How to Safely Hang Christmas Lights on Your Home This Holiday Season
1. Start With a Roof & Gutter Inspection
Before hanging anything, take a quick look at:
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Shingles – Are any loose, cracked, or missing?
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Gutters – Are they secure and free of debris?
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Fascia & soffits – Any signs of rot or looseness?
If anything looks off, it’s better to schedule an inspection before adding extra weight or pulling on your roofline.
2. Choose the Right Holiday Lights
Not all lights are made the same. For outdoor decorating, make sure to use:
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UL-listed outdoor lights (look for the green UL tag)
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Weather-resistant extension cords
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LED lights, which stay cool and use less energy
Avoid indoor light strands—those can quickly become a fire hazard when exposed to weather.
3. Never Use Nails, Staples, or Anything That Penetrates Your Roof
This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Staples, nails, or screws can:
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Puncture shingles
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Void your roof warranty
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Create entry points for leaks
Instead, use plastic light clips designed to attach to your gutters, eaves, or shingles without causing damage. They’re inexpensive, strong, and reusable year after year.
4. Use a Sturdy Ladder (and the Buddy System)
Safety always comes first.
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Place your ladder on flat, stable ground
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Keep it at a safe angle (4 feet up for every 1 foot out)
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Don’t overreach—move the ladder instead
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Ideally, have someone hold the base while you climb
The holidays are more fun without a trip to urgent care!
5. Avoid Walking on Your Roof
Even if you’ve done it before, walking on your roof can be dangerous—especially in colder weather when frost makes shingles slick. Walking on the roof can also:
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Crack shingles
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Loosen granules
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Add unnecessary stress to certain roof areas
Stick to decorating from the ladder and roof edges, or call a professional decorator if your design needs roof access.
6. Protect Your Extension Cords & Connections
Connections exposed to rain or snow can short out or cause shocks. To stay safe:
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Use weatherproof cord covers
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Keep plugs off the ground
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Do not overload outlets or run multiple plugs from one extension cord
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Use a GFCI outlet for outdoor use
A little extra care keeps your home safe and your lights shining bright.
7. Set Your Lights on a Timer
Timers are great for saving energy and keeping your lights consistent. Choose a dusk-to-dawn timer or a smart plug so your lights can turn on and off automatically.
8. Take Them Down Carefully After the Holidays
When January arrives, don’t just pull the lights down—this can damage gutters and tear shingles. Take your time removing clips and storing your lights properly so they last longer!
Hanging Christmas lights should be fun, not stressful. With the right tools and safety steps, you can enjoy a beautifully decorated home without risking your safety or your roof.
If you notice any issues with your shingles, gutters, or roofline while putting up your lights, Horizon Roofing is here to help. Schedule a free inspection and keep your home protected all winter long!
Horizon Roofing Appoints Matt Young as CEO to Lead Expansion of Commercial and Government Projects Across the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC — November 12, 2025 — Horizon Roofing, a leading North Carolina roofing contractor specializing in commercial, government, and residential projects, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Young as Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Young will lead the company’s next phase of growth with a focus on expanding Horizon’s commercial and government contracting presence throughout the Carolinas.
Young brings more than a decade of leadership experience in the construction industry, with a proven track record of scaling operations, building strong client relationships, and driving revenue growth. Most recently, he led the commercial segment at Stancil, where he was instrumental in expanding the firm’s footprint in regional and institutional markets. Prior to that, he served as President of Roby Commercial, where he helped build the company’s commercial division into a respected and recognized brand across the Carolinas construction community.
“Matt brings deep operational insight and an entrepreneurial approach that align perfectly with Horizon Roofing’s next chapter,” said Matt Hultquist, Managing Partner of Hillandale Advisors, the Charlotte-based investment firm that owns Horizon Roofing. “His experience leading teams and developing long-term partnerships in both private and public sectors will accelerate our growth in key markets.”
Under Young’s leadership, Horizon Roofing will build on its reputation for quality, safety, and responsiveness while pursuing larger-scale commercial, institutional, and government roofing opportunities across North and South Carolina.
“I’m excited to join Horizon Roofing at such a pivotal time,” said Young. “The team has built a strong foundation of craftsmanship and customer trust. My focus will be on expanding that success into new markets while continuing to deliver the reliability and performance our clients expect.”
About Horizon Roofing
Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Horizon Roofing provides high-quality roofing solutions for commercial, government, and residential clients across the Carolinas. The company combines technical expertise with a commitment to safety, service, and integrity. Horizon Roofing is part of Hillandale Advisors, a Charlotte-based investment firm focused on helping businesses grow and scale sustainably.
