It’s that time of year in Richmond! As the leftover turkey wanes, many of us will head out to start decorating for the Holiday Season. Sohow can you enjoy the season of lights and avoid damaging your roof?! Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your home stays safe this Holiday Season!
First things first, SAFETY! There is always risk involved in any project where heights and roofs are involved. Be sure it’s a dry clear day outside, your roof is clean and dry, and you have a helper nearby to act as a spotter and emergency contact. Be sure to use cords and lights that are listed for outdoor use, UL listed, and already untangled! Ensure the string is in working order without frays or damage and are ready to go. Start safe and know when to callin a professional!
Plastic only! With today’s modern plethora of light hanging systems, there is absolutely no reason to use nails or staples to hang your lights! Nails and staples that puncture your shingles create a permeable area for water, mold, and damage to set into your roof. Nails in shingles can act like a straw pulling water down into the roof and getting into your insulation and drywall. Easily available and quick to set up, plastic clips can save your roof and keep you festive all season long!
Stay aware up there! Edit your plans to ensure you don’t have to set foot on your roof to avoid falls. Be aware of tree branches and power lines. Loose shingles or tiles can cause accidents, as well as icy or wet conditions. The best way to hang your lights is by stringing them through the plastic clips you can buy at your local big-box store and attaching them to your gutters. Those clips are designed to help you easily install and remove the lights from your home.
Removal is just as important as placement! We understand the last thing you want to do after a long holiday season is to take precautions to remove your lights with ease, but don’t fall into that trap! However, take the same precautions removing lights as you took installing them. Make sure the roof is dry and clear. Take your time: Yanking even plastic clips down can cause damage to shingles, gutters, and your eaves! Remove the clips and attached lights one at a time. Be sure to store light strands carefully so they last for many more Holidays to come!
Our service areas: Tredegar Construction provides Tredegar Construction installs asphalt shingle roofing, TPO membrane roofing, and silicone roof coating, siding, crawl space solutions, spray foam, window and gutter replacement services in the Richmond, Virginia metro area and surrounding counties of Ashland, Charles City County, Chester, Chesterfield County, City of Richmond, Colonial Heights, Goochland County, Hanover County, Henrico County, Hopewell, King William County, New Kent County, Petersburg, Powhatan County and more! We also serve Midlothian, Short Pump, Petersburg, Bon Air, Mechanicsville, Manchester, Tuckahoe, Near West End, Manakin Sabot, Varina, Powhatan, Oilville, Ashland, Colonial Heights, Fort Lee, Museum District, Church Hill, Fan District, Bon Air, Forest Hill, Bellevue, Northside, Ginter Park, Moseley, Glen Allen, Atlee, Laurel, Rockville, Doswell, and more. Don't see your area listed? Reach out! We may serve you!
