Deck the Halls Without Damaging Your Home’s Exterior

Going all out and creating a fantastic outdoor display of lights and holiday decorations is a big part of the season for many homeowners. Unfortunately, not knowing how to attach and install these decorations on the exterior of your home can cause damage to siding, windows, trim, and even to the fascia boards or gutters of your home.

Thanks to a range of new products and decoration types, homeowners can light up and decorate their homes to their heart’s content, all without causing any damage to paint, siding, or features.

Hanging Strings of Lights on Surfaces

Whether you are using the traditional single strands of holiday lights, choosing more elaborate icicle lights, or hanging intricate lights along your roof line, there is no need to use any type of staples, nails, or screws to hold the strands in place.

For gutters and roof lines, use a plastic clip that allows you to clip the light bulb or strand in place while attaching to the shingles or gutters. These are ideal for seasonal use, and they can be easily removed after the holidays without any damage or holes left behind. For a unique look, consider clips that slide under the shingle edges and position the lights off of the top of the roof. This is a great option and gives the lights the look of hovering over the roof. With a bit of snow, this is a very colorful and festive look.

There are specialized clips available to slide between boards on house siding as well. These can allow you to make shapes across the surfaces of the home, all without the need for nails or staples.

The additional benefit of any type of clips, is there is no damage to the light wire, which means less stress in trying to find out why lights are not working when a staple penetrates the plastic coating and shorts out the strand.

Keep in mind; it is possible to use clothespins to attach strands of lights to the eaves of a house or along the soffit. While they are slightly larger than the clips, they blend in and offer a low-cost option.

Metal, Stone, and Brick

To add lights to metal railings on patios, porches, or steps, consider magnetic backed lights. These are durable and can last for years, and allow lights to be individually positioned in any configuration.

For brickwork or natural stone, a dab of hot glue can be used to hold a strand in place. Do not use hot glue on stucco, painted surfaces, or any type of siding as it will cause damage when it is removed.

Windows and Doors

A simple way to attach a wreath or decoration to the door is to use a Command Hook on the inside of the door near the top. A decorative ribbon is then passed over the door from the hook, and the wreath can be attached at any height required. There are also decorative wreath holders available at any holiday supply store, and they come in a range of different colors, designs, and features. Hooking over the top of the door, they are secure and hold the wreath in place.

Suction cups, either large or small, can be used on windows. They work best when applied on a warmer day, creating the hold needed even when the weather gets cold. Keep in mind; it is important to use the right number of suction cups based on the size and weight of the decoration. Lighter decorations are always a good choice for windows and prevent the risk of the suction cups sliding down the window over time.

Decorating your home for the holidays can be a reminder of small projects you have put off throughout the year. If you are reminded that it may be time to refresh some of your home’s exterior, give us a call! Our Project Guides are happy to discuss replacement windows, siding, doors, or gutter guards.