Intending to put up some lights on the roofline this year? The thought of a ladder in New England’s cold may give you pause. Or you are at a loss as to how to put your decorations up and not harm the shingles.
One should be asking those sorts of questions before putting one’s foot on a ladder. We at JP Carroll Roofing, LLC can tell you from experience that a jolly afternoon can become an emergency room visit in a hurry; we have been putting roofs in place all over New England for 30,000 strong since 1987. In the meantime we will show you the safe way to do it. Should you have any roof matters to attend to come the end of the holidays, our number is (860) 775-7511.
The Ladder: Where You Start
It is the ladder where most holiday decorating mishaps originate, not the roof. A case of serious falling in winter is often due to a ladder that is not well placed or is wobbly.
Go over the following before you make the ascent:
- Make sure the ladder can take your weight and that of the decorations.
- Do not put it on ice, snow or anything loose; firm, level ground is a must.
- For every four feet of height, the base needs to be a foot out from the wall.
- Put someone at the base to hold it while you go up.
- At no time should you be on the top two rungs.
- Three points of contact is the rule: two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand.
Take a few minutes to set it up properly and you will avoid a fall to spoil the season.
Mind the Weather
A New England winter has no regard for when you plan to decorate. With the early dark and frost or ice, a slip is more likely.
Make it a day that is mild and dry with plenty of light. You would be surprised how long morning frost will hold on to a ladder or roof, so let them warm up first. When there is ice or snow in the forecast, you wait. There is no point in getting on a slick roof for a string of lights. Some homeowners put themselves in harm’s way by trying to get ahead of a storm; be patient.
Be Easy on the Roof
You cannot expect to walk on your shingles and gutters or use them to anchor something heavy without consequence. Leaks from a lack of care have a way of appearing months down the line.
Follow these rules to keep your roof in order:
- Nails and staples have no place here; stick with plastic clips for the shingles and gutters.
- No drilling or screwing into the roof.
- Gutters are not meant to bear the weight of your displays and can be pulled loose or bent.
- Only put foot to roof when it is bone dry, and then as little as you can.
- Cold shingles are brittle, so step lightly and distribute your weight.
- When the season is done, take your decorations down with care, do not yank at them.
It is better to be careful now than to have to ring a roofer in the spring.
Electrical Decorations Require Caution
There is risk with extension cords and lights too, and you should be as vigilant with outdoor electrical safety as with the ladder.
Only employ cords and lights fit for the outdoors. Inspect each strand for a cracked socket or frayed wire. Outlets for outside work should be on a ground fault circuit interrupter. Cords are not to be run through a window or door to be pinched. And put everything off when you leave or at night.
Leave It to the Pros if Need Be
There is no disgrace in remaining on the ground if the roof is too high, steep or covered in ice.
If you have a second or third story or a pitch you cannot get to with any safety, do your decorating at ground level or get some help. A display is not worth your safety.
While you are up there, if you notice a sagging gutter, some missing shingle or flashing that is cracked, put it down on paper. Winter has a way of turning such things into a leak.
JP Carroll Roofing, LLC is at Your Service
We are a family operation in its second generation with licenses and insurance to boot. As a member of the GAF President’s Club, an honour held by under 1% of contractors in the country, we provide GAF Golden Pledge warranty of up to 50 years. Our reach extends to Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts. We are around seven days a week, 7:30am to 9:00pm, and will give you a free estimate.
Want us to have a look at your roof before the winter sets in, or has your decorating brought some trouble to light? Give us a call at (860) 775-7511. Have a good season and decorate with safety in mind.
