With the holiday season coming up, many people in Bakersfield have big plans for their outdoor decorations. If you’re someone who is already planning what types of lights and decorations you’re going to display outside, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Be Careful With Your Roof
At Ed & J United Roofing, we know how significant of an investment a roof can be. That’s why we encourage our customers to do whatever they can to protect that investment. During the holidays, you have to be smart about hanging lights from your roof. One of the most important things you can do is to use clips to attach your outdoor lights to your home. Clips are safe and easy to use, simple to remove, and available from many retailers. Attach clips to your lights before you hang them so that there’s one less step for you to do when you’re up on a ladder.
Unfortunately, some people in Bakersfield have used staples or nails to attach holiday lights, and this can lead to leaks. Whether you have shingles or some other type of roofing material, you’ll want to keep this material structurally sound so that it can continue to do its job well.
While using clips, be mindful of how much weight you’re hanging from them. Larger decorations can weigh down gutters, but single strands of holiday lights will be fine.
If you’re already planning on creating a big display, you might want to take advantage of the space on top of your roof to use for additional decor. Anything heavy could damage your roof, so it’s best to leave any wood cutouts, statues, or other heavier items on your lawn instead of on top of your home. Inflatables may work, as long as your slope isn’t too steep and you can securely tie them down with twine or clips. If you end up doing this, keep your inflatables away from chimneys, vents, and electrical lines.
Other Advice
It’s rare that people actually go up on top of their roof. After all, this is pretty dangerous. It would be a good idea to have a professional assist you if you’re unsure about handling this by yourself. If you are up on a ladder and notice an issue with your roof, you can reach out to Ed & J United roofing for assistance with the repair. We’ll be sure to address any concerns with leaks, cracks, or damaged shingles or other components so that you’ll be ready for the wet weather that we often experience in the winter here in Bakersfield. Finally, take your time and make sure that you’re not overloading any particular outlet.
Planning ahead can make a big difference in terms of properly hanging holiday decorations. Your safety is most important, and you’ll also want to be careful to protect your roof from damage. Call us if you need any assistance.
