Christmas Light Ladder and Roof Safety Tips

WatchYour Christmas Lights Shouldn't Require a Trip to the ER

Your Christmas lights shouldn't require a trip to the ER. We named a short that because we mean it.

We're on roofs all year for roofing and restoration work, and we still treat every climb with respect. Every holiday season, somebody in North Texas falls off a ladder hanging lights. It's not funny and it's not rare. So if you're going to hang them yourself, here's how to do it as safely as possible. And if any of this makes you nervous, that's a good sign it's time to hire it out.

How Do I Use a Ladder Safely for Christmas Lights?

The ladder is where most holiday injuries start. Do these every time:

1. Use the right ladder. An extension ladder for the roofline, tall enough to extend past the gutter edge if you need to step on the roof. Don't use a step ladder as a lean-to.
2. Inspect it. Check the feet, rungs and locks before you climb.
3. Set it on solid, level ground. Not on mulch, wet grass or a sloped flower bed.
4. Mind the angle. For an extension ladder, the base should be about one foot out from the wall for every four feet of height.
5. Three points of contact. Two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, at all times. Use a tool belt or bucket on a rope to carry lights.
6. Don't overreach. If your belt buckle is outside the rails, climb down and move the ladder.
7. Never climb alone. Have someone hold the ladder and be there if something goes wrong.

Is It Safe to Walk on My Roof?

That depends on the roof, the weather and you. Here's what we look at before anybody steps onto a roof:

• Pitch. Steep roofs are a different job. A lot of homes around Argyle, Flower Mound and Southlake have pitches that need roofing safety equipment.
• Moisture. Morning dew, frost or a light rain make shingles slick. Wait until the roof is fully dry.
• Material. Tile and slate can crack under foot and are slippery. Our guide to hanging lights without damaging your roof covers tile.
• Wind. North Texas fronts can kick up in a hurry. If it's gusty, wait.

If the roof is steep, wet, two stories or tile, please don't. It's not worth it.

What About Power Lines and Electrical Hazards?

Look up before you raise a ladder. Keep ladders and lights well away from overhead power lines, including the service drop to your house. Use a fiberglass ladder near any electrical work.

On the ground, use outdoor-rated cords, plug into GFCI-protected outlets and keep connections off the wet ground. We cover the power side in detail in our guide to holiday display fire safety.

How Should I Prepare Before I Start?

• Test every strand on the ground first. Finding a dead strand at the top of the ladder is how people get hurt.
• Plan the layout. Know where each strand goes and where it plugs in.
• Use clips, not nails or staples. Holes in shingles invite leaks.
• Dress for it. Shoes with good grip, gloves and no loose clothing.
• Pick the right day. Dry, calm and daylight. Don't hang lights in a hurry before the sun goes down.

When Should I Call a Professional?

Call a pro if any of these are true:

• Your home is two stories or has steep or complex rooflines.
• You have a tile or slate roof.
• You're not comfortable on a ladder, or you don't have someone to spot you.
• You've got a health issue that affects balance.
• You'd just rather spend your weekend with your family.

There's no shame in it. We'd much rather hang your lights than read about your fall.

How Does the G3 Crew Stay Safe?

Our crew works on roofs every day. We use proper ladders and safety equipment, we don't work in bad weather, and G3 is Licensed & Insured. We custom fit commercial-grade C9 LEDs to your roofline and take them down after the season, so you never touch a ladder. See our installs on the lighting page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to skip the ladder this year? Start your lights estimate on our lighting page or call (945) 300-9018. Stay safe, y'all.

Keep learning: see our Holiday Lighting page, read Holiday Landscape Lighting Ideas for Your Yard.