As it turns out, holiday cheer is magnetic—literally
Learning how to hang Christmas lights on a metal roof is the key to spreading holiday cheer. You can use clips or hooks to attach the lights to metal roof sheets, making them easy to secure for the holiday season and take down once it’s over. This guide will show you how to hang Christmas lights on a metal roof in six simple steps.
Save the eggnog for after your installation. Since you’re dealing with heights, it’s safety first. Some careful prep work will bring your Christmas decor ideas to life—and keep you safe, to boot. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 160 Americans suffer an injury each day while decorating during the holiday season—half of those from falls.
To make sure you buy the right amount of lights, you’ll need to measure your home’s exterior. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, then measure the areas where you want to hang your lights. Write down the measurements. You can add the numbers together in areas that will share a single outlet to get a total length. If you’re not using an extension cord, make sure you factor in the distance to the outlet.
Christmas lights are sold in packages or rolls of 25-feet, 50-feet, or 100-feet in length, so keep size in mind when you buy.
There are a lot of Christmas lights out there—from standard strands to icicle lights to larger, vintage-style bulbs. White lights give a classic, clean look that works with any style home, while colored lights add some whimsy. No matter what style you choose, the best outdoor Christmas lights tend to be LED. These energy-efficient lights will last longer than traditional incandescent lights, and you’ll be able to connect more strands.
You may also want to consider choosing magnetic lights. That way, you won’t need to use hooks or clips to install the strands. The magnetic backing on the bulbs will stick right to your metal roof, and you can just pull them down when it’s time to uninstall.
To hang lights on your metal roof, you’ll need some sort of hook or clip. There are a number of solutions specifically made for Christmas lights—from plastic clips that hang on your gutter to self-adhesive hooks for outdoor use. Typically, the simplest way to go is magnetic, but not all metal roofing is magnetic. Check before you buy.
Also, make sure to choose a magnetic hook or clip that works with your Christmas lights. You can purchase magnetic C9 or C7 clips that work with C9 or C7 light strands. If you’re not sure about what type of Christmas lights you have, a magnetic hook is a good all-in-one solution. It tends to support heavier loads.
It’s important to safely power outdoor holiday lights, so choose a reliable outdoor outlet as a power source. Plug in your lights to test them out. You want to make sure everything works properly before you start climbing a ladder.
Sometimes homeowners use a light-hanging pole to hang lights in easy-to-reach places, but you’ll probably need to use a ladder if you’re hanging lights in areas other than the edge of your roof. In this case, it’s best to enlist a buddy who can help hold the ladder as you climb.
Attempting tasks that require ladders in snowy conditions poses a significant safety risk due to slippery surfaces and reduced visibility. It's safer and wiser to hire a snow removal professional who is equipped to handle these challeneges safely and effectively.
Now that you’re prepped and ready to go, follow these steps for hanging lights on your metal roof.
To start hanging your lights, set up an extension ladder on solid, even ground. Make sure the area isn’t muddy, icy, or covered in snow. Your ladder should rest at an angle of 1 foot per 4 feet of height. Be sure you understand how to hang Christmas lights on your roof safely before getting started.
Having a buddy hold the bottom of your ladder is ladder safety 101. As they grab the base, climb while maintaining three points of contact. That could mean you have two feet and a hand on the ladder or two hands and a foot on the ladder.
Using a backpack or toolbelt to hold your tools and supplies will make sure your hands are free to climb.
Once you can reach the area where you want to hang your lights, it’s time to install your hooks or clips. Simply put them in place. They’ll either stick easily with a magnetic back, or self-adhesive or clamp-on a surface.
The distance apart depends on personal preference. You want to make sure you use enough clips so your lights are secure and won’t budge during inclement weather. During this process, you may need to climb down and move your ladder. You can do one area at a time or install all your clips or hooks at once.
Once your metal roof Christmas light clips are in place, you can install the lights. With some clips, you’ll have to unscrew the bulb. Others allow the bulb to slide right in. If you’re using a hook, wrap the strand around the hook so it’s secure. Mind the slack between clips. A draped look works for the edge of a roof, but a taut line is most secure in other areas.
Alternatively, some homeowners prefer to put clips on their lights before they attach the clips to the roof—but that only works with specific types of clips. In that case, you’d skip this step because your lights are already “installed” on the clips.
Once you’ve hung all your lights, it’s time to run your extension cord to the outlet. Attach it to the last strand of lights, and carefully run it down the side of the house. From here, you can climb down your ladder and run the rest of the cable neatly to the outlet.
Installing a timer will ensure that your lights turn on at twilight and turn off when you don’t need to use them (i.e. when it’s light out or the whole neighborhood is asleep). Install your timer and set it to the correct time, then plug in your extension cord and enjoy the holiday cheer.
Most homeowners can do this job DIY as long as they’re comfortable climbing a ladder. Nonetheless, there’s no shame in hiring a pro to hang your Christmas lights—especially if you’re planning an extensive display.
As a rule, no one should attempt to climb an ultra-steep roof, and metal roofing is often slippery. If your roof slants more than 30 degrees, bring in a local Christmas light installation service. They’ll have the equipment to do the job safely.
Excellent work, punctual, polite. Strongly recommended.
DURAJ PAINTING LLCCustom Paint Jobs LLC made our home feel warm and inviting. Their expertise is evident.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCVisited my home for estimate same day that I called. Painted on Saturday. Great job. Good price!
Window Depot did an amazing job on my deck. I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, but their composite decking was affordable and will last a long time. I am excited to have family over, and I am no longer embarrassed by my backyard. Jeff and the ground crew were polite, respectful, and caring for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioExcellent experience! Left my place looking great. Friendly customer service too. Would recommend!
Awesome company. Had a jacuzzi tub taken out and replaced with huge walk in shower with partial glass enclosure. Onyx to the ceiling with a decorative border, moved plumbing and installed hand held shower, new ceiling, flooring, and paint. Replaced window with glass block. Everything was done...
Columbus Bath DesignDanny was extremely pleasant and professional and graciously scheduled an appointment for an estimate on a holiday. Communication leading up to the appointment was very good. his representative was timely and polite. Although we did not end up purchasing painting, I had a very positive...
Danny's Pro Painters LLCThere isn't much I can add that hasn't already been said about Rhino Painting. Outstanding service and communication from the first phone call through the end of the project, we could not be happier with this company. They painted our kitchen, living room, ceiling, starirwell and wood work,...
Rhino Painting & Color Consulting LLCThis company is amazing! My garage door broke this afternoon and was stuck in the open position. I couldn't leave with the door open so I called Sanford and Sons because the company was recommended by the manufacture of my garage door motor. Nancy answered the company phone and problem...
Bob arrived within an hour of my calling and was very professional and helpful. He was willing to take a look right away even though it was late in the afternoon (and in the middle of holidays). Fixed the problem. I will definitely use their service in the future. <br />
My Home Solutions LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A standing seam metal roof is a long-lasting, durable option for your home. Learn how much a standing seam metal roof costs and what can affect the price.
A new metal roof can add a unique touch to your home’s curb appeal and help maximize efficiency. Learn about metal roof costs and what affects your total.
It’s time to deck your halls. From choosing the right roof clips to step-by-step instructions, learn how to hang Christmas lights on a roof in this guide.
Looking to dress up your roof tiles for the holiday season? Find out how to hang Christmas lights on tile roofs.
Decorating your home for the holidays adds joy to the season but can be time-consuming. Magnetic lights are easy to install and help limit damage to your home. Learn how magnetic lights can simplify your Christmas decorating this year and beyond.
Your roof color can change the look of your home and make it more energy efficient. We will show you how to pick the best metal roof color for your home.
