Tis the season to take it easy—and that includes your decorating projects
Hanging Christmas lights on the peak of your roof—also known as the roof ridge, the horizontal line where two sloping planes meet—is a surefire way to bring on the holiday cheer. But nothing dampens the Christmas spirit like accidentally falling off a ladder. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are 160 decorating-related injuries per day during the holiday season, but you don’t have to be one of them. This guide will show you how to hang Christmas lights on a roof peak safely and easily.
Half the battle when decorating for the holidays is the prep. Safety starts here—but this is also the stage where you’ll plan your vision (here are some holiday decor ideas to get you started). Whatever lights you choose, here’s what you need to do before you get on the roof.
You’ll need to purchase Christmas lights that are safe for outdoor use, but the total amount depends on the length of your roof peak. To measure the peak, use your measuring tape to measure from one side of your home’s foundation to the other. Make sure you’re measuring the side of your home that’s parallel to the ridge. That’s your length.
Christmas lights are typically sold in packages of 25-foot, 50-foot, or 100-foot lengths—and it’s better to have too much than too little. Make sure you use lights that are compatible with roof ridge clips.
The best way to avoid damaging your roof is to use roof ridge clips on the peak. These removable clips are specifically designed for hanging Christmas lights. You'll need one clip per bulb, so make sure you measure it out.
You’ll need a safe power source for your holiday lights. Find the nearest accessible outlet on the outside of your house.
Before you hang your lights, test them out in your chosen outlet. You want to make sure all the bulbs work before you climb on the roof to hang them.
This job requires the use of a ladder, and it’s always safer to have a helper hold the bottom of your ladder to make sure it doesn’t shift while you climb.
Load your supplies into a belt bag or tool belt. If you don’t have a belt bag that will fit all your lights and clips, you can use a backpack. Just make sure your hands are free for the climb.
Ladder safety is of the utmost importance. Make sure your extension ladder is on even, solid ground—away from snow, mud, or ice. Always lean your extension ladder against your home at an angle. The base should be one foot away from your home for every four feet of height. Consider using a ladder-free light-hanging technique to guarantee your safety.
Make sure that you have your belt bag and that you’re wearing non-slip shoes before you attempt to climb. Have your helper hold the base of your ladder in place, then start to climb. Always maintain three points of contact—whether it’s two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot. Hold on to the rungs in front of you and not the side of the ladder.
Before you climb onto your roof, a word about safety: Experts recommend you use a fall protection system such as a harness. And if you have a steep roof, it’s best to leave any job that requires climbing on it to the pros.
It can be precarious to step from the ladder onto your roof (and vice versa), so proceed with caution. Ideally, your ladder will extend at least a few feet higher than your roof so that you can hold the sides of the ladder firmly as you swing your foot onto the roof. For safety reasons, never climb onto the rungs that extend above the roof.
Once you’re on the roof, it’s time to start hanging your lights. Begin next to your ladder, and work your way across the roof. Never start in the middle because you’ll have to double back and spend more time crawling across your roof.
Ridge clips are fairly easy to fit over your ridge shingle or roof cap. Just grab the clip and slide it in place over the shingle so it has a good grip on both ends. The distance between ridge clips depends on your specific strand of lights, but make sure they can rest tightly against the roof so they won’t move around during bad weather.
Each ridge clip has a ring that holds a bulb. Some models may require you to unscrew the bulb to attach it, while others let you push the bulb right into the ring. Once the bulb is in place, make sure the ring has a tight grip so it won’t get blown around during a storm.
Continue along your roof ridge, installing ridge clips and fitting them with bulbs. You may have to connect multiple strands of lights depending on the length of your roof. If you plan to hang Christmas lights on other parts of your roof, like along the gutters, you can purchase similar clips for the job.
Once you finish hanging your lights, carefully attach an outdoor extension cord to the last strand and run it down the side of your home to the nearest outlet. You may also want to use a timer so that your lights automatically turn on when the sun sets and turn off when the neighborhood goes to sleep.
Have your helper move the ladder to your location on the roof. Turn your body so you face the ladder and carefully climb down, maintaining three points of contact. Once you reach the ground, you can plug in your extension cord and enjoy your Christmas lights.
While hanging lights on your roof peak can create a stunning and eye-catching display, it can also be a challenging and potentially risky endeavor. Follow these safety tips to help minimize any risks or potential hazards:
Ensure you’re energized and hydrated before you begin.
Test your lights beforehand to identify any burned-out bulbs, damaged wires, or faulty strands.
Wear warm, snug-fitting clothing free of any dangling or free-flying parts that could get caught or snagged.
Don well-fitting and slip-resistant footwear, and ensure laces are tied.
Use extension cords and lights that are rated for outdoor use.
Do not overload a single circuit with too many lights.
Attach the lights to the clips or fasteners, making sure they are taut and secure. Avoid any sagging or loose sections.
Use a sturdy ladder that’s tall enough to reach the roof’s peak—do not stretch excessively or step on any other surfaces.
Always have a spotter or helper to assist you, especially when working at heights.
Hanging Christmas lights on high peaks can be dangerous, but it can be a DIY job as long as you have a buddy to help and you’re comfortable climbing a ladder and working on your roof. Many homeowners prefer to avoid the hassle (and the balancing act) by hiring a pro to hang their lights—especially if they’re hanging a lot of strands. Typically, Christmas light installation costs $1.25 to $3 per linear foot (excluding the cost of the lights).
That being said, if you have a steep roof, it’s best to leave the work to the pros and hire a Christmas lights installation service. Hiring a pro means they can bring necessary supplies, help calculate additional lights needed, and safely reach your roof.
If you don’t have a ladder, you may be able to use a light-hanging pole. If not, you’ll have to rent a bucket lift or other machinery to reach your roof.
During the holidays, big box hardware stores sell many kinds of clips and hooks made specifically for hanging Christmas lights—including ridge clips, gutter clips, shingle clips, and mounted hooks. It’s best to avoid nails, staples, and screws since they can damage your roof.
Most homeowners spend between $220 and $650 installing Christmas lights, with an average price of $420. You can save money doing it on your own, but only if you’re comfortable with heights.
