The holiday season is upon us, and one of the best ways to celebrate is by decorating your house with beautiful bright lights that add a unique touch to your home. There are lots of options for decorating the exterior of your home with holiday lights — consider having an elaborate display in your front yard, light up some trees with flashing colors, or place a motion sensor santa by your front door. Perhaps the most difficult, yet also the most rewarding way to to decorate your home for the holiday season is by installing light up winter characters (think santa, his sleigh and all of the reindeer) on the roof.
If you decide you’re interested in roof decorations this winter, make sure you’re prepared to undertake a very involved task. There are lots of safety issues, and you should check with your neighborhood guidelines to ensure you’re not breaking any rules. It’s also a good idea to consult with a local roofing services company to check that your roof is able to handle the extra weight. There will be a time and financial investment involved, so don’t underestimate how much work it is to install a beautiful light up display on the roof. If you’re prepared for this big job, here are a few things you should know before climbing up to the roof to install lights.
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1. Make a budget
Installing holiday lights can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to define a budget before you begin. Make sure you consider all the costs — time of installation, prices of materials, and cost of electricity.
2. Consult with a roofing contractor
Not every roof can handle the burden of heavy holiday lights, especially those that need roofing repairs. It’s a good idea to check with a roofing services company before you commit to installing holiday lighting.
3. Take measurements
This is one of the most important steps, because it’s definitely possible to plan a beautiful display, only to find out it doesn’t fit on your roof. Make sure you take measurements once, and then again to be sure there weren’t any mistakes.
4. Purchase the right tools
You will probably need a ladder, special light clips, and an extension cord to make sure the outlet reaches all the way to the roof.
5. Choose the right bulbs
The professionals recommend C7 and C9 bulbs for outdoors, and you should check with the retailer to ensure the lights you choose are suitable for outdoor use.
6. Create a lighting plan
You should create a complete plan before even beginning the project, so once you have all the materials, write down your design on paper.
7. Invest in a timer
This is the perfect way to turn your holiday lights on in the early hours of the night, but turn them off when it’s too late so you’re not wasting money on electricity.
Do you have any tips on holiday decorating? Did you consult with a roofing services company before you decided to install a fantastic holiday display on top of your home? Did you do it yourself or did you get the help of a local roofing company? Do you have any tips on how to find the best roofing company to help you with your holiday decor? If so, please share your thoughts in a comment below. Links like this.