It’s that time of year again. THE HOLIDAYS!!! I love this time of year. The lights, the dinners, and getting ready for the family to visit. Let’s not forget the abundance of football games. In all the fun, it’s easy to forget about holiday roof safety.
One small mistake on a ladder or on the roof can lead to a fall, broken shingles, or leaks right in the middle of the season. Thus, running your holiday cheers.
With a few simple steps, you can keep your roof, your gutters, and your family safe in Greenville, Winterville, Ayden, Grimesland, and across Pitt County.
1. Put Safety First Before You Climb
Before you climb a ladder in Greenville or anywhere in Eastern NC, pause and check a few things. Safety comes first. Decorations can wait.
Check this list:
- Weather: Skip ladder work if it’s wet, icy, or very windy. Our area gets heavy rain and strong wind more often than snow.
- Daylight: Do your decorating during the day. Don’t start a ladder project in the dark.
- Help: Have a helper hold the ladder and pass you supplies.
- Shoes: Wear shoes with good grip. No sandals, slick boots, dress shoes or crocks.
If something feels unsafe, it probably is. Step back, make a new plan, or call a pro.
2. Use Your Ladder the Safe Way
Many holiday injuries in Greenville happen on the ladder, not on the roof. A few simple rules can prevent a trip to the ECU Health ER.
Ladder safety tips:
- Set the ladder on flat, solid ground, not mud, wet grass, or loose gravel.
- Follow the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of ladder height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall.
- Keep three points of contact at all times (two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot).
- Don’t lean or stretch to reach one more spot. Climb down and move the ladder instead.
- Never let kids climb the ladder or play around it.
If your ladder is too short or feels wobbly, don’t risk it. This is a good time to call aGreenville NC roofing contractor or holiday light service to help.
3. Hang Holiday Lights Without Harming Your Roof
Holiday lights make Greenville neighborhoods look bright and cheerful. But the wrong hanging methods can hurt your roof, siding, or gutters.
Skip these methods:
- Nails or screws in shingles, trim, or fascia
- Staples through light wires
- Sharp metal hooks that dig into the roof
- Running cords where people walk or where cars drive
Try this instead:
- Use plastic light clips that hook onto gutters or shingles without making holes.
- Hang lights along the edges of the roof, gutters, and porch, so you don’t need to walk on the roof.
- Use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords.
- Plug lights into GFCI outlets and don’t overload one circuit.
- Keep cords away from standing water and wet spots.
Quick story
Last year, we put up our holiday lights and added our two Bluey and Bingo inflatables. The front of our house looked amazing. But we made one mistake—the extension cord was just lying on the ground. That night, we got the usual heavy Eastern NC rain. The next day, nothing would turn on. I couldn’t figure out why until I saw the extension cord sitting in a puddle of water. The water caused a short and tripped the breaker. Thankfully, it was an easy fix, but it was a good reminder to keep cords up and away from standing water.
If hanging lights means walking all over your roof, it’s better to adjust your decor or hire a pro from a roofing company Greenville NC homeowners trust.
4. Keep Big Decorations Off the Roof
Large inflatables and heavy decorations look fun but can be rough on your roof.
They can:
- Add too much weight to shingles
- Block water from draining the right way
- Catch strong winter winds and tug on gutters or fascia
- Trap leaves and pine needles, leading to clogs
Better spots for big holiday décor:
- Front yard or side yard
- Porch and steps
- Along a fence
- On stakes in the ground around your walkway
You still get a festive look for your Greenville or Winterville home without risking roof damage.
5. Don’t Forget Your Gutters
In fall and early winter, leaves and pine needles from trees in Greenville, Ayden, and Grimesland can fill your gutters fast. Clogged gutters are a major cause of roof leaks in Eastern NC.
When gutters are full, water can:
- Back up under shingles
- Rot your fascia boards
- Spill over and soak your siding and foundation
Before or during the holidays:
- Scoop out leaves, twigs, and debris.
- Make sure downspouts send water away from your home.
- Look for loose, sagging, or pulling gutters.
If climbing to clean gutters makes you nervous, schedule professional gutter services in Greenville NC so the work gets done safely.
6. Watch for Roof Problems While You Decorate
While you’re outside hanging lights or cleaning gutters, take a quick look at your roof. You might spot early warning signs before they turn into big problems.
Look for:
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- Dark streaks or stains on the roof
- Sagging or pulling gutters
- Soft or spongy spots near the roof edge
- Water stains on ceilings or walls inside your home
If you see these signs and you live in Greenville, Winterville, Ayden, Grimesland, or anywhere in Pitt County, don’t wait. Heavy rain and strong winter winds in Eastern NC can make small issues much worse.
This is a good time to schedule roofing services in Greenville, NC with a trusted local pro.
7. When to Call a Greenville NC Roofing Contractor
Sometimes the safest choice is to stay off the roof and call a professional. A local roofing company Greenville NC homeowners trust can handle risky work for you.
You should call a pro if:
- Your roof is steep or very high
- Your shingles look old, worn, or brittle
- You’ve had leaks or storm damage in the past
- You don’t feel steady on ladders
- You’re not sure what you’re seeing on the roof
A Greenville NC roofing contractor like Steven Drywall & Home Repair can:
- Inspect your roof before winter storms
- Fix small problems before they turn into major leaks
- Check gutters, flashing, and problem areas
- Give tips on safe decorating and roof care
- Help you plan repairs or a future replacement if needed
8. Schedule Your Holiday Roof Check in Greenville, NC
Want peace of mind before the next big rain or windstorm? A simple holiday roof inspection can help you relax and enjoy the season.
If you live in Greenville, Winterville, Ayden, Grimesland, or anywhere in Pitt County, Steven Drywall & Home Repair can:
- Check for loose, missing, or damaged shingles
- Look for early signs of leaks inside and out
- Clean and secure gutters and downspouts
- Make sure your roof can handle lights and light décor safely
Call Steven Drywall & Home Repair at (252) 414-9542 or request a quote online to schedule a roof inspection Greenville NC homeowners can trust before the holidays.
About Steven Drywall & Home Repair
Steven Drywall & Home Repair is a local roofing and home repair company based near Greenville and Grimesland, NC. We serve homeowners across Greenville, Winterville, Ayden, Grimesland, and the rest of Pitt County and Eastern NC.
Our team helps with:
- Roofing and roof repair
- Roof inspections
- Gutters and gutter cleaning
- Siding repairs and updates
- General home repair projects
Whether you need a quick fix, a seasonal roof check, or help after a storm, we’re here to keep your home safe and dry.