4510 S Federal Blvd Englewood, Colorado 80110

3525 N Cascade Ave #204 Colorado Springs, CO 80907

(303) 761-6400(24/7)

(719) 434-3020(24/7)

Holiday Lights Safety

It’s that time of year when we all do our best Christmas Vacation impersonation. Excel Roofing cares about your safety when you are hanging holiday lights on your roof and gutters. So here are our 5 safety tips to ensure nothing goes wrong and you make it down in one piece.

Tip #1: Propper ladder safety is very important while installing and removing holiday lights.

Climbing ladder with help

Every year around 164,000 people go to the emergency room and 300 people die in the U.S. from falling off ladders, according to the World Health Organization. Make sure to prop your ladder on a flat surface both on the ground and against your house. You can use either an extension ladder or and A frame to install. When using an extension ladder use bungee cords to attach the ladder to the gutters for more stability. The A frame is better because you aren’t having to lean the ladder against the surface you are installing the lights on. It’s always a good idea to have someone holding the ladder below to ensure maximum stability.

Tip #2: Make sure that you are using the correct materials.

Putting Lights Up

You will need the correct lights, clips, ladders, and extensions cords. When picking out your electrical equipment make sure you choose outdoor lights and extension cords. This is essential in climates that get wet and snowy weather conditions. When installing the outdoor lights, use plastic clips if you are placing the lights on your roofline and gutters. The clips are the best option to avoid damaging the paint and finish on the gutters and avoid putting unnecessary penetrations in your roof. The clips for hanging the lights can be found at any hardware store near where the holiday lights are located. You also want to make sure that you have the lights properly connected so that you don’t overload 1 outlet. Typically, it is about 9 strands per outlet. Outdoor outlets are tied to a special circuit, GFI, that will trip the electricity off if it senses any moisture. Most people believe that when their electricity turns off, the solution is to go to the breaker box. However, there are 2 buttons on the outlet in the main floor bathroom that usually turn the electricity back on, even to the outdoor outlets.

Tip #3: If you are installing or removing your holiday lights from your roof, make sure that you use a tie off.

Roof Tie Off

Excel does not recommend you hanging your lights from the roof for a few reasons. First you can damage the shingles and second you are putting yourself at higher risk of a fall. If you do not have the proper harness for a tie off, it is probably best to not be on your roof.

Tip #4: Pick a day with good weather.

Nice Weather

Weather in the winter months is usually cold and snowy. Pick a sunny dry day to install or remove your holiday lights. Double check to make sure that the place where your ladder is set on the ground is clear of ice and snow. You do not want your ladder to slip out from underneath you. If you will be installing or removing your lights from the roof, make sure that the roof is clear of ice, so you do not slip off the roof. 

Tip #5: Check to make sure your gutters are clear of debris.

man Cleaning Gutters

When installing your holiday lights, it is important to have clean gutters and downspouts. With full gutters, it will be more challenging to install the clips to the edge. When you have clogged gutters, you also increase your chance of having ice damning and gutter overflow. If you get up on your ladder to install or remove your holiday lights and notice your gutters are filled with leaves, call Excel Roofing. For more information on gutter cleaning check out our other blog post all about gutters here.

Receive a half-price solar-powered attic fan for $500, with the purchase of a full roof. Normally $999.

eco-excel-roofing-asphalt-shingles-logo

Why Homeowners and Businesses Choose Us

Colo Radans
Read More
Excel Roofing is the only roofing company I would trust and recommend to others. Kevin M. is extremely helpful and professional at all time with his experience and knowledge.
Ralitsa Carter
Read More
I highly recommend consulting with a true roof insurance expert like Excel Roofing, as there are a lot of details one can easily miss if not in the field on a regular basis.
Mary Kimball
Read More
Omar came out and repaired some of our inside ceiling where the nails lifted the drywall. He is an amazing worker, a master at his job. Ask for Omar as he is a real asset to Excel Roofing!
Cindy L
Local Guide
Read More
This company has gone way beyond my expectations. Thank you Jay and especially thank you JR for doing such a great job, being dependable, on time and affordable.
Rick Sturdivant
Read More
Troy Lindsay and his team did a great job installing a new roof. They even worked with me when I wanted a solar-powered attic fan installed and helped me size and choose one.
brian niles
Read More
These guys are top notch! You will not find better service anywhere!! Thank you Excel!!
Dustin Sieve
Read More
I would absolutely recommend Excel roofing for any roofing, gutters or painting. I plan on using them again for any future claims.
Eric Zietlow
Read More
Eric the project manager answered all calls and e mails promptly, addressed any concerns, and followed up on small issues. Good looking roof, no headaches or stress on my end.
Nicki Shields
Read More
The building inspector said this was one of the best roof jobs she has seen, she was very impressed. I highly recommend Excel Roofing for roofs, siding, and windows. I could not be more pleased! Look no further.
Sonny Romero
Read More
Matt Foster was our Project Manager. Matt was very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. He was involved from the estimate through the final inspection. Excel Roofing did an outstanding job.
ANDREW RODWIN
Read More
Troy and his crew were outstanding. He explained the details every step of the way. They gave us a job date and completed on time.
Kevin Donahue
Read More
Unlike the other companies who bid my roofing job, Excel (Brock) was not pushy and the deal did not have to be signed before he left the house. I am extremely pleased.
Ana Kauffman
Read More
Love Chris, had my best interest in mind during the entire roof replacement process. He was able to rush the job for us given that we were nearing the closing date of the sale of the house.
Andy Dimmen
Read More
Throughout the process I had one point of contact at Excel (Brock). Brock managed the entire process so that I didn’t have to do a thing. I will recommend Excel to everyone I know
Taylor Hood
Read More
I would have given 5 stars. Giving 4 because of how hard Matt worked to get project finished and they were priced very reasonable compared to other roofing companies.
Beth Rogers
Read More
Troy and his crew went above and beyond for us. Working to help us navigate insurance claim. Great job, on time, on budget, house looks great. Couldn't be happier! Highly recommend Mr Troy and his crew!
Bob Andersen
Read More
wonderful company to work with.. from the initial call for someone to come look.. the project manager Bob was at the house within an hour.
Mindy Densmore
Read More
They showed up on time, determined the problem, showed us a video of what to do to prevent it in the future and and took care of it immediately. I highly recommend Excel.
j snoy
Read More
I definitely recommend and will use again. Chris the project manager was very quick to respond and quite reliable. Overall, a great roofing experience.

Denver Metro

4510 S Federal Blvd
Englewood, Colorado 80110

Phone: (303) 761-6400

View Location

Colorado Springs

3525 N Cascade Ave #204 Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Phone: (719) 434-3020

View Location

Sheridan, Wyoming

1574 N Main Street
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801

Phone: (307) 763-4050

View Location

Casper, Wyoming

373 Lakeview Drive
Casper, Wyoming 82604

Phone: (307) 237-770

View Location

c 2019-2020 Excel Roofing. All Rights Reserved. XML | HTML | FAQ | Privacy Policy

Schedule My Free Inspection/Bid Now

    I would like a Roof inspectionI have a hail claimI need a new roofI need a roof repair