How to Hang Christmas Lights on Tile Roofs: 9 Tips for a Successful DIY
Bring some holiday style to your roof tiles
‘Tis the season to illuminate your home for the holidays, which can seem daunting when you’re not sure how to hang Christmas lights on a tile roof. Luckily, a few solid dos (and don’ts) can guide you through the process. Use these nine tips to prepare your tile roof and outdoor space for the holidays.
1. Safety First
Getting up on your tile roof to hang Christmas lights is dangerous business, so taking the proper safety precautions is extremely important. A roof safety harness will protect you from any missteps while working. Never attempt to hang lights when there’s rain in the forecast, or whenever there’s ice or fresh snow. Be sure you understand how to hang Christmas lights on a roof and feel comfortable before getting started.
2. Avoid Using Nails
Avoiding nails when hanging Christmas lights outside is always a good call, especially when working with a clay tile roof. The hard, rigid material can easily crack, chip, or break, so you’ll want to avoid approaching it with anything sharp. Instead, look for clips that can attach to the roof without risking damage.
3. Pick Up Clay Tile Christmas Light Clips
Specially-designed clips make it simple to hang Christmas lights on a tile roof. These have teeth that can slip between the grooves of your roof, and a hole on the opposite end to secure your lights. Be sure to look for sturdy, reusable varieties that will last you many holidays to come.
4. Ensure Your Tile Roof Christmas Light Clips Are Compatible With Your Lights
Each clay tile Christmas light clip has a slot that’s designed to hold lights in place. However, some sizes and varieties of lights might not fit properly. Your tile roof Christmas light clips should state which types of lights they can hold, such as C6, C7, icicle lights, and mini lights. If you’re not sure what type of lights you have, check the box or the manufacturer’s instructions to find out.
5. Test Your Lights Before You Hang
Even if they worked when you took them down last year, checking your Christmas lights before you hang them is a step you should never skip. If you’re hanging the Christmas lights on your tile roof, plug them in for a quick check before climbing up and placing them in the clips. When you’re hanging lights on your shrubs and bushes, keep them plugged in just in case they go out while you’re hanging them.
6. Hang Christmas Lights With Gutter Clips
If you’re not set on hanging Christmas lights on your tile roof, attaching them to your gutters with gutter clips is an easier alternative. These S-shaped clips attach to your gutter via the top of the “S,” while holding your lights on the opposite end. Use a gentle hand and avoid pulling the string as you’re clipping the lights in place—the clips can easily slide around the gutters.
7. Illuminate Surrounding Trees and Greenery
After hanging Christmas lights on your tile roof, consider lighting up the rest of your property for that extra “wow” factor. You can decorate an outdoor Christmas tree, drape lights over your bushes and shrubs, or wrap light strings up your tree trunks. You can even turn to your yard as an alternate space to decorate if you decide to nix the roof lights altogether.
8. Be Savvy With Your Christmas Light Shopping
The holidays are an expensive time of year, so it’s wise to save money on Christmas lights where possible. If you haven’t already, consider switching to LED lights to shave some money off your electrical bill. Also, if your lights are on their last legs, it’s a great idea to shop the post-holiday clearance aisles and scope out local thrift stores to set yourself up for next year.
9. Consider Bringing in a Pro
Hanging Christmas lights on a tile roof, or from any roof for that matter, isn’t an easy job. If you’re having trouble finding the time, or if you’re not comfortable going up on the roof, consider investing in professional light installation.
Hiring a pro to hang your holiday lights can save you time and hassle, plus it’s the safest option if you’re not up for climbing on the roof. Get in touch with a local holiday light installation service to learn more about your options.