Getting ready to deck the halls for the holidays? Before you start hanging lights and other rooftop decorations, take a few moments to prepare. Decorating without a plan could lead to costly roofing repairs for your home. Industry Elite Services wants to help you celebrate without having an incident.

Display your holiday cheer without harming your roof by following these tips:

1. Call roofers first – Before you set up any decorations, make sure you call a roofer to inspect for roof damage. A damaged roof can present many problems, including some that concern your personal safety. Call for roof repairs first, then decorate.
2. Untangle and check all lights and cords – Take time to unwind your lights and their cords. Inspect all your lights, cords, and outlets for signs of impairment. This is important because tangled or damaged lights can pose an extreme safety hazard for both you and your roof.
3. Use Correct Ladder Safety– Always have someone else working with you when hanging Christmas lights or decorations from a ladder or roof. Make sure the ladder is on a secure and level footing before climbing. Space the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet it reaches up. Stay centered between the rails of the ladder. Do not overreach to hang lights or decorations—move the ladder. Do not stand on the ladder’s top two rungs. To reach a roof, extend the ladder at least three feet beyond the edge of the roof.
4. Use plastic clips and other accessories – There are helpful decoration tools and accessories that won’t hurt your roof like staple guns do. For instance, plastic clips and zip ties are useful for attaching lights and other festive displays to your roof.
5. Avoid walking on the roof – Try to not walk on your roof unless you absolutely have to. Staying off the roof can help prevent roof damage – and help you stay out of harm’s way.

Think you’ve damaged your roof while hanging up your holiday lights? Don’t let this put a damper on your holiday spirit. Instead, call Industry Elite Services for roofing repairs.