It's that time of year again - time to hang holiday lights. We've got some tips to help you install a simple Christmas light display, including covering your roofline with Christmas lights. Safety is always the number one priority when hanging holiday lights, so be sure to dress warmly and wear rubber-soled shoes that won't slip on the roof. It's always good to have a partner to help with this project, as a spotter and to enjoy the work together.
How to hang Christmas lights outside without nails
You should not use nails, screws, or staples to install Christmas lights on your home. They may leave holes in your roof that can lead to leaks.
The best way to hang outdoor lights without nails is to use outdoor Christmas light clips. There are many varieties available, depending on the type of light you are using and where it is being hung. Some hold the line of lights, and these are best for icicle and rope lights. Others hold each individual bulb and are best for strings of lights with larger bulbs. These clips force the bulbs to stand straight. There are also roof peak clips that grip the shingle edge or ridge cap to hold the bulbs in place.
Clips are easy to install. Most hook onto your gutters or can be slipped under the shingles. Lights are strung across a hook or individual bulbs are placed in each clip. They keep the lights secure without damaging your gutters or roof.
How to hang Christmas lights on a roof peak
If you want to hang lights on your roof peak or ridge, safety is the number one priority. Do it when the weather is dry and there is no ice or snow around. Make sure your ladder is safely propped up against the house and that there are at least 3 feet of the ladder above the roofline. Safely climb the ladder to your roof and walk carefully to the peak or ridge.
Roof peak clips make hanging lights easier and protect your roof. They slip under the ridge cap or the last row of shingles and hold the lights securely in place. They should be spaced out, so one clip holds each bulb. Install the clips before bringing the lights up to the roof. Test all lights before you install them. Once the clips have been installed, you simply slide the lights into them.
How to hang Christmas lights on brick
There are three ways to hang Christmas lights on brick façades: hot glue gun, brick clips, and outdoor mounting tape.
You can use a hot glue gun to adhere lights to brick. Simply add glue to each bulb and press it on the brick for 10 to 20 seconds or until the glue is cool. To remove lights, pull them off. You may need to use alcohol to get rid of adhesive residue.
If the bricks and mortar on your house aren't flush with each other, you can use brick clips. These clips are sized to the height of the brick. You simply place the top of the clip on the top edge of the brick and press down on the springs at the bottom of the clip until it snaps into place. Then use the hook to hang lights. Removal is just as easy and there's no residue to clean up.
Outdoor mounting tape comes in two forms, permanent and temporary. It can effectively hang and hold lights, but it can be difficult to remove. Use alcohol to remove any adhesive, and you may need to touch up paint if your bricks are painted.
Hanging holiday lights is a festive way to show your Christmas spirit. As with any project, safety is the primary focus. Only hang lights when the weather is dry and there isn't any snow or ice on your roof. Use a ladder carefully and ensure that it is secured on the ground before you climb it. If you have a partner, they should hold the ladder for you. Of course, the safest way to hang holiday lights is to have someone else do it. Contact Findlay Roofing and we'll do the hard work for you.
