How to Hang Christmas Lights on Gutters

How to Make Your House Look Its Best for the Holidays

It’s that time of year again when homeowners are starting to think about putting up their Christmas lights. If you’re like most people, you probably want to hang your lights on your gutters. But doing this can be tricky and quite dangerous- unless you know the right way to do it.

Attaching Christmas decorations and light strands to gutters can make your home look so festive- and it’s not as difficult as you might think. With a few simple tips, you can safely and easily hang outdoor Christmas lights on your gutters this holiday season. Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have the best-lit house on the block!

1. First, you’ll need to gather your materials. 

You’ll need a ladder, some string or fishing line, gutter hooks, and of course, your Christmas lights. This is a good time to untangle your lights and make sure they’re all in working order. You may realize that last year’s holiday lights actually belong to the last decade. If this is the case, you’ll want to consider upgrading to a new outdoor Christmas light setup.

When it comes to choosing Christmas lights for your gutters, there are a few things you need to consider. Make sure you choose lights that are rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights will not withstand the elements and will likely burn out quickly. 

Some lights will have plastic clips or hooks that attach easily to gutters and stay in place. These Christmas light clips, or gutter clips, can be found at any hardware store during the holiday season. If you want to be environmentally friendly, you can choose LED lights. These types of lights will save you money on your energy bill and are better for the environment.

2. Once you have your materials, it’s time to start planning your design. 

Do you want a simple string of lights running along the length of your gutters? Or do you want to create a more complex design? You could even wrap your lights around support columns or trellises for a truly unique look. 

When it comes to installing Christmas lights on gutters, the sky is the limit! Get creative and have fun with it. Make sure that you take into consideration the number of lights you have and the size of your gutters, as well as outlet placements. 

Remember, you don’t want to overload your gutters and cause them to sag or fall off. Take your time and plan out your design before you start attaching lights to avoid any accidents.

3. Now that you have your materials and design planned, it’s time to start hanging your lights! 

Plug a strand of lights into an extension cord long enough to reach from the outlet to the edge of the roof with enough slack for the extension cord to follow a path along the ground against the wall upwards, then vertically up to a corner of the roof line. Set the male end of the extension cord near the outlet and check that it stays in place as you climb upward to your roof.

Attach your first light clip beside the extension cord to the edge of the gutter. Keep your light string fairly taut as you continue to clip each bulb across your gutter. You will need to reposition the ladder as you go so be sure not to overextend yourself or shift your balance away from your ladder.

If necessary, plug a second light string into the first. Then continue to clip your light bulbs in place as you did with the first. When you come to the end of your gutter, either run the remainder of the strand down the side of your house or continue upward to your peak. 

Light caps or electrical tape can be used to cover unused sockets, protecting them from the elements. Alternatively, you can remove the bulbs and put them away for next year.

4. Now that you’ve hung your lights, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your beautiful holiday display. Your friends and neighbors will be sure to be impressed. Invite them over for some hot cocoa and enjoy the season together. 

Takedown is just as important as putting up. Be sure to take down your lights and carefully store them away. This will help them last longer and be ready for next year.

Hanging Christmas Lights on Gutters – The Right Way

Whether you’re using traditional string lights or more modern LED icicle lights, hanging them on your gutters is a great way to add some holiday cheer to your home. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to create a beautiful display that will impress your friends and neighbors. 

While hanging lights is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, it’s also a good opportunity to inspect your gutters for any needed repairs. If you notice any damage, such as holes, cracks, or rusting, it’s important to call a professional gutter repair contractor like JET Contracting for assistance.

Left unrepaired, damaged gutters can lead to serious problems like water damage, mold growth, and even foundation problems. By taking the time to inspect your gutters while hanging holiday lights, you can help ensure that your home stays safe and dry all winter long.