As a homeowner, you have probably faced at least one of the following questions: Should we decorate the roof with Christmas lights? Is it safe to put a security camera on a roof? What is the best way to secure a new antenna on the roof? Any time you decide to take on one of these projects, the first step is to figure out safe ways to attach something to a shingle roof.
Since the roof is the gateway to your home, you don’t want to compromise its effectiveness.
Depending on the type of attachment you are interested in adding, there are a variety of attachment options to consider, ranging from professional installation, to simply attaching the item to another structure that will maintain the safety and integrity of your roof.
Nails And Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
Your roof is designed to protect your home from water intrusion, UV damage, and exposure to weather elements. This is achieved through multiple layers of materials strategically placed on the foundation of your shingle roof, such as felt underlayment, ice and water protection, and shingles.
The combination of these materials allows water to run off into your gutter system instead of soaking into your roof.
If you begin driving nails into the top of your roof, you run the risk of making a hole in your roofing system.
When it rains, water will make its way into the roofing system through the hole, bypassing every layer of protection built into your roof, and cause a small leak. This can cause significant damage to the roof and attic.
When roofers use nails to install a roof they place them in strategic places, so that each nail is covered by the shingle above it.
This ensures the safety and structural integrity of the roof.
Professional roofers also know how to install all types of roof attachments safely, so it’s wise to consult them before beginning any task that may modify or puncture your roof.
Alternative and Safe Ways To Attach Items To Your Roof
There are many ways to attach items, such as antennas and security cameras, to your home that allow them to be used effectively without putting the roof at risk.
Many of these attachments can be done safely by homeowners, but in some cases, a professional installation is necessary.
Antennas
Antennas are one of the most common roofing attachments homeowners install. While attaching an antenna to the roof is an option, there are alternatives that you can consider, such as your attic, a balcony, or even your garage.
Traditionally, antennas were nailed to the roof in order to maximize the signal quality, but modern digital signals can now penetrate your roof with very little, if any, noticeable reduction in quality.
Many homeowners now opt for a compromise, and place antennas in their attic or home in order to keep their roof safe and still enjoy a high quality television signal.
Security Cameras
Many homeowners value protecting their family, home, and property through a security system.
However, installing security cameras directly onto your roof introduces a significant risk of water intrusion.
Rooftop installation may also compromise the effectiveness of the camera because heavy rain and snow buildup can limit their scope of view, and defeat the purpose altogether.
Instead of the roof, many manufacturers recommend installing your security camera to the underside of the eaves of your roof, also known as the soffit.
This angle will provide a good view of your front door while protecting the camera from inclement weather and your roof from unnecessary holes.
Flower Baskets
Flower baskets are a fun way to decorate the exterior of your home with some color and personality. While you may see flower baskets attached to the roof of a home, the wisest place to hang them is from the soffit.
Make sure to attach them to a sturdy part of the eave so that it can maintain the weight of the basket as it is filled with plants and water. If you need help verifying the safety of the placement, a roofing professional will be able to help.
Solar Panels
Rooftop solar panels can be a great option if you want to maximize the energy efficiency of your home and knock down the price of your utility bill. However, if solar panels are not installed correctly, they are a danger to your roof.
Solar panels are fastened to the roof via bolts, and it is necessary to drill into the roof to achieve a secure attachment.
The only way to ensure that your roof is not damaged in the solar panels attachment process is to have a licensed professional do the installation.
Christmas Lights and Decor
During the holiday season, you may wonder about the best way to hang Christmas lights and other decors. While nails may seem like a good solution initially, the holes they make in the gutters or fascia board will begin to rust or rot.
A great alternative to this is to use Christmas light clips. These plastic clips fasten to the gutter and allow you to safely hang lights and other decors on your roof.
Ask Cenvar Roofing For Help
If you want to attach something to your shingle roof or soffit and need professional assistance, Cenvar Roofing would love to help.
Our team of experts provides high-quality solutions to roofing problems of all types. Schedule your free consultation today, and one of our team members will connect with you shortly.
