What Christmas light removal includes
We take down the lights from rooflines, gutters, trees and shrubs. The clips come off with the lights, so you don't find them on the gutters in spring. If you want the clips left up for next year, tell us when you book.
Every strand is coiled and labelled by area, such as roofline, front tree or back shrubs. Next year's install starts with lights you can find and untangle, whether we hang them or you do.
You book removal as a single job. There is no program or yearly plan to join. It works for lights we put up, lights you put up, and lights from an installer you can no longer reach. We also do stratas, low-rise condos and storefronts.
Problems removal fixes
Most people call us for one of a few reasons.
- The lights are still up in February and there is no time to get them down.
- Nobody wants to go back on a wet January roof.
- Last year's installer can't be reached.
- Clips were left behind on the gutters.
- Strands went into a box and came out tangled.
- A storm blew lights loose and they are hanging off the house.
Many of our customers are done with the ladder and already have bins of lights in the garage. Removal gets the lights down and put away in a form you can use again.
If a strand has come loose, leave it alone if it hangs near a walkway or a power line. Unplug it if you can do that safely, then send us a photo so we can come by.
How the job is done
When you book, tell us roughly how high the lights are and send a photo. That shows us what is up there before we arrive.
We hang lights with clips only, with no nails or staples. That means removal is a matter of taking each clip off, not pulling fasteners out of your fascia or siding. We work along the roofline and gutters, then do the trees and shrubs.
Roof work is moved when the roof is slick or the wind is up. January is wet in Vancouver, so we would rather come back on a better day than rush it.
As we go, strands are coiled and labelled by area. They are left where you choose. If you want them stored until next year, ask when you book.
What affects cost and time
Price depends on how much is up and how high it is. A single roofline on a low house is a smaller job than a steep roof with trees and shrubs on top of it. Photos help us give a fair number.
Time depends on the same things. Removal is usually quicker than the install. For a typical house it is often an hour or two. Taller roofs, more strands and larger properties such as stratas and storefronts take longer.
You can book removal at the same time as the install, so it is on the calendar before the season starts. Most removals happen in January. If you want a specific date, book it when the lights go up.
Storage is a separate question. Ask when you book if you want your lights kept until next year.
