For many people, the time to take down their outdoor decorations is based on convenience, motivation, and weather.
Some prefer to keep their decorations up until after the New Year as they have end of year holiday parties planned. But, those who are more ‘task masters’ prefer to wrap up the holiday season within one day after Christmas and take down all holiday decorations inside and out.
Regardless of which camp you fall into, it is important to take down your outdoor holiday lighting carefully. If you have installed it properly, there shouldn’t be any chance for damage to your roof or rain gutters – providing you remove them properly too.
When you installed your outdoor holiday lighting you should have used the method that includes clips that affix your lighting to the edge of your rain gutters.
To remove this installation, please follow these tips:
- Carve out a couple of hours so that you are not rushed. Taking down holiday lights when you are pressed for time can lead to some rash decisions that will result in damage to your roof and roofing materials. This will end with expense and stress that you don’t need. Be careful and make sure that you have plenty of time to do the job right.
- Collect all of the right equipment including a sturdy ladder, gloves, and a little dish to hold the gutter clips in. Place the dish at the top of the ladder and add the gutter clips as you remove them. Don’t put items in your mouth as you are removing your outdoor holiday lights. This can lead to a choking hazard.
- Gently collect the strand of lights as it is removed from the gutter. If you have a buddy, they can collect the strand to keep your hands free. Make sure they do not pull on the light strand or get it wrapped around the ladder. Having a buddy is a great way to make sure that you are protected – so long as the buddy doesn’t get in the way.
When you store your lights for the season, make sure to wrap the strand around a rolled up newspaper or a cardboard tube. This will help to keep the strands from getting damaged and tangled in their storage box.
