During the holidays, the more lights and decorations on a home, the more memorable and awe-worthy it is. But what most homeowners don’t realize is that these decorations can actually compromise the integrity of their home and roof if not installed correctly. However, you don’t have to let the fear of harming your home make you miss out on the holiday fun; Gulf Western Roofing is here to offer a few tips to help you deck the halls without causing damage.

I’m sure many of us have seen the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and laughed along at the snowball of problems that Clark Griswold faces. Today Clark will be our shining example of what not to do when decorating your home for the holidays.

DON’T use staples or nails to hang holiday lights.

Doing so will pierce through the surface of the roof, thus exposing your roof to the elements. Instead, purchase plastic clips, which are easy to use and allow you to secure your holiday lights without causing damages to your roof. For instructions, be sure to check out our how-to video.

DO test your lights and electrical decorations before installing.

Before stringing your entire house with what you hope will be a beautiful spectacle of lights, it is always a good idea to test the strings. This will not only allow you to see that they are working, but it will also ensure that they are safe to use. Check not only the lights, but also the light sockets, cords, and plugs. To further help avoid a fire, shock or other dangers, be sure the lights have the UL label, which means the lights have been tested and meet strict safety requirements.

DON’T overload your circuits.

It’s a good idea to limit the number of lights you use for your holiday display. Believe us when we say it is possible to create a dazzling display without blowing a fuse and causing other potential damages. For starters, try replacing your incandescent lights with energy-efficient LED lights.

DO secure your ladder to the house or roof.

Ladders can be very tricky, which is why it is always a good idea to make sure they are secure before climbing them and trying to balance while hanging holiday decorations. Avoid hanging lights on parts of your roof that are dangerous or difficult to reach. And if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of being on a ladder, avoid doing so all together. Consider enlisting help from someone with more experience and confidence on a ladder

This holiday season, don’t be a Clark Griswold. At Gulf Western Roofing, we are eager to answer any questions you may have. Mike Wheatley, our State Operations Manager, has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry and has been serving the residential and commercial roofing industry in the State of Florida for the past 25 years. Let us put that expertise to work for you.