As the days grow colder, many of us are ready to deck the halls – and the eaves. Holiday decorations bring joy to your family and a festive spirit to your neighborhood, but you should take a moment to think about your roof before untangling last year’s lights.
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, not just a convenient place to park an inflatable reindeer. From a pre-decorating roof check to choosing the right fasteners, we’ll help you make sure your holidays are merry and bright, without jeopardizing your home’s biggest asset.
Check Your Roof Before You Decorate
Before you unpack decorations or even grab your ladder, you need to assess the condition of your roof. You can perform a visual inspection from the ground to spot small issues that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
If you haven’t had a roof inspection in the past year or you have experienced strong storms since your last inspection, it is also wise to have your roof professionally inspected before you begin decorating. A competent roofer can identify issues with your roof before they become major repairs, allowing you to decorate safely and avoid larger repairs later.
Whether you perform a visual inspection or turn to a professional, the following factors should be checked.
- Missing and Damaged Shingles. Missing, cracked, or curled shingles are signs of roof damage that can be worsened by attaching decorations to vulnerable areas.
- Damaged Flashing. Inspect the material around chimneys, vents, and in valleys where roof planes meet, as these areas are prone to damage that allows water intrusion.
- Leaves and sticks accumulate on your roof, especially during the fall. If left on the roof, they can add weight, trap moisture, and damage shingles.
- Ensure gutters are attached to fascia and free-flowing to promote smooth water flow and prevent trapped moisture.
- Moss or algae accumulation. Green or black streaks on your roof indicate moisture issues or shingles near the end of their useful life.
If you notice any of these issues, contact a professional roofer before you hide the damage behind decorations. Your roofer can inspect the issues and recommend the right course of action to secure your roof.
Choose The Right Decorations and Fasteners
Once you are sure your roof is in good condition, you need to choose the right decorations and fasteners to ensure it stays that way. The goal of this decision is to avoid unnecessary weight on your roof and holes that can lead to leaks and void your warranties.
Avoid nails, screws, and staples at all costs. These types of fasteners are effective at holding lights, but they also create holes in your roof that are direct entry points for water. These holes worsen over time, particularly as shingles expand and contract with changing temperatures. You may not notice a leak immediately, but these holes will eventually lead to significant damage.
Further, holes in your shingles are one of the simplest ways to accidentally void your manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Without these guarantees, you are responsible for all costs related to roof damage, should you experience an issue.
Instead, choose safer options like plastic clips, adhesive hooks, or magnetic fasteners. These types of fasteners provide a simple way to hang lights or decorations without creating holes.
You’ll also want to avoid heavy garlands and figures. These decorations add significant weight to your roof, that it likely wasn’t designed to handle. Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on your shingles and framing and can even contribute to a collapse. Instead, consider placing large figures in your yard to keep the festive spirit without the risk of roof damage.
Practice Good Ladder Safety
Ladders are a significant safety hazard, and to protect yourself, you should consider hiring a professional to work at heights. If you choose to decorate your roof without the help of a professional, use these tips to keep yourself safe.
- Choose the right ladder. Make sure your ladder is rated to hold your weight plus any tools or decorations you’ll be carrying.
- Position the ladder correctly. The base of the ladder should be placed on a firm, level surface. Then use the 4-to-1 rule to choose the right angle – it says that for every four feet of height, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall.
- Maintain three points of contact. Always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder.
- Avoid overreaching. Move the ladder instead of leaning to the side to keep yourself balanced.
- Work with a partner. Have a spouse or friend hold the base of the ladder and hand the decorations to you.
With the right fasteners and a focus on safety, you can feel confident that holiday decorations won’t harm you or your roof. However, if you do notice – or accidentally cause – roof damage, have the contact information of a reputable roofer handy. They can assess the damage and help your holidays be filled with joy rather than roofing worries.
Contact Complete Roofing to Assess Roof Damage
Even with the most joyful intentions, you can damage your roof while decorating. If this happens, don’t worry – simply contact the team at Complete Roofing. We offer complimentary roof inspections and the right solutions to keep your family safe.
Our team of roofing experts helps homeowners across the Gulf Coast install, repair, and maintain their roofs. To reach a specialist in your area, use the contact information below.
Installation and Repair Services for Roofs and Gutters are available in the following locations:
- Coastal Alabama Main Office with local agents in:
- Coastal Mississippi Main Office with local agents in:
- Greater New Orleans Main Office with a local agent in: