The holidays are just around the corner but be wary of putting up decorations that will damage your home.
In preparation for the holidays, homeowners take this opportunity to dress up their beloved homes with the most adoring and sparkling decorations.
Filipinos are known for hanging up twinkling lights and eye-catching rooftop displays, but did you know that the wrong decorations can cause permanent roof damage??
Without proper care and guidance, holiday home decorations can cause roof damage or create safety hazards.
As a homeowner, you want your home to look good, but how can you protect the roof while decorating it? What are safe holiday roof decorations?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five basic steps and best practices on how to safely decorate your roof without damaging it.
Safe Holiday Roof Decor Tips to Avoid Damage
1. Choose the right decorations
There are a lot of holiday roof decorations in the market, but you must have the eye to choose the perfect decor that will not damage your roof. Take note of the following criteria when choosing your holiday roof decor this season:
- Roof decor must be made with lightweight materials. Sparkly and extravagant decorations may look good, but heavy decorations can cause serious damage. Going for decorations made from lightweight materials will minimize strain on the roof.
- Choose weatherproof decorations. Use weather-resistant lights and ornaments that can withstand tropical rains and winds.
- Avoid sharp decorations. Sharp objects are severely dangerous for your roof as they can puncture roof tiles, leading to leaks and structural problems.
Recommended holiday-specific roof decor:
- Inflatable holiday decorations are light, creative, and easy to store. Choose these over heavy decors like oversized statues or metallic ornaments.
- String LED lights on your roof for an energy-efficient but fabulous option. These lights can be flashy but can also withstand outdoor elements like rain and wind.
2. Prioritize roof safety
Once you have the right holiday roof decor, the next step is to install it properly. But before installing your roof decorations, a roof checkup is necessary to see if your roof can withstand the decor.
Here are three roof safety tips you should take before installing your holiday decor:
- Inspect the roof. Do a general checkup of the quality of the roof and ensure it is in good condition before decorating. Check for loose shingles, leaks, rust, or other damage.
- Wear proper footwear when climbing up the roof. Always wear slip-resistant shoes to avoid accidents while climbing on the roof. Wearing the proper shoes can also help protect your roof from damage.
- Distribute weight evenly when walking on the roof. Make sure to walk on secure areas, such as the ridge, and avoid walking directly on shingles to prevent breakage.
3. Secure the decorations properly
Now that you’ve passed the safety checks, the job now is to secure the decorations in place.
Homeowners may tend to choose the wrong tools in doing this, but it is important to know that avoiding nails and staples to secure your decorations may save your roof. Nails and staples can puncture your roof, causing leaks and reducing its overall lifespan. To secure your roof decorations in place, opt for plastic clips or specialized roof hooks which are gentle on the surface but grip the decors in place at the same time.
More importantly, weather-proofing your holiday roof decor is important in ensuring it won’t damage it. The Philippines is known for its unpredictable weather, especially during the holiday season. Strong winds and heavy rains can easily knock down rooftop decorations. Prepare for these natural problems by anchoring your decor with durable ropes or tethers.
Similarly, always use lights designed for outdoor use and are weather-proof. Your LED light decor should be built to withstand exposure to the elements. Inspect your lights for damaged wires or bulbs, and never overload electrical circuits. Use extension cords rated for outdoor use and consider using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical fires or shocks.
4. Protect the gutters
While these decorations can beautify your home, they can also obstruct drainage. Your home’s gutters play a vital role in draining rainwater, so it’s important to avoid blocking it or hanging heavy items in it.
When hanging lights or garlands around gutters, use clips that are designed specifically for gutter attachment. Additionally, do not wrap lights tightly around the gutter, as this can block water flow or damage the structure.
Even if you have done the preliminary checks, be diligent in conducting regular gutter maintenance. Decor can be swept by winds or other external factors which in turn can block gutters. This leads to leaks and water damage. Make it a point to regularly check for any debris or blockages and clean your gutters before and after setting up your holiday decorations.
5. Ask for professional help
Prevention is always better than cure. The best way to prevent damage, especially when you’re unsure about how to safely decorate your roof, is to seek professional advice.
Talk with Union Galvasteel Corporation roofing experts for tips on roof-friendly decoration methods. For a more comprehensive guide to decorating your home safely, schedule a consultation with a Union Galvasteel roofing expert today for personalized roofing care and maintenance tips, or reach us through these numbers: 09175033965 (Globe) and 09190032303 (Smart).
