The holiday season is officially upon us, and across North Carolina, neighborhoods are beginning to glow with festive displays. For many homeowners, this tradition involves transforming the roof into a winter wonderland. However, before you channel your inner Clark Griswold and break out the ladder, it is crucial to have a plan that covers the entire lifecycle of your display, from the first clip to the final takedown.
Proper preparation and a careful removal process are just as important as the installation itself. Here is our guide to ensuring your roof stays damage-free and your season stays bright.
Proper Preparation & Inspection
Before you start hauling boxes to the rooftop, you need to ensure your “canvas” is ready. A little groundwork now prevents major headaches in January.
- Start with a Clean Slate: North Carolina autumns are notorious for leaving roofs covered in pine needles and heavy leaves. This debris traps moisture against your shingles, which can lead to rot or mold. Use a leaf blower or a soft-bristled broom to clear the surface.
- Clear the Gutters: Clogged gutters are a recipe for ice dams and water backup. Ensure your drainage system is clear so that melting snow or winter rain doesn’t seep under your shingles while your lights are up.
- The Pre-Flight Check: Perform a visual inspection of your shingles. Look for any that are cracked, curling, or missing. Pay close attention to the flashing around chimneys and vents. If your roof is already showing signs of wear, like significant granule loss, it may be best to keep the heavy decorations on the ground this year.
- Test Your Gear: Before you climb the ladder, plug in your lights on the ground. It is much safer to replace a dead bulb in the driveway than while balanced on a sloped roof.
Safe Installation Practices
When it’s time to decorate, safety and roof preservation should be your top priorities.
- Ditch the Nails and Staples: Never use nails, staples, or tacks to secure lights to your roof. Every puncture is a potential leak waiting to happen. Instead, use plastic all-purpose light clips designed to grip gutters or shingle edges without piercing the material.
- Ladder Safety: Always place your ladder on level ground and have a “spotter” nearby. Wear slip-resistant shoes, and never attempt to work on the roof during rain, high winds or if there is frost on the shingles.
- Watch Your Step: Repeated foot traffic can bruise shingles and knock off protective granules. Plan your route to minimize walking on the roof, and try to stay off the “valleys” (where two roof planes meet), as these are the most sensitive areas for leaks.
The Proper Takedown
The way you take your decorations down is just as important as how you put them up. Many homeowners make the mistake of rushing this process, which often leads to unnecessary roof damage.
- Don’t “Tug and Pull”: It’s tempting to stand on the ground and pull the string of lights to pop the clips off. Do not do this. Pulling on the lights can tear the shingles, bend your gutters, or snap the wires.
- Remove with Care: Use the ladder to reach each clip and remove it manually. If a clip is frozen to the gutter or shingle, wait for a warmer day or use a little warm water to loosen the ice.
- The Post-Holiday Inspection: Once the decorations are down, do a quick final scan of your roof. Ensure no clips were left behind (which can trap debris) and check that no shingles were loosened during the process.
Know When to Call a Professional
If the thought of heights makes you uneasy, or if your inspection reveals shingles that need repair before the winter weather truly hits, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Signature Exteriors, we’ve been helping North Carolina communities protect their homes for years. Whether you need a minor repair before the lights go up or a full roof assessment after the holidays, our team is here to provide top-quality workmanship and peace of mind.
Let us ensure your roof is in peak condition so you can focus on making memories with your family. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at Signature Exteriors!