Roofline Decorating

[LukeSkiewalker]

Last year after Christmas I found a 6.5 ft pre-lit tree for $15 that had a regular price on the box of 94.88. I figured I would put it on the roof this year because I figured it would add that extra touch so I could win the decorating contest on my street this year. A couple of weeks ago I also bought the 4 ft Gemmy inflatable Santa to go with it. The problem is that I have had a hard figuring out how to secure them.

My friend had some 2'x8' shelves that were made out of plywood and some light framing. We were going to use those but we realized they were going to be too heavy to easily get on to the roof. We've have a few other ideas but decided against them all for various reasons.

Anyone else done something similar to this? How did you do it? If it helps the pitch of my roof is 4.5/12 (or 20.5 degrees).

[Brightside]

Well, if they are going to be on the ridge, or near the ridge, you could you 2 pieces of ply hinged together. place the hinge at the ridge so that it sits over on either side. Then at the lower ends of the ply you add piece of wood as a stopper where you could place something heavy to hold them in place. then just devise a simple system for attaching you decorations. Of coarse paint to match roof color. Just random thoughts.

[LukeSkiewalker]

I had thought about doing that, but I would still need more wood to have the tree sit on it level. Adding more wood adds weight. I have a picture of my original idea, but it has been problematic.

[Brightside]

What if you used that idea attached to the hinged pieces, or is that what you mean?

[LovingTheHolidays]

I have a couple platforms like the one in your picture that I use at Halloween for skeletons on the roof ridge and they do just fine. I add a couple blocks for additional weight behind the prop and everything painted black (my roof is black)

[LukeSkiewalker]

I guess what I forgot to mention is that I have some vents in the way if I try to span the peak:

http://www.bradleyrobertson.com/images/roof1.jpg http://www.bradleyrobertson.com/images/roof2.jpg

I need the platform to be at least 5 feet wide but my gap is only 4 feet and I am not sure how I feel about covering the vents. And because they are only recessed about a foot I'll also have to make sure that it extends past the vents.

I don't know, I just feel kind of stuck. :confused: Anyone have pictures of their platforms? Overall I am just having a hard time picturing how others have done this, not to mention the image I have in my head on how to possibly approach this is kind of fuzzy.

[Sickie Ickie]

Don't cover the vents. If one is for the furnace, it lets out carbon monoxide.

[LukeSkiewalker]

The vents I showed you are for the attic to let heat escape (mainly only a concern in the summer as the attic is fairly well insulated from the rest of the house and is cold in the winter). The furnace vent looks more like a pipe. Same with the hot water heater. My house has both Gable vents and Static vents: http://www.energysavercooling.com/content/images/commontypesroofatticvents.jpg

The reason I worry about the vents is I don't won't to disturb them because doing so may cause the roof to leak. if they were put in correctly that shouldn't really be a problem, but since I didn't install them I don't know the quality of the craftsmanship and would prefer not to cause a problem with something that is currently okay ;)

[pat-f]

Make your platform out of lightweight plywood. You could make two smaller ones too to keep it light. Put some foam on the bottom to protect your shingles. Then run some thin cable down either side of the roof and attach it at the fascia. Use some turnbuckles so you can tighten the wire. This will keep it from failing off the roof.

[LukeSkiewalker]

I think two smaller platforms is the way I am gonna have to go with this.

If anyone has pictures of platforms they have made for Christmas or Halloween I would love to see the pics.

[LukeSkiewalker]

I am bumping this to see if anyone has pictures of a roof platform they have made.

[Sickie Ickie]

I've never done it, but hopefully someone else here has.