The holidays will soon be in full swing, and with the festive time of year right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about hanging your outdoor Christmas lights! One of the most common places to hang Christmas lights is along the gutters to border your roof. But there’s more to proper Christmas light installation than you might think, as it can be easy to damage your gutters if not done properly.
Here is everything you need to know about hanging Christmas lights in a way that keeps your gutters, and the rest of your home, safe and sparkly!
Before we get into the step-by-step of hanging Christmas lights on gutters, here are a few quick tips to set you up for success:
Instead of stapling your lights to your roof, gutters, or eaves, purchase enough gutter clips to hold your string lights securely on your gutters without causing any damage. These lightweight, plastic clips are designed to secure lights along your gutters all season long and leave your gutters in the same condition after the lights are removed.
There are many types of gutter clips that affect which direction the individual lights will face, so decide how you want your lights to look before deciding which type of gutter clip to get.
Most string lights will work just fine on gutters with the right gutter clips, but the most commonly used varieties are either icicle lights or C7 and C9 bulbs. Make sure whatever lights you get are specifically labeled for outdoor use to avoid potential fire hazards.
Take the time to measure the length of your gutters before purchasing lights so you get enough to wrap fully around the portion of the roof you want to illuminate! Measure along the base of your house to determine the estimated length of string lights you’ll need to buy.
Clogged, messy gutters won’t look the best with the glow of twinkle lights against them. Getting your gutters cleared out and wiped down so they sparkle and shine along with your Christmas lights will make a huge difference for your holiday curb appeal.
Making sure your gutters are free of clogs will also help keep them from overflowing on top of your lights, which could increase the risk of short-circuiting. For this reason, make sure you
maintain your gutters according to best practices for the specific type and make of gutters on your home.
If you have gutter clips, hanging Christmas lights on your gutters is quick and simple. You should never use staples on your gutters or roof as they can cause damage and may even affect your warranty. Another common solution is clothespins, but since they don’t have a sturdy design, they may fall off too easily.
Once you have your gutter clips and all the strings of lights you need to line your gutters, follow these steps to hang them safely:
If your gutters are leaking or showing other signs of being worn out, don’t wait until after the holidays to replace them! Taking care of your gutters now will keep your holiday decorations looking beautiful while ensuring your house is safe and dry during all four seasons.
If you’re ready to
replace your gutters,
contact Hanke Brothers to learn how the K-Guard system can transform your gutters and keep your home safer than any other gutters on the market. We take pride in our work, and look forward to serving you.
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