The holiday season is a time for festive lights, wreaths and family gatherings, but it’s also a season when roofs can face unexpected stress. As homeowners deck their halls, many overlook the potential damage that holiday decorations can cause. At JTR Roofing, we want to help you celebrate safely while protecting your home’s most important barrier—your roof.
Holiday lights, inflatable decorations and heavy garlands can put added weight and strain on your roof. Walking on the roof to hang decorations, especially on icy or snow-covered surfaces, increases the risk of shingles cracking or gutters bending. Even minor damage can lead to water leaks, ice dams or more serious structural issues later in the season. That’s why it’s important to plan carefully before hanging decorations.
A professional roofing contractor in Cottage Grove, like JTR Roofing, recommends several strategies to prevent holiday roof damage. First, consider using ground-level setups whenever possible. Stakes, shepherd hooks and roof-safe clips allow you to secure lights and decorations without walking on the roof. If roof access is necessary, always use ladders safely, and avoid stepping on shingles in older or fragile areas.
Gutters are another area that often suffers during the holidays. Heavy decorations or accumulated snow can strain gutters, potentially pulling them away from the roofline. Our roofing contractors suggest inspecting gutters before hanging decorations, ensuring they are secure, clean and ready to handle added weight. This simple step can prevent costly repairs after the season ends.
For homes in areas prone to ice and snow, like those throughout the Twin Cities area, it’s essential to monitor ice dams, which can form when heat escapes from the attic, melts snow on the roof and refreezes at the edges. A professional roofing contractor can help with proper insulation and ventilation to reduce the risk of ice dams, keeping your roof safe and your decorations intact.
Finally, always consider scheduling a roof inspection with a trusted roofing contractor before the holidays. A professional can identify vulnerable spots, loose shingles or areas at risk for leaks, helping you avoid surprises while celebrating.
At JTR Roofing, we want your holiday season to be bright and joyful, not stressful due to preventable roof damage. By following these tips and consulting a trusted roofing contractor, you can protect your roof while creating a festive home that neighbors and guests will admire. Call JTR Roofing today to chat with our roofing contractor serving Cottage Grove and the surrounding Twin Cities area at 651-777-7394 or contact us!
