A dazzling light display that makes your home sparkle is one of the most popular and charming ways to express the festive beauty and joy of Christmas. But it can be tricky to hang long strings of lights. 

Steps for Hanging Christmas Lights on Gutters

Have you ever strung your lights only to find you have the wrong connector end to plug the next light string into?  And what about the way those lights tangle and knot up? Argh. Bah humbug. Maintain your bright Christmas spirit and avoid the pains of hanging Christmas lights on your gutters by following these six straightforward steps. 

1. Measure Your Gutters

First, measure the distances of all the gutters. Then make sure you have enough strings of lights and other supplies (see #5 below) to cover those distances. As the saying goes – “measure twice and cut once” – measuring will help prevent buying too many lights or not having enough. In other words, measuring will prevent a lot of unnecessary frustration. 

2. Sketch a Design

Now that you have your gutter measurements, sketch out the light design you have in mind. When you match up your sketch to your measurements, you’ll then be able to figure out exactly how many strings of lights, gutter clips, and extension cords you’ll need before you start hanging the lights. A rough design sketch can be a huge help in preventing mistakes and getting exactly the look you’re after. 

3. Determine Your Power Needs

Ah! The thrill of turning on the switch to display your handiwork! But what a letdown it can be if you don’t have sufficient power for the display or the lights continually trip your breaker. Make sure your house circuitry can support the number and types of lights you’re planning to use. In general, expect 260 feet of LED lights to use 38 watts and require only one outlet. Expect 260 feet of incandescent lights to use 1,920 watts and require 6 outlets.

4. Decide on LED or Incandescent

Choosing between LED or incandescent is important. Although LED lights cost more, they use far fewer watts than incandescent lights. C7, C9, and icicle lights are the most popular types for hanging on gutters. The C7 size is the most classic Christmas light size and a favorite of traditionalists. The C9 size is a little bit larger and gives the sensation of a bolder impact. 

It’s helpful to know that:

  • A 25-bulb C7 incandescent light string (20 gauge) will allow for 3 max connections and uses 125 watts.
  • A 25-bulb C9 incandescent light string (20 gauge) will allow for 2 max connections and uses 175 watts.
  • A 22-gauge incandescent icicle light string will allow for 3 max connections and uses 64 watts.
  • A 25-bulb C7 LED light string (22 gauge) will allow for 87 connections (not a typo!) and uses 2.4 watts.
  • A 25-bulb C9 LED light string (22 gauge) will allow for 87 connections and uses 2.4 watts.
  • A 22-gauge LED icicle light string will allow for 31 connections and uses 6.75 watts.

5. Gather Your Supplies and Get a Buddy to Help

  • Lights: Select your light strings.
  • Clips: Choose the type of gutter clips that will work best for your project. Plan on one clip per light bulb. Some clips are designed to allow the bulbs to face out horizontally or up vertically. See the last bullet item in #6 below. 
  • Extension cords: You’ll need some extension cords based on the measurements and your design sketch. 
  • Ladder: Make sure your ladder is sturdy and safe.
  • Buddy: Santa doesn’t work his magic alone; he counts on his elves. Like Santa, wrangle a buddy to help – the job will go a lot faster.

6. Hang the Lights

You have your measurements, design sketch, and supplies – you’re ready to hang your lights from the gutters!

  • First, check all light strings. Plug them in and make sure all strings are functioning.
  • Attach a clip to the base of each light. Make sure you have the light clipped in the direction you want it to hang.
  • Place your ladder near your closest electrical outlet.
  • Plug your first string of lights into an extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is long enough to reach from the electrical outlet to the edge of the roof.
  • Set the male end of the extension cord close to the outlet. Ask your helper to hold it in place.
  • Climb the ladder with your string of lights. Place the first light clip with a bulb on the gutter.
  • Maintain a fairly taught light string as you proceed to attach each clip and bulb in place along the gutter. 
  • Move the ladder as needed – don’t overextend your reach and be sure to keep your balance and weight on the ladder. Practice ladder safety so you can enjoy the holidays to the max!
  • As needed, attach the second light string to the first and continue to attach the clips and bulbs in place. Remember, a C9 20-gauge 25-bulb incandescent light string only allows two connections!
  • If you come to the end of the gutter and have leftover lights, you can run the strand down the side of the house.
  • Use electrical tape to cover open sockets so they won’t be exposed to rain and weather.
  • If your gutters are fitted with gutter guards, the gutter clips will also work on your roof shingles. Simply attach the clips on the shingles instead of the gutters. Or you can buy all-in-one clips that allow hanging the lights on the underside of the gutter. Another option is to use moisture-resistant adhesive clips that stick to the front of the gutter.

Ready to give your house some Christmas dazzle but don’t feel safe climbing up and down a ladder to string lights on your gutters? Spout Gutter Pros can connect you with reliable gutter maintenance pros who can quickly install your lights for you. All you have to do is request a fast free quote and before you know it, your home will be brightly shining with Christmas spirit!

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Get a licensed and insured gutter pro to hang your Christmas lights on your gutters! Just request a free quote and your home will be dazzling throughout the holidays!