One of the most fun parts of the holiday season is the decorations. We all love seeing the colorful lights hanging off the houses in our neighborhoods, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit! However, hanging lights off the roof can be a bit tricky, and it’s always a good idea to exercise caution. Here are a few tips on how to give your roof a holiday makeover without damaging your Gutter Guards or putting yourself at risk.
Take measurements of the house for hanging lights
The first step before setting up your lights is to take measurements of your house. You may even want to create a sketch of your roof so you can plan where you want the lights to be positioned. If you have horizontal eaves on your house, you should be able to just measure around the outside of the building to get a rough idea of your roof’s dimensions. However, if you have peaked eaves, you may need to use a ladder and measure for yourself.
Get the Lights and Required Tools
Once you have your plans and sketches all worked out, gather your supplies. If you already have some lights, count the bulbs to determine how many clips you’ll need. Generally, you’ll want one clip per bulb, unless you want sections of the lights to hang down more. If you’re attaching your lights to the gutters, you should find gutter clips to keep them in place. There are many different clips for holiday lights, so make sure you find the right one.
Install Lights and Test Everything
Once you have all the necessary lights and clips, you can get on a ladder and start attaching them. Put a clip on each bulb before you get up to the roof, so you don’t have to fumble around up there. Starting at the side of the gutter closest to the outlet you’re using, clip the bulbs to the edge. Try to keep the string as taut as possible, so it doesn’t sag. When you reach the end of the gutter, let the remaining lights run down the side of the house. You can cover the unused outlet with electrical tape to protect it from the elements. Repeat this on all sides of the house that you want the lights on, and soon you’ll have a setup that will put Clark Griswold to shame!
Keep Your Gutters Safe All Year with Professional Care
While holiday lights add beauty and joy to your home, it’s essential to ensure your gutter system remains strong and protected throughout every season. At Gutter Empire, we provide expert gutter installation, repair, replacement, and gutter cleaning services to keep your gutters — and your home — in top condition year-round. We also offer gutter guard installation to help prevent clogs and damage, so you can enjoy decorating your home without worry. Contact us today for a free estimate and let our team help keep your home safe, functional, and festive!
Last updated: September 2025