How Holiday Decorations Can Damage Your Long Island Roof

Let’s be real: nothing says holiday season on Long Island like a row of homes lit up from gutter to gable. But if you’ve ever climbed a ladder with a strand of lights in one hand and a staple gun in the other, you might want to pump the brakes for a second.

We’ve worked on thousands of homes across Long Island, and every winter, we see it: shingles cracked by ladders, leaks caused by nails, gutters yanked out by heavy décor. It’s not just a headache. It’s a real risk to your home—and your wallet.

If you’re planning to decorate your home in Albertson or anywhere on Long Island, this guide is for you. We’re not saying don’t decorate. We’re saying: do it right. Because roof repairs in Long Island are no fun when you’re trying to enjoy hot cocoa by the fire.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How decorations can damage your roof (and how to avoid it)
• What you need to know before you get started
• Safer, smarter decorating options that won’t void warranties
• What to do if your roof is already showing signs of damage

Need help now? Rebuild America can take a look. It starts with a quick appointment.

The Real Problem: Holiday Decorations and Roof Damage Go Hand-in-Hand

Roof damage from holiday decorations happens more often than most homeowners think. And in places like Albertson, where we see everything from traditional capes to expanded colonials, rooflines aren’t always simple.

The materials on your roof—whether asphalt shingles, cedar shake, or synthetic slate—weren’t made to be stapled, nailed, or walked on. Add freezing temps, wind, and snow into the mix, and it’s the perfect storm.

Here’s what’s happening:

• People are using nails or staples to hang lights
• They’re walking across brittle shingles to hang stuff
• They’re hanging heavy items from older gutters
• And they’re putting giant inflatables on the roof (yes, really)

These things might seem harmless in the moment. But then January rolls around—and the leaks, stains, or warped flashing start to show up.

And guess what? That roof warranty you thought you had? Might not cover DIY damage.

Before You Decorate: What Long Island Homeowners Need to Know

Start with Your Roof’s Age

If your roof is over 15 years old, the shingles are more likely to crack or break when stepped on or stressed. We’ve worked on a lot of homes in Albertson built before the 1930s that still have original decking. That stuff doesn’t hold up well when it’s cold and brittle.

Know Your Warranty Terms

If your roof was installed by a GAF-certified contractor (like us), you might have a Golden Pledge Limited Lifetime Warranty. That’s a big deal—but only if you don’t void it. Making roof penetrations, installing things improperly, or damaging components through decorations could put that coverage at risk.

Understand Gutter Load Limits

Most older homes have K-style gutters, and while they’re common, they weren’t built to hold 30 feet of lights, a wreath, and a few animated deer.

Use the Right Tools

There are plastic clips made for this exact purpose. They’re cheap, easy to use, and won’t damage your roof or gutters.

Be Safe on That Ladder

This isn’t an episode of Home Improvement. Don’t climb up in icy weather. Always have a spotter. And if your roofline is complicated? Hire someone trained to be up there.

How Decorations Actually Damage Your Roof (And What to Do Instead)

1. Nail Guns and Staplers Don’t Belong on Shingles

Putting holes in your roof—even tiny ones—opens the door to water intrusion. Water gets under the shingles, freezes, and expands. Over time, that can destroy your underlayment and decking.

Do This Instead: Use clip-on light holders that attach to gutters or slip under the shingle edge. No holes, no damage.

2. Walking on the Roof in Cold Weather

Even if you’re careful, walking on a roof in freezing temperatures is risky. Shingles crack, granules fall off, and suddenly your 25-year roof is toast in year 10.

Do This Instead: Use an extension pole or decorate from ground level. If you absolutely must access the roof, call in a professional.

3. Gutters Aren’t Meant to Hold Heavy Decorations

Hanging too many lights or ornaments from your gutters can cause them to bend, pull away, or collapse—especially when snow or ice gets added to the mix.

Do This Instead: Use lightweight LED lights. Check the brackets first. If your gutters are sagging, get them fixed before the holidays.

4. Don’t Put Inflatables on the Roof

We love a 10-foot Santa as much as the next guy. But rooftops aren’t made for inflatable decor. Wind gusts can lift these decorations—and your shingles—with them.

Do This Instead: Keep inflatables on the lawn. Use stakes or sandbags to keep them grounded.

Your Roof Type Matters More Than You Think

Here’s a quick look at the most common roofing materials we see in Long Island homes and what you should know about decorating with them:

Asphalt Shingles

• Most common in Albertson and across Long Island
• Great durability but don’t take well to nails, weight, or traffic
• GAF Timberline HDZ is a popular brand we install—just don’t mess with the surface

Cedar Shake or Natural Slate

• Beautiful but extremely fragile
• Cracks and breaks easily, especially under pressure or cold
• Never walk on or decorate without professional help

Metal Roofing

• More durable but slippery and reactive to temperature changes
• Decorations can shift and scratch the surface

If you’re not sure what kind of roof you have, or how it’s holding up, schedule a roof evaluation before decorating. (We can help you do that.)

What to Do If You Think Your Roof’s Already Damaged

If you notice:

• Missing shingles after a windy day
• Water stains in your attic
• Sagging gutters
• Or ice forming where it shouldn’t…

Call someone. Don’t wait until spring.

Rebuild America has handled roof repairs across Long Island for three generations. We know what winter damage looks like. We know how to fix it fast. And if you’re in Albertson, we’re local to you.