Before you climb the ladder or plug in your strings of lights, treat your roof like the seasonal setup it is. Your roof system—including shingles, gutters, fascia, and downspouts—is designed to shed water, not bear extra weight or be punctured. One common mistake is using nails, staples, or screws to hang lights or decorations. These methods create tiny holes that let moisture in, allow freezing water to expand, and lead to shingle or decking damage.

Lightweight decorations, thoughtfully spaced attachments, and a pre-planned design all reduce the risk of concentrated weight or stress on one area. Consider the following:

• Use plastic light clips designed for gutters or shingles rather than poking holes.
• Avoid placing heavy inflatables or statues on the roof edge or gutters—they add stress and may void warranty coverage on those systems.
• Check your decorations, power cords, and extension cables to ensure they are rated for outdoor use and won’t overload your circuit.