Your Guide to Holiday Decorating & How to Prevent Roof Damage

November 8, 2021

Christmas lights, leaky roofs, & fallen gutters to repair!

‘Tis the season to repair holes from lights & damages you may accumulate from holiday decorations


 Halloween has passed, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and stores are skipping right over November and stocking the shelves with holiday decorations. Attention is now focused on Christmas trees, twinkling lights, presents, wrapping, and of course the timeless Christmas tunes that takeover our radio stations this time of year. 


What, you may ask, does roofing have to do with Christmas? 


Holiday decorations and lights.

 

Outdoor Christmas lights can be put on trees, shrubbery, rooflines, or gutters.   There is a correct and incorrect way to hang holiday lights from roofs and gutters. 


How to Avoid Damage Caused by Holiday Decorations


The biggest danger during the holiday season is roof damage caused by holiday decorations. These mishaps are often due to the weight of the decorations on top of a tree, or when putting up Christmas lights on a roof.


Before you decorate your home this holiday season, consider these helpful tips that will help you avoid or reverse damage caused by holiday decorations.


Tips for Using Holiday Decorations Safely


Decorating your home during the holidays is not only fun, but also a long-standing tradition. However, there are certain safety risks that are associated with holiday decorations. The following are some safety precautions that you should take before decorating your home to keep both your family and roof safe.


 

  • Consider a roof inspection by a professional before starting your holiday decorating. 

 

 

  • It is vital to make sure your roof and/or gutters are strong enough to hold your Christmas lights. There may be hard-to-see storm damage creating danger for anyone stringing the lights. Loose shingles are another issue that can lead to injury. 

 

 

  • Having a reliable ladder and trustworthy friend to hold the ladder for you can help avoid fall injuries. 

 

 

  • Try to steer clear of actually walking on the roof. If you haven’t had a recent roof inspection, you may be unaware of weak spots that can give way under a foot. The less you walk on your roof, the less likely you will be to damage your roof as well.

 

 

  • Be sure to use the correct material to adhere the lights to the roof or gutter. You DO NOT want to use nails when hanging Christmas lights. Any hole you create in your roof can open your home up to leaks and also make it more susceptible to future damage and increase your likelihood of of seeing issues down the road.

 

 

  • To safely hang holiday lights without damaging your roof, we recommend plastic or magnetic clips. There are also special clips for along the ridgeline of your roof, but be careful to ensure that there isn’t damage to your roof. Loose shingles may be shifted even more causing them to blow off in strong winds more easily. Make sure the weight of the lights and clips is distributed properly so they don’t tear your gutters down. 

 

 

  • If you choose to hang lights from trees, please consider where the branches end up with lights on them. Do the lights weigh down the branches or cause drooping making them scrape against the roof, siding, or rest on top of a gutter?

 

 

  • Having a roof inspection before starting your holiday decorating can give you the peace of mind to know your gutters are attached correctly before hanging weight from them. 

 

If your roof inspection showed potential problems or if leaking has been an issue for you, we recommend holding off on exterior Christmas lights until the issue is remedied to prevent any further damage to your roof!


These are just general precautions to take when it comes to holiday decorating to avoid any accidents or damages in the future. 


Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about roof repairs or click below to schedule your roof inspection today so you can get to decorating!


Have a safe and happy holiday season!

- Becker Roofing & Exteriors

October 28, 2025
Key Highlights Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about roof replacement involving solar panels: A roof replacement on a home with solar panels requires specialized expertise to protect your investment. The process involves safe removal, storage, and reinstallation of your solar panels by a qualified team. For Keller homeowners, addressing roof issues promptly is key to maintaining your home's integrity and your solar energy system's efficiency. Hiring a contractor skilled in both residential roofing and solar, like Becker Roofing and Exteriors, ensures a seamless project. Our project managers' services manage the entire process, and insurance often covers the costs associated with panel removal and reinstallation for a covered claim. Introduction You’ve made a smart investment in solar power, but what happens when the roof underneath your panels needs attention? For many homeowners in North TX, this question arises when their roof reaches the end of its life or suffers storm damage. Replacing a roof with an existing solar array is more complex than a standard project. It requires careful coordination and specialized skills to protect both your home and your energy system. Understanding the right way to manage different roofing materials and solar technology is the key to a successful project. Understanding Roof Replacement with Solar Panels When your home has a solar system, a roof replacement becomes a two-part project. It’s not just about shingles and underlayment; it’s about carefully detaching and resetting your valuable solar energy equipment. This process demands a team that understands both roofing and solar technology to avoid damaging your panels or voiding their warranties. For Keller homeowners, this means you can't hire just any roofer. You need professionals who offer roofing services that include a clear plan for managing your solar panels. The process involves a detailed inspection, safe panel removal, roof replacement, and finally, precise reinstallation to ensure your solar system functions perfectly. Why Roof & Solar Panel Integration Matters for Homeowners Your solar panels are a significant solar investment, and protecting them during a roof replacement is crucial. Handling a solar setup improperly can lead to cracked panels, damaged wiring, or a less efficient system upon reinstallation. A specialized contractor ensures every component is disconnected, stored, and reinstalled according to manufacturer specifications, safeguarding your system’s performance and longevity. Furthermore, the integrity of your new roof depends on correct panel reinstallation. In almost all cases of full replacement, panels must be removed. Attempting to work around them can compromise the new roof, leading to leaks around the mounting hardware. Proper integration ensures your roof is watertight, preserving your home’s structure and the aesthetic appeal of your solar array. Ultimately, hiring a team that masters both roofing and solar provides complete peace of mind. You can trust that your home is protected and your commitment to energy efficiency is preserved without the stress of coordinating multiple contractors or worrying about potential damage. Common Reasons for Roof Replacements with Existing Solar Panels Even with solar panels, your roof is still exposed to the elements and natural aging. Many homeowners find they need roof repair services or a full replacement for reasons that have little to do with the panels themselves. Understanding these common causes can help you plan for your residential roofing needs. The most frequent reasons for a roof replacement under solar panels include: Storm Damage: High winds, hail, and falling debris common in Texas can cause significant damage that requires a new roof. Roof Age: Most roofing materials have a finite lifespan. If your roof was already several years old when you installed panels, it may be time for a replacement. Material Failure: Over time, shingles can curl, crack, or lose their granules, and underlayment can degrade, leading to leaks. Leaks under solar panels often stem from failed flashing around the panel mounts or from pre-existing roof issues. Regular inspections and standard maintenance are vital, but sometimes a replacement is unavoidable. When that time comes, addressing the roof and panels together is the most effective approach. Step-By-Step Process: Roof Replacement & Solar Panel Removal A successful roof replacement with solar panels follows a precise, multi-stage plan. The first step always begins with a thorough inspection of the job site, including your roof and the solar array. This allows us to create a detailed strategy for a safe and efficient solar panel removal before any roofing work begins. We manage the entire process to ensure a smooth transition from start to finish. Once the panels are safely removed and stored, our team proceeds with the full roof replacement. After the new roof is installed, we reinstall the solar panels, ensuring every connection is secure and your system is ready to generate power. Safe Solar Panel Removal & Protection Procedures Safely handling your solar panels is our top priority. The process requires more than just unbolting hardware; it demands the expertise of a trained solar installer or technician. Our team methodically disconnects the electrical wiring, labels each component for accurate reinstallation, and carefully detaches the panels from their mounting racks. We follow strict safety protocols at every job site to protect both our crew and your property. Key procedures include: Using specialized tools designed for solar panel handling to prevent scratches or damage. Adhering to all fall protection requirements to ensure a safe work environment on your roof. Once removed, the panels are securely stored away from the work area. This attention to detail ensures that when we reinstall them on your quality roof, you get the most efficient possible solar power system, just as you had before. Having a specialist handle this is essential to protect your system's warranty and function. Timeline: What to Expect During Roof Work A roof replacement involving solar panels naturally takes a bit longer than a standard roofing project. The extra steps of removing and reinstalling the solar array add time, but our decades of experience in the Fort Worth metroplex help us streamline the process. A typical project can often be completed in three to five days, depending on the size of your roof and solar system. After our thorough inspections, we provide you with a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect. While we perform our roof repair services, we work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily life. Our goal is to get your home protected and your solar panels back online as quickly as possible. Here is a general outline of the project timeline:
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