The festive season is here! It's time to bring out the fairy lights, wreaths, and reindeer for some holiday magic. But while decorating, do not forget to protect your home’s exterior. Your painted surfaces, roofs, and gutters deserve to stay as pristine as your holiday spirit. So, take Santa’s advice: “You better watch out…!”
Here are some handy tips to ensure your celebrations leave your home looking merry and bright without any unintended wear and tear.
1. No scratching the surface
1. No scratching the surface
Your painted walls may look like the perfect spot to hang twinkling lights or a giant Santa Claus, but think twice before grabbing the duct tape or nails. These can peel or chip paint faster than a Christmas countdown!
What to do instead: Use removable adhesive hooks or clips designed for outdoor use. These won’t damage your paint and can handle the weight of most decorations. Bonus – they’re easy to remove when the festivities are over. Alternatively, use fishing line or rope fastened to strong structures like eaves, fascia boards, balustrades or railings.
2. Go easy on the roof
2. Go easy on the roof
Your roof isn’t just Santa’s runway – it’s also one of the most vulnerable parts of your home. Climbing up to hang decorations or laying down heavy items can cause cracks, loosen shingles, or even damage waterproofing layers.
What to do instead: Use ladders carefully and avoid stepping directly on the roof. Invest in lightweight, roof-safe decorations and secure them with specially designed clips. Coastal winds can be unpredictable, so make sure everything is fastened securely.
3. Gutters deserve a break, too
3. Gutters deserve a break, too
Gutters are a great place to string lights, but they’re not built to bear extra weight. Overloading them with ornaments can cause sagging or detachment – and no one wants to deal with gutter repairs in the middle of a holiday.
What to do instead: Use light clips that fit snugly onto the gutter edges. Stick to lightweight decorations and avoid draping items that could trap rainwater or debri
4. Materials matters
4. Materials matters
Some decorations, like certain types of metal hooks or wires, can rust and leave unsightly stains on your painted surfaces. Others, like cheap adhesives, can leave behind residue that’s a nightmare to clean.
What to do instead: Opt for rust-resistant and outdoor-safe materials. Quality removable adhesive clips might save you repair costs later.
5. Keep waterproofing in mind
5. Keep waterproofing in mind
Your home’s waterproofing is its first line of defence against the elements. Poking holes, overloading surfaces, or using harsh adhesives can compromise this barrier, leading to leaks and water damage long after the holidays are over. Not the kind of Christmas gift anyone is looking for!
What to do instead: Avoid drilling or hammering into exterior walls or roofs. If you notice any pre-existing damage, call in the experts (yes, that’s us!) to assess and repair it before it becomes a bigger problem.
6. Take down decorations gently
6. Take down decorations gently
We know the post-holiday clean-up is not as exciting as the sprucing-up, but taking shortcuts can cause damage. Yanking lights off hooks or scraping adhesive off walls can undo all your careful preparation.
What to do instead: Remove decorations slowly and use the proper tools to avoid scratching surfaces. It’s worth the extra time to preserve your home’s exterior.
Call Coastal Post-Christmas!
Call Coastal Post-Christmas!
Even with the best intentions, accidents happen. If your festive fun leaves you with scratched paint, damaged waterproofing, or dented gutters, don’t worry, Coastal Painting and Waterproofing has got you covered. Our team can restore your home to its former glory, whether repainting surfaces or repairing waterproofing on roofs and walls. We’re here to ensure your home stays beautiful all year round.
Wishing you a safe and joyful festive season from all of us at Coastal!
