Roof safety: Tips for decorating your roof this Christmas
It's that time of year again! Christmas is just around the corner and that means it's time to start thinking about how to decorate your home. If you've ever seen the 1989 holiday favorite National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, you'll know the one scene that perfectly exemplifies how not to decorate one's roof. Not only does Clark Griswald attempt to decorate his roof at night using a staple gun, lose his footing and end up swinging from the eaves, but he also sends a projectile of ice shooting through the air and into a nearby window!
It's a hilarious scene, but it's also very dangerous. Even if you're not decorating your roof with Christmas lights or other decorations, the weather during winter can take its toll on your roof and cause problems. So here are some tips for making sure your roof is safe this Christmas.
Holiday roof maintenance 101
1. Inspect your roof regularly
Even though you might not notice any problems with your roof, it's still important to inspect it regularly. Even a small problem can grow into something bigger if you don't take care of it. There are several steps that you should take when inspecting your roof including checking for broken tiles, loose nails, as well as signs of storm damage such as dents in the roof.
2. Get your roof professionally checked
Roofing contractors can perform an in-depth inspection of your roof, alert you to any minor repairs that need to be made and even check for bigger problems such as water damage or excessive wear caused by age. Roof inspections are usually recommended to be carried out at least every two years.
3. Clean your roof regularly
Cleaning your roof regularly can help to prevent problems such as moss and algae growth, both of which can damage the shingles and make them less effective at protecting your home from water damage. You should also have any debris cleared off in order to protect it from damage caused by snow.
Now onto the fun stuff: the decorating!
We're going to show you how not to become like Clark Griswold himself by following some simple tips for roof safety this Christmas. Don't worry, there will be no swinging from the eaves for you!
1. Always use the proper equipment
When decorating your roof, wear a sturdy pair of shoes and use a roof safety harness or other safety equipment to prevent yourself from falling off the roof. To access your roof, use a ladder that is the correct height for the job. And to ensure maximum stability while climbing onto your roof, your ladder must be firmly planted on level ground.
2. Make sure all lights and electrical decorations on your roof are rated for outdoor use
Decorating a home for the holidays is a festive tradition that many people enjoy. But before plugging in all those lights and electrical decorations, it's important to make sure that they are rated for use outdoors. All electrical cords and extension cords must be in good condition, without any visible signs of damage or wear.
3. Do not use nails or tacks to secure decorations
Unlike the hapless Clark Griswald, you should never use nails or tacks to secure decorations on your roof. Not only will this damage slate and tile roofs and potentially lead to roof leaks, but it's also simply a safety hazard. By using proper hooks and straps for outdoor decorations instead, you don't have to worry about exposing yourself or others to sharp edges and other hazards.
4. Keep all decorations at least six feet away from power lines
Power lines are dangerous, and they're not only a risk to you as a homeowner but also to your neighbors. Make sure that any decorations you put up on your roof are kept at least six feet away from overhead power lines. And remember to never try and climb power lines in an attempt to put up any decorations or lights.
5. Inspect your roof before putting up any decorations, and repair any damage you find.
When the holidays come around, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of decorating your house and yard. But before you start stringing up your lights, make sure you take a quick tour of your roof. Look for any loose shingles, damaged sections, or water stains that could indicate trouble spots. If you find anything that needs repair, take care of it first before moving on to decoration. A few small repairs now can help ensure that festivities don't turn into nightmares down the line due to leaking roofs or collapsing gutters!
6. Watch where you walk and be aware of your surroundings.
Finally, it's important to pay attention while you're decorating and walking around on your roof. Watch out for any potential hazards like slippery or loose surfaces, damaged roof elements (such as loose or broken shingles), or damaged flashing, and make sure that you are always aware of where other family members are as well.
Final thoughts
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start decking your halls - and roof! Safe and careful decorating will keep your home safe, help prolong the life of your roof, and ensure that you can enjoy this festive time of year without becoming a Clark Griswald-style cautionary tale.
At Sanders and Sanders Roofing, we take the safety of your roof seriously. We offer a full range of roofing and roof repair services, including gutter installation and repair, and we're always available to help you keep your home safe, secure, and looking great this holiday season.
Looking for a roofing company you can trust? Look no further than Sanders and Sanders Roofing. We're proud to not only offer our customers the highest quality roofing materials on the market, but our customer-centric focus means that your satisfaction is always our priority. No matter what roofing needs you may have, we're here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate!