How to Safely Hang Your Christmas Lights

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Got the holidays on your mind? We know we do! If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to light up your home with your favorite holiday decorations. Although Christmas lights seem perfectly harmless, the truth is they can actually cause harm if you’re not careful.

Before you get up on your ladder, keep the following tips in mind:

Test your lights. Before hanging up your holiday lights, plug them in and carefully inspect. Look for broken or missing bulbs or worn out wiring. Replace your lights if necessary, as any of these deficiencies can be a fire hazard.

Be smart with a ladder. Before climbing your way up to your roof, be sure you place your ladder firmly on solid, flat ground. Then, rest it against the eaves of your roof at an angle that will be comfortable for when standing. If you lean your ladder against your gutter, place a 2 by 4 inside the gutter to secure the ladder and keep your gutters protected as well.

Strategically hang your lights. The safest place to hang your lights without damaging your roof is along the eaves. Use plastic clips that cling firmly and rest the lights inside the hook - this will protect your roof and avoid you from having to staple or pin down your decorations instead.

For more tips on how to safely hang your Christmas lights this season, click here.

 If you come across any dangers or roof damage while hanging up your Christmas lights, contact Phil’s Main Roofing. Our roofing professionals are here to help with all kinds of repairs your roof might need this month and throughout the year! For more information, please visit our website or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.  

Staying Safe On Your Roof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

When presented with roof damage, many homeowners first look to see if they can handle it on their own and perform a quick do-it-yourself fix. However, even if the problem is as simple as one loose shingle that needs to be fastened down, the task of just getting on your roof can be quite dangerous. That's why it's so important to take a few minutes prior to beginning work and focus on your safety! See below for a few safety precautions we recommend taking both before and during the time you're working on your roof:

1. Check to make sure that your ladder is on a solid surface before beginning the climb up to your roof. 
2. Always wear a safety harness and other protective gear such as a hardhat, padding and safety glasses.
3. Only wear shoes that have excellent traction to reduce the likelihood of slipping.
4. Keep an eye out for potential hazardous objects on or around the roof, such as electrical wires or tools that you've brought up to assist you with the job.
5. Always perform repairs with a partner and have someone close by on the ground to keep an eye on your ladder.

Even though some repairs can be done by the homeowner his or herself, we always recommend calling in a professional for help! Having a contractor complete the job for you is the number one way to guarantee your safety since your feet will never have to leave the ground! If you're located in Norwalk, Connecticut or the surrounding areas and notice damage on your roof, call Phil's Main Roofing today! Our technicians are available to perform a variety of roof repairs and will do all the work for you so that you're not subjected to the dangers that come with working on a roof.

For more information on how we can help, please visit us on the web or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today!

The Fundamentals of Roofing Safety

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Image courtesy of mrpuen / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When it comes to installing or working on your roof, safety should be your number one concern. Without taking the proper precautions, you ultimately increase the likelihood that an accident will occur involving you or others around you. Instead of subjecting yourself to the dangers that come with roofing, take a look at these tips that can potentially save your life:

Work Area:
Having a clean, organized work area is essential in making sure your work goes smoothly. Keep children and pets away from the area, and make sure to identify potential dangers like power lines and underground hazards.

Falls:
Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths in construction. To minimize your risk of slipping and falling, never work on a wet roof, keep your work area as clean of dirt, tools, and debris as possible, wear the proper shoes, and always wear a helmet to protect your head just in case.

Ladder Safety:
To properly set up your ladder, place it on solid, level footing. For extra support, secure your ladder with a plywood brace and make sure it is leaning against something solid. Most importantly, extend your ladder at least 36 inches above the landing for an easy transition from the roof to the ladder.

Electrical Safety:
Electricity can be transmitted from a wire to a ladder even if it's several feet away. Always use a non-conductive ladder of wood or fiberglass if working near wires, and never touch the wires with your hands or tools.

Material Handling:
When lifting heavy materials, always use your legs and not your back. Don't try to carry too much at once, and always store your materials close to the roof so that you don't waste too much time and energy when retrieving material.

For a complete list of tools and safety equipment as well as more safety tips, including hammer safety, power nail safety and utility knife safety, click here.

Installing a roof can be a difficult project to take on by yourself, and that's why we're here to help! At Phil's Main Roofing, we can install both commercial and residential roofs. From new construction to minor repairs, our team is happy to assist you with all your roofing needs, making the task less daunting and more enjoyable for you to watch as your new roof comes to life. Call us today at 203-838-4545 for your FREE estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com for more information on how we can help.