When it comes to installing Christmas lights on your house, you can opt in for professional installation or choose to do it yourself.

Here are some tips on choosing the right Christmas lights, the right equipment, and tips to keep in mind to avoid common Christmas lights installation mistakes:

1. Types of Christmas Lights

Whether you opt in for color or elegant white lights, you want to make sure you get the sturdy bulbs. The most common and cost-effective option that creates an elegant clean look is C9 String Lights. These can cover as much as 67ft per string. In comparison, large icicle lights cover only 7ft for the same cost, and small icicle lights that will cover about 30ft for that price. Small icicle lights are easier to install, but it all of course depends on your personal look preference.

2. Chose the Rights Clips

When you’re hanging Christmas lights on a roof, don’t use fasteners that puncture the shingle or any other part of your home. Even small holes in gutters may allow water to seep where it shouldn’t and can cause rot as well. It’s best to use universal clips – they fit to both s net over your gutters, you can use individual zip ties to secure the lights.

3. Reaching to Higher Levels

Hanging Christmas lights on a roof is a fun activity but can be dangerous and should never be done without proper precautions. You will need a tall ladder to reach to the higher levels, or in some cases a help of a professional if you need to climb on the roof. Fall protection gear needs to be in place for your safety, along with roof anchors.

4. Evaluate Your Roof

Some roofs are safe to walk on, while others need extra caution. The most roof type in Unites States is asphalt shingles. Those, and metal roofs are typically safe to walk on, unless the roof is under steep angle. Make sure to wear non slippery shoes and use fall protection harness when you do the work on your roof. If you have a steep roof, it’s best to hire a professional for any roof work, including installation of Christmas lights.

If you have a clay roof, you need to be very careful as you move around the roof and only step on connections that have nails/raptors underneath otherwise your clay tiles can crack.

5. Don’t Forget Extension Cords and Timers

Plan your extension cords and timers ahead. If you have a big house, extension cords can get pricey. You can save on your project by opting in to use outdoor lamp wire along with male/female outlets and connect them all to a single timer for.

We all love the excitement of Christmas lights, but it is important to be aware that there are many factors involved with selecting and installing your outdoor lighting – we hope that these tips and tricks will help you with your Christmas lights Installation project. Happy Holidays!