How Holiday Decorations Can Affect Your Roof

The holiday season is here, and homeowners across Anderson, Greenville, Clemson, Easley, and the rest of the Upstate are pulling out lights, wreaths, inflatables, and festive rooftop décor. Decorating is one of the best parts of the season, but if you are not careful, some holiday traditions can unintentionally damage your roof, shingles, gutters, or siding.

At Turn Key Roofing, we want you to enjoy a cheerful, stress-free holiday season. Here is what homeowners need to know about protecting their roof while still making the house look merry and bright.

Avoid Stapling or Nailing Anything Into Your Roof

It may seem quick and easy, but staples, nails, and screws can puncture shingles and underlayment. Even tiny holes can allow water to seep in, leading to leaks, wood rot, and long-term damage.

Better alternative: Use plastic light clips that attach to gutters, flashing, or shingles without penetrating your roof. They are inexpensive and roof-safe.

Be Mindful of Heavy Decorations

Large holiday inflatables or wooden displays look great on the lawn, but should never go on your roof. Heavy items put unnecessary pressure on shingles and decking. They also shift easily in the wind, scraping the surface or damaging shingles.

Stick with: Lightweight LED lights, bows, wreaths attached to windows, or decorations mounted to siding with removable hooks.

Protect Your Gutters

Gutters are one of the most common areas to take damage during decorating season.

Common issues we see include:
• Lights hung with sharp metal hooks that scratch or bend gutters
• Ladders accidentally denting aluminum gutters
• Decorations placed inside the gutter channel and blocking water flow

Any of these issues can lead to leaks, sagging gutters, and water backing up under your roof.

Pro tip: Use gutter-safe light clips and always place ladders carefully to avoid pressure dents.

Be Careful When Walking on the Roof

If you plan to hang lights along the roofline, remember that walking on your roof can loosen granules, crack shingles, or damage flashing, especially in cold weather when materials are more brittle.

Walking on a cold roof also increases your risk of slipping, since frost, dew, and leaves make surfaces slick.

If you must get on the roof:
• Wear soft-soled shoes
• Avoid stepping on ridges or outer edges
• Never walk on wet, icy, or leaf-covered shingles
• Have someone spot you from the ground

Better yet, decorate from a ladder whenever possible.

Watch Out for Power Cords and Heat Build-Up

Holiday lights create warmth, and extension cords can trap heat on certain surfaces. When placed directly on shingles or near vents, that extra heat can shorten the lifespan of roofing materials.

Safe practice:
Keep cords off the roof surface and never bundle extension cords together, which can create hot spots.

Remove Decorations Carefully After the Holidays

Damage often happens during takedown, not installation. Many homeowners pull lights off quickly, and the tugging can crack shingles, loosen gutter brackets, or pull off caulking around flashing.

Safe takedown tips:
• Unclip lights one by one
• Avoid pulling or yanking
• Take down décor on a dry day
• Inspect gutters for clogs caused by fallen pine needles or decorations

A little extra time now can save you hundreds in repairs later.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice:
• Loose or missing shingles
• Bent or pulling gutters
• Leaks or water stains inside
• Damage from nails or staples
• Sagging areas after décor removal

Turn Key Roofing is here to help. Our team provides fast, honest roof inspections and repairs across the Upstate.

Keep the Holidays Merry and Your Roof Protected

Decorating your home should be fun, not stressful. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a festive display without risking long-term roof damage.

If you want a little peace of mind before or after decorating, Turn Key Roofing offers FREE roof inspections for homeowners in Anderson, Greenville, Clemson, Easley, and surrounding communities.

Contact us today to schedule your free inspection and keep your home protected all season long.