Get matched with top holiday decorators in Velma, OK

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.

While DIY Christmas light hanging is possible, there are a few reasons why outsourcing this project is in your best interest. First and foremost, your safety is essential. People who are physically unable to hang outdoor lights should consider hiring a pro for this job. Also, homes that pose a safety hazard, like multiple stories, should have a professional tackle the lighting project.

Additionally, hiring a professional holiday lighting expert is a great idea when you won't be able to maintain your holiday lights throughout the season, as many pros include repairs as part of their rates and packages.

Ensure you have a safe environment for them to work on, and there aren’t items such as logs, build-up of yard materials, missing or damaged shingles, and weak areas on the roof. Communicate any known electrical issues with contractors at the beginning of the project, and consider hiring an electrician to fix those. Finally, if you are attempting the project yourself, do so when there isn’t any rain, and you can safely get your footing on the roof using proper equipment, such as an extension ladder. Don’t attempt this alone, and have a helper nearby to assist.

Several options for hanging Christmas lights won't damage gutters. Using shingle clips avoids any hardware contact with them, and using plastic gutter clips minimizes the likelihood of scratching gutters. Remember not to rest a ladder, especially a metal one, against the gutters, and use a ladder stand-off device or stabilizer if you need to use an extension ladder.