March 29
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Carols, candy cane, eggnog, bright lights, and family dinners - these words bring unimaginable joy to me. If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m talking about Christmas!
Growing up, I would always look forward to it. Not just because of presents, but my cousins, uncles, and aunts would come together during this time. Plus, I loved decorating the house but wasn’t allowed to set up the lights on the roof.
However, as I grew older, it became a thing my father and I would do. So when my neighbor, Angie, needed help with her lights, I was right there. Last year, over some tea, Angie explained how her husband had hip surgery, and she didn’t want to bother him with the Christmas lights. So, I stepped in.
While putting up the lights, I began thinking about everyone who could be in a similar position as Angie. That’s why I decided to put together this guide on how to hang Christmas lights on a high roof. If it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, this guide might be of help.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Before putting up the lights, there are certain things to consider. Make sure you buy appropriate roof clips to avoid harming the roof. Plus, it is essential to figure out which lights will look best before starting the process. There are many options to choose from when it comes to clips and lights.
Punching holes in the roof is never a good idea. There are a ton of problems that can crop up, leaving you with (avoidable) damage. Instead, look for simple hooks that will clip onto the edge of the gutters on the roof and tightly secure the line of the lights.
Another option is using clips that hold on to the bulb of the light. For lights with more prominent bulbs, these clips are ideal since they position the bulb in one uniform direction and hold them securely. This also gives it a neater appearance and the clip easily attaches to the gutters or drip edge.
One of the most important aspects of hanging lights is deciding which one looks the best. Planning a layout and visualizing how the house will look is a crucial step. There are multiple types of lights to pick from that will help bring your vision to life.
LED lights are the most common and favored type since they do not use a lot of energy and are much safer than incandescent lights. They are also more affordable; hence buying the light in bulk is easier. However, incandescent lights have a warmer tone than some LEDs. Battery-operated lights are also an option for people that don’t have enough power outlets outdoors.
Now that you have zeroed in on the type of lights and clips, it’s time to start the process. Before beginning, ensure that you are using sturdy ladders for the job, especially if the roof is very high. I would advise against trying to reach out to spaces that aren’t within arm’s length.
The first thing to do is have a design in mind. You can choose from multiple layouts based on the number of lights, clips, and your overall capability. You will also need some tape and sturdy shoes. Lastly, I do not recommend doing this alone, so it’ll be better having one or two people to help.
First, test the lights and ensure they are all working. This can be done in the shop or before you hang them. Then, take a short amount of string and start attaching the appropriate clips to it.
The next thing to do is locate the power outlet. Starting from that point, plug the lights in using an extension cord and start installing them. Do not turn the lights on until it has been fully installed.
I strongly urge you to move on to the next string only after the first one is done. While on the ladder, always install the lights with one hand and keep yourself sturdy using the other hand and your feet. Also, place the clips close to each other, so the line remains taut.
After that, you must move along the length of the roof. Remember not to reach out too far as it will shift the weight on the ladder, causing it to tip over. Instead, get off the ladder and shift it closer to the point. If the roof does not have a gutter, attach the clips to the drip edge.
In case you are going for more than a single row layout and want to decorate the whole house, use proper equipment. Things like a light hanging pole or a bucket lift are safer for the job. And, I cannot stress on this enough - do NOT walk on the roof.
In case there is no extension or step ladder, you can use a light hanging pole to install the lights. Theoretically, it is a simple process. All you need to do is attach the lights and clips on the pole. After that, use the pole to hook it onto the roof.
Some people might not find it easy and for them, I suggest renting a bucket lift for the higher, hard-to-reach places.
These are just some of the tips I incorporated when helping Angie with her Christmas decoration. Needless to say, I had an absolute blast while doing this with her.
Before leaving, I would recommend one last thing. If ladders make you terribly uncomfortable, get in touch with a home décor company that can do the job. Christmas is a joyful time, and the last thing you need is added stress.
On that note, I take your leave. But fret not, as I will be back soon with more tips and guides!
Until next time!
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