or icy.
Be mindful of where you’re placing the lights, and keep them away from power lines or anything flammable.
Before you climb up to the eaves, place the ladder carefully. The general rule of thumb is that for every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be positioned 1 foot away from the wall. The top two ladder rungs are not meant for climbing on.
Think about the placement of the extension cords you’re using as well, so you don’t end up with a tripping hazard in your yard or on your walkways.
Do You Have Other Options?
If your roof is especially high or you’d like to hang lights on dormers or anywhere above the roof’s edge, it’s wise to hire a professional. Even better, think about installing permanent LED holiday lights.
Permanent holiday lighting means you’ll never have to climb onto your roof again. You can pick the design, then remotely change the color and lighting pattern. You won’t have to worry about taking them down in January, and you can use them for other celebrations and events.
If you’re interested in a permanent solution instead of spending time and money hanging holiday lights every winter, talk to Wizard Screens and Gutter, and get a free estimate before the holiday season begins.
