Is there anything more joyful at this time of year than twinkly lights, a blanket of snow and Santa and his sleigh? We think not. So it’s no surprise that we like to adorn our homes with festive accessories at Christmas. The key to a beautifully decorated roof? Careful preparation and sound knowledge about what to do and what not to do. Here are the do’s and don’ts of holiday roof decorations…
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DO carry out a roof health check before you begin
Nothing sours holiday roof decorating more than roof damage, so it’s important that you check yours thoroughly before you get going with the inflatables and fairy-lights. Check the attic for holes and drafts, feel for any squidgy interiors (which could be a sign of excess moisture), and look out for any watermarks near fireplaces. It’s also advisable to check for moss on the exterior, or any damaged or missing roof tiles. Although it’s a good idea to call in a roofer to do the latter safely and properly.
DON’T go anywhere near a staple gun
We see it in countless Christmas movies every year – Dad clumsily stapling down lights or faux snow on the roof. But do not try this at home! Stapling decorations can cause all sorts of damage – to both your roof and your decorations! One dodgy staple and your entire garland of lights is ruined, not to mention the state of your roof come January when the blanket of ‘snow’ comes off! Stick to much-safer clips and hooks for attaching your decs, and you won’t have to worry about the likes of leaks and leftover marks.
DO ensure your decorations are safe
It sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s one you must remember. Once your holiday roof decs are up, be sure to monitor their placement. By this we mean checking that nothing is close to a chimney or an electrical line – for obvious fire hazard reasons.
DON’T sidestep the instructions
Another safety warning, but an important one. We know how tempting it can be to throw away the instructions – especially if it’s something you’ve used and displayed for years and years. But don’t. Read up on everything as if it’s new to you, and have everything ready and to hand before you start decorating. You should also plan what’s going where ahead of time.
DO have a decorating buddy
NEVER decorate a roof alone. By having a decorating buddy, you can have someone passing you things, supporting the ladder, and, if the worst happens, someone who can call for help if it’s needed.
DON’T go OTT
Steer clear of a Battle of the Lights with the rest of the neighbourhood. When it comes to holiday decorations, it pays to take a less-is-more approach. Keep it classy with snow and lights on the roof, as opposed to snow, lights and a mish-mash of wacky Christmas characters. Anything big and bulky, such as a life-size snowman or a giant floating Santa, should be kept and displayed on the lawn.
