Should you DIY your holiday lights or hire a Pro? What Northern Indiana Homeowners should know about roofing and vinyl siding before decorating.

With a new roof or vinyl siding, be extra careful not to damage your home exterior investment this holiday seaon.

As the holidays approach in Northern Indiana, homeowners from Elkhart to South Bend to Plymouth are getting ready to decorate their homes for the season. But before you grab a ladder and start hanging lights along your roofline, it’s important to consider the condition of your roofing and vinyl siding—especially with our region’s lake-effect snow, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable winter weather.

One of the biggest questions local homeowners ask this time of year is:“Should I install my holiday lights myself (DIY), or should I hire a Pro?”The right answer depends on your home’s exterior materials, safety considerations, and how much time you want to spend out in the cold.

Here’s what Hoosier Siding & Windows recommends for safe and damage-free holiday lighting in Michiana.

Why Roofing and Vinyl Siding Matter When Hanging Holiday Lights -- Hire a Pro or DIY?

Holiday lights may look light and festive, but the way you attach them to your home—especially around the roofline—can affect your exterior long after the season ends.

1. Protecting Your Roof During Northern Indiana Winters

Roofs in our area work hard. With heavy snowfalls, freezing cycles, and high winter winds, your shingles must stay fully intact to protect your home.

Using the wrong fasteners—like nails, staples, or screws—can puncture shingles and lead to:

• Leaks during thaw cycles

• Ice dams

• Shingle damage

• Voided manufacturer warranties

PRO TIP: Always use plastic, gutter-safe clips that snap on without harming shingles or gutters. They should handle Northern Indiana’s winter conditions and won’t leave behind holes or cracks.

2. Preventing Damage to Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is extremely common throughout Elkhart, St. Joseph and Marshall Counties thanks to its durability and low maintenance. But it’s not designed to be drilled into or used to support weight.

Avoid:

• Nails or screws

• Pressure hooks

• Adhesives that discolor siding in winter weather

PRO TIP: Instead, use vinyl siding hooks or clips that slide under the panel lip. These provide a secure, damage-free anchor point — perfect for holiday lights, wreaths, or garlands.

Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?

Both options work well — it just depends on your home and comfort level.

DIY Holiday Lighting (Best for Simple Rooflines)

DIY installation is popular with homeowners in Elkhart, Mishawaka, Plymouth, and Nappanee who enjoy decorating and keeping costs low.

DIY works best if:

• Your home is one story

• You have a simple, straight roofline

• You’re comfortable using a ladder

• You already have outdoor-safe clips and extension cords

PRO TIP: DIY Safety Tip for Northern Indiana: Cold roofs and aluminum ladders don’t mix well. Frost, snow dust, and ice can make even simple installations dangerous. Always wait for a dry, above-freezing day.

And remember: Updating your outdoor lighting fixtures first—like motion lights, porch lights, or walkway lighting—can make your holiday display stand out even more..

Hiring a Professional (Best for Steep or Two-Story Homes)

If you live in a two-story home in Granger, North Liberty, Elkhart, or greater Michiana, or if your home has steep peaks, complex rooflines, or tall gables, hiring a professional installer is often the safest choice.

Pros offer:

• Safe installation on icy or sloped roofs

• Proper clips for roofing and vinyl siding

• Faster setup

• Symmetrical, polished lighting designs

• Take-down services after the holidays

PRO TIP: Professional installation also reduces the risk of damage to shingles, gutters, or siding — saving you money on repairs later.

Pre-Holiday Exterior Checklist for Northern Indiana Homeowners

Before you decorate, do a quick inspection of your home’s exterior:

✔ Roof Check

• Look for lifted or missing shingles

• Make sure gutters are cleared (especially after fall leaves)

• Confirm flashing around chimneys and vents is secure

  
  

✔ Vinyl Siding Check

• Ensure siding panels are tightly locked and not cracked

• Wipe dirt or mildew where clips will go

• Test vinyl siding hooks before adding weight

✔ Outdoor Lighting & Electrical

• Inspect outdoor outlets

• Replace burnt bulbs in porch or walkway lights

• Add timers or smart plugs to simplify holiday lighting

  
  

Final Thoughts

Whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional, the key is to protect your roofing and vinyl siding while creating a festive, welcoming holiday display. With the right clips, careful installation, and a quick pre-holiday check, you can decorate confidently — without risking damage during Northern Indiana’s harsh winter months.

As always, connect with us for your free roof and vinyl siding estimate -- we're here to help make your home safe. . .and beautiful!

Hoosier Siding & Windows, located in Elkhart, Indiana, serves Elkhart, South Bend, Mishawaka, Plymouth, Culver, Goshen, Walkerton and other hometowns in St. Joseph, Marshall, and Elkhart Counties.