The Ultimate Guide to Roof Clips: Securing Your Holiday Lights with Confidence
Table of Contents
Intro
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of decorating our homes with twinkling lights is palpable. However, the task of securely attaching these lights to our roofs can be a daunting one. With a variety of roof clip options available, it’s crucial to find the right solution that can withstand the elements and keep your display in place throughout the entire season.
Shingle Tap
The traditional go-to for many installers, the Shingle Tap clip, is a popular choice. It’s fairly inexpensive and easy to attach to a light bulb. However, its biggest downside is the amount of visible plastic, which can detract from the overall aesthetic, even at night when the lights are illuminated. Additionally, the Shingle Tap clip lacks a sturdy grip, with the test results showing that half of the clips pulled out with less than 0.1 pounds of force. This means that if you install your lights in September, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll need to go back and repair them before Christmas.
ProClip Plus
Introducing the ProClip Plus, a game-changer in the world of roof clips. This sleek, black clip outperformed all others in the tests, requiring an impressive 2.6 pounds of force to pull it out of the shingle. The secret to its success lies in its innovative design. The back of the clip features an arch that helps it grip the shingle, and it also has a claw that secures the top of the shingle, providing a dual-point attachment system. Furthermore, the ProClip Plus is designed with takedown in mind, with multiple clip points that ensure the clip comes off the bulb when you’re ready to remove your lights.
Pricing
The ProClip Plus is the most expensive option, costing around $0.26 per clip. In comparison, the Shingle Tap clip costs approximately $0.17 per clip. While the higher price tag of the ProClip Plus may be a deterrent for some, the superior performance and secure hold it provides could justify the additional cost, especially for those who want to ensure their holiday lights stay in place throughout the season.
New Solution
Introducing the New Solution Click, a fresh contender in the roof clip market. This clip is similar to the Flex Clip, but with a few key improvements. The bottom of the clip has been lengthened and now features an arch, much like the ProClip Plus. This design change resulted in an impressive average pull force of 1.4 pounds, making it a strong competitor to the ProClip Plus. The New Solution Click offers the convenience of a slide-in installation, without the need for bending tabs or screwing in the bulb, making it a great option for those looking for a hassle-free solution.
Conclusion
When it comes to securing your holiday lights, there is no clear-cut winner among the roof clip options. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. The ProClip Plus offers unparalleled performance, but at a higher cost, while the Midland clip provides a great balance of affordability and grip. The New Solution Click presents a promising new alternative, combining the benefits of the Flex Clip with improved shingle-gripping capabilities.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to weighing the factors that are most important to you, such as cost, ease of installation, and the ability to withstand the elements. By understanding the unique features and test results of each clip, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your holiday lights shine brightly and stay in place all season long.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a purpose-built clip and a universal clip?
- Purpose-built clips, like the ProClip Plus, are designed specifically for shingles and will keep the light bulb pointing outwards.
- Universal clips can be used on both gutters and shingles, but the light bulb will point upwards on the shingles.
- How do I know which clip will work best for my roof?
- Consider factors like the type of shingles you have, the desired orientation of the light bulbs, and your budget. The ProClip Plus and New Solution Click are excellent options for secure shingle attachment, while the Midland clip offers a great balance of performance and cost.
- How do I ensure my holiday lights stay in place all season long?
- Invest in a high-quality roof clip that can withstand the elements, like the ProClip Plus or the New Solution Click. Proper installation and regular inspections will also help keep your lights securely in place.
- What is the best way to remove the roof clips at the end of the season?
- The ProClip Plus is designed with takedown in mind, with multiple clip points that ensure the clip comes off the bulb easily. For other clips, gently pry them off to avoid damaging the shingles.
- How can I maintain the appearance of my roof clips during the day?
- The ProClip Plus offers a sleek, black finish that blends in better with the roof than the more visible plastic of the Shingle Tap clip.