How to Safely Hang Christmas Lights

Every year thousands of people fall while hanging Christmas lights, the majority from ladders. Some of these falls can be devastating, including those that result in traumatic brain injuries or even death.

Mastershake cares about your safety at this joyous time of year. We know the hazards of being on roof tops. Below are some safety tips to follow as you hang up your holiday lights:

  • Check your equipment. It may be a year since you last dragged out your ladder. Check it to be sure it doesn’t wobble or tip easily and all the rungs are secure.
  • Use the ladder properly. A lot of people don’t follow ladder usage guidelines. A ladder should extend at least three feet beyond the edge of the roof in order to reach it. For every four feet of ladder height, space the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall. Do not step on the top two rungs of the ladder because you will have less balance and stability. Always stand in the center part of the ladder’s rungs. Don’t overreach to hang your Christmas lights or decorations; instead, descend and adjust the ladder if necessary.
  • Be aware of the weather. If it’s bitterly cold outside, your fingers won’t work as well, a safety hazard when trying to hang onto ladders. Furthermore, your ladder could become slippery if it’s snowing out.
  • Use the buddy system. Don’t hang your Christmas lights alone. To avoid leaning and tipping the ladder unsafely, ask a friend or family member to steady the ladder and hand you the lights.
  • Don’t drink and decorate. This should be intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people hang their lights after after some Christmas cheer. Alcohol impairs your mental ability as well as your balance and coordination skills, increasing the chances of falls and injuries.
  • To protect your roof, never use nails, tacks or staples to hang Christmas lights. These can tear or pierce the insulation of your roof, creating a fire hazard. Mastershake recommends using gutter clips, which are designed for hanging string lights and won’t cause damage to your roof.
  • Know your physical limitations. If you have any kind of balance issues or are afraid of heights, don’t hang your own Christmas lights.
  • Hire professionals. Professional decorators are experienced and trained in safety when hanging Christmas lights. They have the proper equipment and manpower.

While Christmas lights are beautiful and brighten up the season, accidents can happen due to momentary lapses or distractions. That’s why it’s important to stay focused, whether you’re hanging Christmas lights or taking them down. A single slip can ruin your holiday and even cause irreparable damage. To prevent falls or injuries, make sure to take precautions and prioritize your safety.

The Mastershake Roofing System includes proprietary metal shingles that can withstand the toughest winter storms while helping to keep you warm all season long. This is all backed by our 50-year warranty.

Contact us today for a free estimate.