Which clips to use on brick, stucco, siding and shingles
The fastest way to damage a house is to hang lights with nails and staples. The right clip costs a few dollars and comes off clean.
Shingle roofs and gutters
All-in-one clips slide under the edge of a shingle or snap onto the lip of a gutter. One style does both, so one pack usually covers the whole roofline. Plan on about one clip for every foot of lights.
Tile roofs
Use clips made for tile. They grip the edge of the tile without lifting it. Walking on a tile roof breaks tiles, so work from a ladder at the edge.
Metal roofs and gutters
Magnetic clips hold well on steel and come off in a second. They do not work on aluminum, so test with a kitchen magnet first.
Brick
Brick clips grip the top and bottom of a single brick and need no drilling. They only work where the mortar is set back from the face of the brick.
Stucco and stone
Do not nail into stucco: it cracks and lets water in. Use outdoor adhesive hooks rated for rough surfaces, or hot-glue clips, on a clean and dry wall.
Vinyl and wood siding
Vinyl siding hooks slide under the edge of a panel and leave no hole. On wood, small outdoor cup hooks or adhesive hooks do the job.
Get the right clip on your list
Tell us what your walls and roof are made of, and your materials list names the clip that fits your house.