Best holiday decorators near Mount Sterling, IL

In the Christmas days of yore, people braved winter weather to staple or tack their Christmas lights onto their rooftops or nearby surfaces like the fascia boards. Problems quickly emerged with that approach. Damage to the roof, even small marks from staples, provides entryways for moisture and similar issues that can hasten roof rot, wear, and associated leaks. Plus, some homes had tough fiber cement boards or other materials where staples and screws didn’t work.

No one has figured out a perfect solution to this problem. Tying icicle lights down or adding weights to them can help, but it’s a very time-consuming process and far from foolproof. If your winters are too windy, we suggest simply switching away from icicle lights to straight runs of non-dangling lights along the edge of your roof.

Using a staple gun to hang Christmas lights on your roof or shingles is not recommended. Puncturing your roof with staples can cause damage, leading to cracks, leaks, and exposure to the elements. Staples are also less reliable than other methods like roof clips. For a safer alternative that won't damage your roof, use shingle tabs.

To hang Christmas lights on a ceiling without using nails or traditional hooks, you have several damage-free options. Adhesive hooks and clips are a popular choice. For smaller projects, you can use pushpins, tacks, or adhesive putty. Specially designed transparent tape that can hold weight without damaging paint is also effective. For a more creative approach, consider stringing the lights over a curtain rod near the ceiling. If you have a drop ceiling, look for clips and hooks designed to attach to the metal framing. Note that staples can also be used, but may leave small holes.