The safest way to hang holiday lights on your roof is with plastic clips on the gutters or the bottom edge of the shingles, working from a ladder, never from the roof. Nails, staples and screws leave holes that can leak long after the lights come down.
Here’s what to use, what to avoid, how to stay safe on the ladder, and how to take everything down in January without tearing a shingle.
Hanging holiday lights on your roof: what to use
Plastic light clips are made for this. They hold the strand securely, come off cleanly and don’t put a single hole in your roof.
Gutter clips. These slide over the lip of the gutter and grip it without tools. They’re the easiest option for most Maine homes. Pick clips that fit your gutter shape, and don’t force a clip that doesn’t slide on easily.
Shingle-tab clips. These slip gently under the bottom edge of a shingle. Don’t pry or lift the shingle to get them in, especially on a cold day, when shingles are stiff and crack easily.
LED lights. They’re lighter than old incandescent bulbs, which is easier on your gutters once snow and ice add their own weight.
Before you start, take a minute to clean out the gutters and check that they’re firmly attached. Our complete guide to roof maintenance covers what to look for.
What to avoid
A few common shortcuts cause most of the roof damage we see after the holidays.
Nails, staples and screws. Every hole through a shingle is a place for water to get in, and the hole stays after the fastener comes out.
Tape and glue. Adhesives pull off the protective granules on your shingles when they’re removed, and most fail in the cold anyway.
Flashing, vents and valleys. Flashing (the metal that seals around chimneys and vents) and valleys (where two roof slopes meet) are what keep water out. Don’t clip, hang or tie anything to them.
Heavy decorations on gutters. Gutters already carry ice and snow in a Maine winter. Keep big displays on the ground.
Ladder and electrical safety
Protecting your roof matters, but protecting yourself matters more. Stay off the roof entirely, since a frosty or icy roof is one of the most dangerous places to be in a Maine December.
OSHA’s ladder guidance is a good checklist:
Set the ladder on firm, level ground, with the base about 1 foot out from the wall for every 4 feet of height.
If you’re using an extension ladder to reach the roof edge, it should extend at least 3 feet above the edge.
Keep three points of contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) while climbing.
Don’t stand on the top three rungs of an extension ladder.
Look for overhead power lines first, and don’t use a metal ladder near them.
Pick a dry, calm day with plenty of daylight. For the lights themselves, use strands rated for outdoor use, check cords for damage before you hang them, and plug into an outdoor outlet with ground-fault (GFCI) protection.
Taking lights down without tearing shingles
Wait for a dry, mild day in January, when the shingles are less brittle and any ice has let go. Never pull on the strand to bring it down. Unclip each section by hand, working along the gutter.
While you’re up there, take a look at the gutters and the shingle edges. If anything looks loose, cracked or missing, snap a photo and give us a call. It’s a lot easier to fix in January than after a spring rain.
Frequently asked questions
Can I staple holiday lights to my fascia or trim?
It’s better not to. Staples and nails in wood trim let water in and can lead to rot over time. Gutter clips give you the same clean line without any holes.
Is it safe to walk on my roof to hang lights?
No. Cold shingles are brittle and easy to crack underfoot, and a frosty or icy roof is very slippery. Everything on this list can be done from a ladder or the ground.
How can I tell if my roof was damaged by holiday lights?
Look from the ground or a ladder for lifted, cracked or missing shingles near the edge, and for bent or loose gutters. Water stains on ceilings near exterior walls are a sign to call a roofer. Our checklist on getting your roof ready for a Maine winter covers other things to watch for.
Enjoy the season
A few plastic clips and a careful afternoon on the ladder keep your roof in good shape all winter. If you have questions about your roof this holiday season, we’d be happy to talk it through. Reach out here or give us a call at (207) 200-1053.
