During holidays, many put up decorations. Lights and other festive decorations outside houses and on their roofs are a part of the festive look. While these roof decorations are beautiful and add to the festive spirit, safety measures must also be followed.
Apollo Roofing Company is a top-rated roofing company in Walnut Creek, CA. This roofer prioritizes customers and provides fine craftsmanship, attention to detail, and accurate roof installation and repair. In this article, Apollo Roofing Company shares some points to help maintain roof safety when decorating roofs during the holiday season.
1. Use a ladder of appropriate height.
Use a ladder of sufficient height to hang lights or put up other decorations on the roof. If the ladder is too short, it can lead to falls when the user reaches up or leans too far. Ladders that are too tall can be unstable and is a fall risk. Sturdy ladders must be bought and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions. When possible, a second person can help to set up and use the ladder. If the weather is too cold, or the homeowner is not confident enough to use a ladder, professional light installation services would be better and safer.
2. Keep decorations tied down.
Any decoration not secured to the roof must be tied down well. Garlands, wreaths, and flags need to be tied down. Heavy winds can blow away decorations that are light. Zip ties or other fasteners can keep them secure. After heavy winds, check the decorations to see if they have become loose and need refastening.
3. Do not allow children or pets on the roof.
Keeping children and pets off roofs is important. Balancing on icy and slippery roofs is difficult for anyone, especially for children who are more at risk of slipping and falling. Include children in putting up indoor decorations under adult supervision and making sure they are safe.
4. Be careful on sloped roofs.
Balancing is difficult when using a ladder to get on a roof with steep slopes. It is better to take safety measures like harnesses. Sloped roofs may be challenging to access safely. Professional light installation services will be able to decorate such roofs safely.
5. Preventing fire hazards.
Take safety precautions when using outdoor lights to decorate a roof. Inspect the roof before starting to install lights that have to be connected to an electrical outlet. Check the wiring on the roof carefully. Note the presence of any faulty wiring, and avoid connecting lights to that part of the roof. Any contact with faulty wiring, like a wire with a cracked casing, may lead to a fire. An electrician can repair the faults.
Only use holiday decorations labeled as safe for outdoor use on the roof. Choose weatherproof lights with cords that are protected from rain and snow. In icy and wet conditions, the risk of electrical problems is higher.
If the extension cord will be exposed to rain and snow, use a weatherproof extension cord to plug lights into an electrical outlet. If wires within the cable are too close to each other, they can start a fire when exposed to moisture.
Use holiday lights sparingly and only in well-ventilated areas. Too many lights can be a fire hazard. Avoid overloading extension cords by plugging in too many things simultaneously.
6. Remove holiday decorations with care.
By the end of the holiday season, removing decorations is a chore that is tiresome for most. But they should be removed with patience and caution. Pulling or tugging them down at once can cause roof damage. Holiday lights and wires can cause fire hazards when handled carelessly. Decorations must be removed one by one and stored safely.
