Tis the season to go all out. Gather your decorations and prepare for neighbors to be in awe of your work. Follow these outdoor light-hanging tips for the ultimate holiday season display, and if you post your pictures on social media, tag us so we can see all of your hard work.
Let’s deck your home with lots of lights. Here is your guide to a hassle-free holiday home makeover.
Create A Game Plan
Don’t grab the ladder just yet. Before diving into decorating, it’s best to form a plan. You’ll want to map out the size of the display, where to hang your lights, and how to secure them.
Take Measurements
Don’t wait to run out of lights to realize you should have taken measurements. Whether you’re going big or keeping it simple, knowing the size of your desired light display will help determine what you’ll need to dazzle the neighborhood.
Locate The Outlets
Taking measurements of your home is equally as important as locating the outlets. Knowing where the outlets are will determine if you need extension cords.
Pro-tip: When it comes to powering your holiday operation, cords can get in the way of your beautiful display, but power stakes can bring the power closer to where you need it.
Pick Your Lights
When searching for the perfect lights to decorate your home, you will want to make sure you purchase lights that are marked for outdoor use. Although we Floridians don’t experience freezing temperatures in the winter, it’s important the lights you pick can withstand Mother Nature.
Pro-tip: Swap out your incandescent lights for LED lights for a cheaper electric bill this holiday season and buy an outdoor timer for your lights so you don’t have to unplug your handiwork every night before bed.
Gather Supplies
Aside from the lights, you will need the proper tools to secure them. Avoid using nails or staples that could damage gutters, shingles, or wires. Opt for plastic clips or hooks. Use adhesive clips for columns and railings and universal clips for your roofline to safely secure it all in place.
Start Hanging
Plug in your strings of light before you start hanging to preview your work as you go. Right away you will notice if you’re too far from an outlet or if your lights are faulty.
Pro-tip: When hanging your lights, start from the top and work your way from side to side before lighting up railings, shrubs, and bushes.
Admire Your work
Power up the lights and let the holidays begin. These tips are a foolproof guide to not pulling a Griswold.
Contact Noland’s today for more information on how to protect your roof.