How to Install Christmas Lights on the Roof

Christmas lights do not require difficult or dangerous installation techniques.

Christmas light house decorations are a long held tradition in many families. While the final result is quite stunning, the work of climbing ladders, untangling strings of lights and installing the strings can be somewhat daunting. This year, consider using clips for a simpler, less permanent approach for installing Christmas lights on the roof.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Christmas lights
• Needle-nose pliers
• Christmas light fuses
• Ladder
• Light clips
• Heavy duty extension cords

Instructions

1. Measure the house and yard. Measure the length of the entire area for which you are planning on placing lights.

2. Test the lights. There is nothing more aggravating then working hard all day hanging lights only to discover some defective strings. First, remove and replace any broken bulbs. If you cannot remove them with your hands, consider using needle-nose pliers. Next, plug the string into an outlet and check for any burned out bulbs. Make a mental note of them while the lights are plugged in, and then unplug them for actually replacing the bulbs. If the entire string of lights is not working, try replacing the fuse. If the string still does not light up, or the new fuse burns out, replace the light string. Always check new strings. Defects can occur at the factory, so even light strings fresh from their packaging are not guaranteed to work.

3. Hang the lights along eves and gutters. Set up your ladder at a safe and comfortable angle. Avoid placing the ladder directly against the gutter or it may cause damage. Press the light clips under the front shingle and set the light string into the bottom hook.

4. Connect strings together using their male and female ends. Once you've reached the end of the roof, attach the string of lights to a heavy duty extension cord and run the cord to your desired 120-volt electrical outlet.

References

• Home Tips: Installing Christmas Lights