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The most common slope range for roofs on houses in snowy areas is between 4/12 and 6/12, or 50%. A roof with a slope of less than 10%, or roughly a 2/12 pitch, won’t be effective at shedding snow. However, roofs that are too steep can allow large amounts of snow to build up and fall all at once, creating a hazard for those on the ground.

Roof work is dangerous and exacting, and a misstep could lead to even more costly repairs, so we do not recommend DIYing. If you are dead set on giving it a go, practice safety measures. Wear a harness, only work during mild weather, and have a partner to help. Potentially DIY-friendly jobs include patching up small leaks, sealing areas around the chimney, and replacing a few shingles.

If your home doesn't have gutters, you can still hang Christmas lights on the roof using specialized clips. Use roof clips designed to attach to shingles or fascia. For tile roofs or the edges of the rooftop, consider using parrot clips. Adhesive light-hanging clips are also a great option. It's important to avoid using nails or staples, as they can damage your roofing material. For unique or complex installations, it's best to consult a professional Christmas light installer to find the safest and most effective solution for your home.

Replacing older chimneys or fireplaces, like wood-burning stoves, with something more eco-friendly can actually increase the value of your home. Some homeowners opt to remove chimneys as they pursue LEED certification, which may also increase the value of your home. But in general, many potential buyers actually look for operational fireplaces in homes, so removing a chimney and fireplace could decrease your home’s value by up to $5,000.