What To Watch Out For When Taking Down Holiday Lights
It’s that time of year again when we are all thinking about taking down our holiday lights.
If you’re a Denver native, you know that it’s a tradition to keep your holiday lights on until after the National Western Stock Show is over. And in 2021, Colorado residents were likewise encouraged to keep their holiday lights up until the end of January as a show of support for healthcare workers.
No matter when you decide to take Christmas lights down it’s important to consider how to do so safely and without causing damage to your home.
Choose a Day With Good Weather
It’s wintertime, and working outside can be hard to do, particularly for such a task that requires your fingers to complete! Choose a day with a good forecast: no moisture, warm temperatures, and little wind. We’ve got plenty of great weather days in Colorado, but don’t forget how fast the weather can change!
Worst case: you can always simply unplug your lights and wait for warmer weather.
Clear Your Working Area From Obstacles
Similar to putting up your lights, you want to prioritize safety when taking them down. Before you begin taking your Christmas lights down, be sure you clear your working area first. There are multiple hazards involved with taking your lights down, including working with a ladder and dangling cords that create trip hazards.
Unplug Your Lights Before Working With Them
Remember to unplug all your lights before you start pulling them down! Eliminate the risk of electrical shock by taking the time to make sure all lights are unplugged, that way you can work with confidence.
Watch Out For Ice
Take time to survey the ground and sidewalks where you might need to place a ladder—check for ice and other obstacles that might be in your way and prevent you from working safely.
You also want to take a look at your roof and gutters for ice. If your gutters are clogged or there’s any accumulation of ice, your lights might be frozen to the gutter itself or your shingles. If that’s the case, you may need to wait for a few warm days to remove your lights safely.
Don’t Pull Them Down!
You might be tempted to simply grab your string of lights and yank them down, but this can cause damage to both your home and your Christmas lights.
Take the time to remove each clip from your shingles and gutters. Doing so will extend the life of your lights and reduce the risk of damage to your roof and gutters.
Carefully Store Your Lights for Next Year
By taking some extra time to carefully prepare your holiday lights for storage, you can help prevent bulbs from breaking and tangles from happening. Seriously…you’ll thank yourself next year if your lights are easy to unravel!
Some simple ideas for storing Christmas lights include:
- Wrapping them around pieces of cardboard
- Designating a storage container to protect your lights from getting crushed
- Draping your lights on hangers
Click here for more Christmas lights storage ideas.
Keep Your Roof in Good Shape With a Free Inspection
Decorating your home for the holidays can be a wonderful family tradition. Hanging Christmas lights depends on the health of your roof and gutters, so if you notice any damage while you’re taking your lights down—or if you simply want to make sure your roof is in good shape for late winter storms—get in touch with J&K Roofing today for a free roof inspection!