The festive period beckons and Christmas decorations will soon be lighting up our homes- starting from the roof. From lit-up candy canes to gaudy merry Christmas lettering on the roofs, most people will spare no effort once the infectious Christmas spirit catches on. Starting from the day after Thanksgiving, you will most likely find it hard to ignore the waving inflatable snowmen or the thousands of twinkling lights every way you look.
Unfortunately, many of us will give little thought to the importance of roof safety during this period. This may mean incurring hefty roof repair costs after the merry-making is over.
Christmas decor is not safe for roofs
Some types of holiday decorations may be unsuitable for your roof, depending on the kind of roof you have installed. For example, a huge replica of Santa’s sleigh on your roof may look impressive, but it may be unsuitable for your home. This is because your roof may not have the right structure to bear its weight, and this can result in damage to your roof. You may not notice it at first, but you may be forced to replace the roof later.
There is also the popular trend where homeowners install a model of Santa’s legs popping out of the chimney. This looks cute, but it is extremely dangerous to place objects near your chimney, particularly if it is flammable. A burning ember may rise upwards, causing a fire. If you want to portray Santa entering through the chimney you can think of building a fake chimney using high-quality plastic and fix it to the opposite side of the roof.
If you are not careful, illuminated plastic figures and inflatable decorations can ruin your roof. This is because they can be blown away by strong winds if they are not secured properly, ripping your roof apart. At the same time, using inappropriate materials to secure your decorations can also result in damage to your roof.
Decorating your roof without any damage
There are a number of precautions you can take without compromising on the festive look,namely:
Avoiding stapling. Stapling all manner of objects-from ropes to lights-on your roof weakens the barrier that safeguards your house from the elements. As a result, moisture can penetrate the shingles or the roof insulation, encouraging mold growth. In addition, it reduces your home’s energy efficiency.Instead of staples, use plastic clips to attach Christmas lights to your roof. If you have an illuminated plastic Santa, you can use a bungee cord or sandbags to secure it. Ensure that you do not pull up shingles or put needless stress on the roof.
Refraining from overloading your roof. Before you place Santa’s sleigh on it, consider other options that do not carry as much weight. Think about using a good-quality plastic replica instead. They can be as elaborate as you wish while weighing a great deal less.
Decorating your lawn rather than your roof. You can design an amazing wonderland on your front door area and avoid exposing your roof to potential damage.
Getting a professional to do your decorations. If you have decided to decorate your roof for the Christmas festivities, consider hiring a professional. As with any other pro, get references and find out if their roof suffered damages when it was decorated the previous year.
Handy tips for your Christmas decorations
If you have made the decision to decorate your roof, you need to follow several steps before you get on the ladder. First, create a plan before you get up on your roof so you will know the location you will be working in and the required supplies for the job. Second, ensure that the electrical cords you are using are in the right condition. This means they are not frayed or stripped and they do have any exposed wires. Next, make sure there is someone to support the ladder as you climb and assist you to spot. It is also important to make sure that the ladder you are using is sturdy. In addition, it should be as tall as you need. Do not neglect to follow the right ladder protocol-for example note the steps carefully. It is recommended that you use work boots or any footwear with slip-resistant soles.
In conclusion, as you enjoy the Christmas festive period, make sure that you safeguard your roof.
