It’s that time of year when many homeowners will be out in the yard. And along the rooftop hanging Christmas lights that twinkle with the cheer of the holidays. Hanging lights is no small task and it can be quite dangerous if you’re not careful. This guide provides basic instructions for hanging lights on surfaces, how to measure the amount you’ll need, and the best types for the display you want to create.
Study the Surfaces
Where you hang your Christmas lights should be related to where the closest supply of electricity is. You’ll likely use an indoor outlet and have to run any cords through a cracked window. Once determined you can measure how many feet of cord you’ll need to reach the beginning of your light display.
You can hang outdoor holiday lights on the roof, and shingles. And gutters but you’ll need to affix them with the right clips for their surface. By planning the initial setup of your holiday light display you’ll save time and frustration and have all the tools needed to do the job like a professional.
Measure
Grab a tape measure and start at the base of your home and go along any corners. Any other areas such as door frames and windows should also need to be measured if you plan on lighting those up as well.
Wattage Calculations
You don’t want to blow a fuse so make sure you calculate the correct wattage of electricity so that your lights remain safely lit without overloading your circuits.
Keep in mind:
- Most household’s circuits are 15 or 20 amps
- Do not exceed 80% of max capacity
- 15 amps support 1800 watts
- 20 amps support 2400 watts
Best Lights for Your Display
Depending on the style you want to create there are many options for Christmas lights. Many homeowners opt for cascading icicle lights along the rooftop because they twinkle and waterfall down and create a beautiful festive display. Traditional bulbs in white or colored lights can be used to light up the roof, tree branches, and along windows and door frames.
While you can mix and match blue, multi-colored, or white lights. Most people tend to stick with one theme whether celebrating and decorating for Christmas or Hanukkah. In addition to strand lights, you can always find lighted lawn ornaments, hanging stars, and even snowmen and angels that will make your home glow with spirit. Purchase all of your light strands and displays first so you can move on to purchasing the proper hanging hardware.
Picking the Clips
Check the light bulb socket size and also where you’re hanging the lights to purchase the right light clips. The best choice is all-in-one clips because you can use a variety of bulb sizes. Some people start clipping at the ground and carefully climb up a ladder with one light strand at a time. Be careful not to let dangling lights knock up against ladders or walls or you could damage the strand or break the bulbs.
Store Your Christmas Lights Properly After Use
Is there anything worse than a tangled ball of twinkle lights? Make sure you pack up your seasonal lights with care to avoid a mess next year. A cardboard paper towel tube works perfectly to store lights in the meantime. Simply wrap them up around the tube and package them carefully for next use.
Hanging Christmas lights like a professional isn’t a dreaded task. Follow these basic steps and get into the spirit of lighting up your home this season. Don’t forget to call Heritage for a free roof inspection first and you’ll ensure your roof and home are safely decked for the holidays.
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