Is it that time of year again, already?

The weather is getting cooler, and the neighborhood children are getting amped about the upcoming Halloween festivities! It’s an exciting time, and if you’re like many homeowners, you’re thinking of some creative decorations you can add to your house in order to attract a record-setting number of trick-or-treaters this year. 

If you really want to set your home apart from the others on the block, you might consider getting onto the roof to install an inflatable jack-o-lantern or some other ‘Halloweenesque’ attention-grabbers. However, before you get too caught up in the spooky spirit of the season, take some time to ensure you’re putting safety first while performing your holiday decoration duties. 

At A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors, we know roofs better than anyone. And, we know how to safely navigate them without causing damage to shingles, flashing, or other roof components.

Here are some steps to follow so you stay injury-free this year. 

#1: Check all lights and extension cords before bringing them up to the roof. 

Picture this: you spend an hour rooting through the attic to find the box of halloween lights you put up every year. Then, you manage to haul everything up to the roof in preparation for stringing them up. 

You do all this only to find that a section of lights is dead or that your extension cord isn’t working. What a hassle!

To avoid this, run a quick check of all the electronics you want to affix to the roof before you make the trek up top. 

#2: Call in some help if you need it, and avoid working alone.

One of the cardinal rules of roof safety is to always work with at least one partner. While you might feel confident that you can put up your decorations on your own, it’s always going to be safer when someone else is there to assist you. 

Try to avoid doing anything on the roof by yourself. This goes for gutter cleaning, roof inspecting, or any other activity that might present a fall risk.  

#3: Don’t skimp on ladder size or stability.

For most single-family homes, a ladder will be necessary to obtain access to the roof. When choosing the right one for the job, always opt for braced, supported ladders that are undamaged and tall enough to allow for at least two feet of clearance above the roof edge. 

Take extra care when climbing your ladder with cargo, and don’t ever rely on the topmost rung of a ladder to fully support your weight. 

#4: While on the roof, step lightly with flat footing.

halloween roof safety

As you’re making your way across your roof to install your halloween decorations, take extra care not to send your entire weight on your heels as you step. This can cause damage to shingles or tiling, which is why stepping flat-footed is important. 

Also, be sure to choose shoes that have good grip, and avoid pivoting in place, as doing so can loosen the sand granules attached to shingles. 

#5: Take note of any damage you see while you’re up there. 

This may go without saying, but take note of any roof damage you notice while you’re up there adding decorations. Even small zones of discoloration or shingle warping can be an indication of something more serious going on. 

Roof damage is important to address as soon as it’s detected. Failing to do so could run the risk of potentially costly damage due to water leaks, mold, and rot. 

If you do spot areas of degradation or disrepair, reach out to the roofing professionals at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors at your earliest convenience. We’ll be happy to have one of our top technicians provide a comprehensive inspection of your roof and let you know what actions should be taken to resolve any problems. 

#6: Avoid using permanent methods of installing temporary decorations. 

When attaching lights, inflatables, or signage to your house, townhome, or condo, avoid using heavy duty nails or adhesives that cannot easily be removed. While these methods might do a great job at keeping the decorations in place, they can potentially compromise the waterproofing of your roof. 

Plastic clips or peel-away adhesives are a great choice. 

A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors Wishes You a Happy Holiday Season!

We want you to stay safe and happy this Halloween, so put these tips to good use this year, and make it a spooktastic night to remember!