House with Green Siding and a black roof with colorful Christmas Lights.

How to Hang Christmas Lights on a Roof: Step by Step Guide 

6 minutes

Disclaimer: In no way should someone ever try to hang Christmas lights on their roof with a ladder when there is snow or rain present. This may cause serious injuries. We do not condone any such activities unless the proper safety precautions have been taken. It is important that you have someone present during the installation process of your Christmas lights on your roof. One should never try to go on top of their roof unless they are a professional and have the proper training. This may cause damage to your shingles and may cause injuries. Exercise extreme caution and consult with a physician before attempting to hang Christmas lights on your roof.  

How to Install Christmas lights on a Roof?  

If you have decided to attempt to hang Christmas lights on your roof, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure that you have the proper equipment. You will need a ladder, a drill, light clips, and of course, the lights themselves. It is important to have a helper when hanging lights, as they can hold the ladder steady while you climb up and clip the lights in place.  

Here is the Step-by-Step Process of hanging Christmas lights on your Roof.  

First Step – is to gather your Essential Items 

4 essential items to consider when hanging Christmas lights on a roof includes:  

Christmas Lights 

Christmas lights can be purchased at just about any store during the holiday season. However, before you purchase any lights, make sure that they are the type of lights that can be used on an exterior surface. These lights will be clearly labeled and will typically be more expensive than regular Christmas lights. C7 and C9 lights are some of the most used exterior Christmas lights. The main difference between these two types of lights is the size. C9 lights are larger than C7 lights, and therefore, are more visible from a distance. If you are hanging lights on a roof, it is important to choose a light that will be visible from the street. Another thing to consider when purchasing lights is the length of the strand. Most strands of lights are available in 25, 50, or 100 light counts. 

Timer & Controller 

It is also important to have a timer and controller for your lights. This way, you can set them to turn on and off automatically. This is especially helpful if you are not home during the day to turn them off and on manually. Without a timer, you run the risk of leaving your lights on all day and night, which can increase your energy bill. 

Light Clips 

light clips available, so make sure to select the ones best suited for your application. Most importantly, make sure that the clips you select can hold the weight of your lights without damaging your roof. A good rule of thumb is to select clips that can hold at least twice the weight of your lights. To make sure that you buy enough clips for your lights you should measure the area of your roof where you plan to hang your lights. Another good rule of thumb is that a clip should be placed every foot (or about a quarter of a meter) along the length of your roof or gutters. Light clips provide convenient and secure hanging for your lights on your gutters or shingles. There are many diverse types and sizes of

Other Tools and Equipment 

There are a few other tools and equipment that you might need when hanging lights on your roof. These include a ladder, light-hanging pole for easier places to hang lights without using a ladder. You will also want to make sure you have a good extension cord that can reach the outlet from your roof. It is important to use a heavy-duty extension cord that is made for outdoor use. Never use an indoor extension cord as they are not made to withstand the elements and can be a fire hazard.  

Step Two – Measure the Area of Your Roof. 

Now that you have gathered all of the essential items, it is time to measure the area of your roof where you plan to hang the lights. This is important so that you know how many lights and how many light clips you will need. It is also important to make sure that you have enough extension cord to reach the outlet from your roof. Once you have measured the area, it is time to start hanging the lights. 

Step Three – Understand Where You are Going to Install These Lights 

There are a couple places on your roof where you can hang your lights, but they do require specific clips. If you want to install your lights on your gutters, you will need to use gutter clips. These are specifically designed to hold the lights in place on your gutters without damaging them. If you want to install your lights on your shingles, you will need to use shingle tabs. These are also specifically designed to hold the lights in place on your shingles without damaging them. 

Step Four – Check Your Christmas Light Wattage 

It is important to make sure that your Christmas lights are not too powerful for your electrical system. Overloading your electrical system can cause a fire. To avoid this, make sure to check the wattage of your lights before you buy them. Most light strands have a wattage rating on the packaging. A good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure that the wattage of your lights does not exceed 80% of the maximum wattage capacity of your circuits.  

Step Five – Setup Your Timer 

After you have installed your lights and plugged them in, it is time to set up your timer. Timers are especially important if you are not home during the day to turn them off and on manually. Most light timers are simple to use and can be plugged into any standard outlet. Once you have your timer plugged in, set up your timer to have the lights turned on and off for your desired times.  

DaBella is Wishing You & Your Family a Happy Holiday Season! 

From all of us here at DaBella, we want to wish you and your family a happy holiday season. We know that this time of year can be busy and stressful, so we hope that our tips help make your holiday season a little brighter. If you have any questions regarding our service or need any help, our team is always here to help. Contact us today at 844-DaBella.  

Steven Shortridge

District Manager

Portland, OR

Learn more about Steven

1-844-DABELLA