Holiday Light Takedown and Storage: How to Do It

WatchRed, White and Green: A Challenging Install

Putting lights up gets all the attention. Taking them down is where most of the damage happens.

After New Year's, everybody's tired of the holidays and just wants it done. So the strands get yanked off the gutter, wadded into a box and shoved in the garage. Then next November you open the box to a knot, a few broken bulbs and a dead strand. And sometimes, up on the roof, a cracked shingle tab you didn't notice.

Here's how to take down and store holiday lights so they're ready for next season and your roof stays in good shape.

When Should I Take Down My Christmas Lights?

Check your HOA's rules first, since many have a removal deadline. Our HOA holiday lighting rules guide covers what to look for. After that, pick a dry, calm day. Don't take lights down when the roof is wet, frosty or icy. North Texas gets a few hard cold snaps in January, and a slick roof is no place to be.

Shingles are also stiffer and more brittle when it's cold. If you can, wait for a milder afternoon.

How Do I Take Lights Down Without Damaging My Roof?

1. Unplug everything first. Then disconnect timers and extension cords.
2. Work clip by clip. Release each clip from the shingle or gutter. Don't pull the strand and let the clips rip loose.
3. Don't pull from the ground. Tugging a strand from below is how tabs break and gutters bend.
4. Use the same ladder safety rules as install day. Level ground, three points of contact, and someone holding the ladder.
5. Look for anything left behind. Stray clips, staples or nails from an old install. Pull them out carefully.
6. Take a quick look at the roof. If you see lifted or cracked shingles from the ground, have them checked.

What's the Best Way to Store Christmas Lights?

The goal is no tangles, no crushed bulbs and no moisture.

• Wrap each strand neatly. Wrap around a piece of cardboard, a reel or your forearm and elbow, then secure it with a twist tie.
• Label everything. "Front roofline left," "garage peak," "oak tree." Next year you'll thank yourself.
• Keep bulbs protected. Don't stack heavy items on top of strands.
• Use a sturdy bin with a lid. Plastic bins keep out moisture and critters better than cardboard.
• Store it somewhere dry. A hot attic can be rough on plastic and wire over time. A closet or a dry garage shelf works.
• Store clips, timers and extension cords together in a bag inside the bin.

Should I Test My Lights Before Storing Them?

Yes. Plug each strand in before you wrap it. Mark any strand with dead sections or damaged wire, and set it aside to repair or replace. Throw away anything with cracked insulation or exposed wire. That's not worth saving.

How Does G3 Handle Takedown and Storage?

Takedown is part of our holiday lighting service. After the season, our crew takes your lights down clip by clip, the same way they went up, and packs them into a storage bin that stays at your home. Next season, we'll ask you to put that bin out on the porch the day before install so the crew can grab it and get to work.

Because we custom fit lights to your roofline the first time, they go back up cleanly. No guessing which strand goes where. And since we're roofers first, we're watching your shingles and gutters the whole time. See how it all works in our guide to Christmas light installation in North Texas.

What If I Notice Roof Damage During Takedown?

If you see cracked, lifted or missing shingles, or damaged gutters, take photos and have it looked at. Winter storms and spring hail will find any weak spot. Our roofing and storm damage team can tell you what we see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want somebody else to handle takedown this year? Start your lights estimate on our lighting page or call (945) 300-9018.

Keep learning: see our Holiday Lighting page, read Christmas Light Ladder and Roof Safety Tips.