Your guide to holiday lights and roof safety

By The Third Estimate. 

Stay festive and roof-safe this holiday season with this guide to holiday lights! 

As homeowners decorate for the holidays, many reach for ladders and lights before considering the safety and security of their roofs. Here at The Third Estimate, we want you to be aware of one of the most common mistakes this time of year: attaching lights with nails, screws or staples. While these methods may be easy and convenient, they can compromise roofing and gutter systems, potentially leading to more serious and costly repairs.  

Why nails, screws and staples damage your roof 

Shingles are designed to shed water and protect your home. When you poke a hole through them, even a tiny one, you break that protective layer. Water can slip in, and once moisture makes its way underneath the shingles, it can lead to leaks, rot and interior damage. What starts as a quick decorating shortcut can easily turn into a costly repair. 

How fasteners harm your gutters 

Gutters carry water safely away from your home, but when they crack or bend, they cannot do their job. Screws, staples and nails can damage the metal, which leads to poor drainage, ice buildup and sagging sections. A damaged gutter system puts your roof, siding and foundation at risk. All that trouble just for a strand of lights is completely avoidable. 

Never tuck lights under shingles 

Trying to lift a shingle to slide lights or clips underneath is another common mistake. Shingles are sealed tight for a reason. Once that seal breaks, you open the door for wind-driven rain, ice and debris to get inside. It can also shorten the lifespan of your roof and cause shingles to blow off in strong winds. 

The safe and simple solution: Use plastic clips 

Plastic holiday light clips are the safest way to hang Christmas lights. They attach securely to the edge of your roof or gutters with no damage at all. These clips keep your lights in place through winter weather and come off easily when the season ends. They are affordable, easy to use and completely roof safe. 

Keep your home merry and protected 

Decorating for the holidays should be fun and stress-free. By avoiding nails, screws, staples and anything under your shingles, you protect your home from unnecessary damage. Stick with plastic clips, enjoy your beautifully lit home and keep the magic of the season shining bright without any surprise repairs later. 

Original article source: The Third Estimate

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