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Month: November 2020

We love the bright lights, but don’t damage your roof in the process! Here are our light hanging tips.

Holiday Outdoor Light Hanging Tips

The start of the holiday season in the Seattle area is a time when everyone gets excited about hanging up lights inside and outside of their home. One of the biggest concerns is that your roof may be damaged if you are not careful. Use these tips for hanging your lights this season, and you shouldn’t have to worry about roof repair.

Before you hang your lights test them

You really don’t want to go to the trouble of hanging your lights only to find out some of them are not working. Before trying to hang your lights on your home, check them for frayed wires or burnt out bulbs. Broken lights can lead to electrical dangers which is a definite recipe for disaster. The best option, if you find a strand that doesn’t work, is to just throw it out and get a new one. You also need to make sure the label says the lights are suitable for outdoor use.

Avoid walking on your roof

To begin with, try to use a ladder when hanging the lights. Your roof can be damaged if you walk on it, and besides, if you slip up there you can cause serious injury to yourself. Avoid walking on your roof to help maximize its lifespan and rather use a ladder which will work just as well.

Attach the lights to your gutters or eaves

If you can, once you are on your ladder attach your lights with plastic clips to your gutters or to the eaves of your roof. Be careful about attaching the lights to your shingles, as this could potentially result in roof and shingle damage.

More tips

Here are some extra tips about hanging holiday lights that you should keep in mind.

  • Make sure to have an assistant with you while hanging lights.
  • Start from whichever part of the roof is closest to your power outlet to be sure the cords will reach the outlet.
  • Hang up the lights, clipping them in the same direction, either pointing down or up.
  • Set a timer so your lights come on and go off just when you want them to and they don’t stay on all night.

For all your roofing needs call Four Seasons Roofing and don’t let a damaged roof ruin your holiday spirit.

Look for the tell-tale signs of a roof leak. And then get it fixed!

Find a Roof Leak and Fix It

Water damage is a common reason for major home repairs. This is why you need to maintain your Puget Sound home properly and make a point of looking for any possible leaks. That’s particularly true if you live in a high rainfall region like we do in Snohomish, Bellevue, Everett and the surrounding area. An unnoticed roof leak may possibly result in infrastructure damage and health problems for your family. Here are some things to look out for when checking for leaks.

Discoloration

The most obvious way to spot a leak is to look out for dark stains or yellowing on your walls or ceiling.

Musty Smelling Attic

An indication that mold is developing in your attic, is the musty smell caused by dampness in the air, most likely as a result of a leak.

Shingle Damage

Shingles take a real hammering from the weather. Besides hail damage, they can be blown off the roof by strong winds, and harsh sunlight can dry them out causing cracking. Once this happens water finds a way to get under the surface, and this is why it is essential to replace damaged or missing shingles as soon as possible.

Flashing Damage

Flashing is used as waterproofing and reinforcement around skylights, vent pipes and chimneys. Unfortunately, without proper maintenance, extreme weather causes them to crack or start peeling and they become ineffective barriers against water.  Minor damage can be patched with roof sealant, but we generally recommend replacing the whole flashing in a lot of cases.

The easiest way to prevent long term damage to your Washington home is to have your roof inspected regularly. Be careful to guard your safety when inspecting your roof. It can be hazardous, particularly if there is rain or snow, and your safety comes first. Why not give Four Seasons Roofing a call for a professional inspection or repair. We offer quality services at competitive prices.