Plan your Christmas lights like a pro
Measure your roofline from the ground or from a photo, choose your bulbs, colors, and spacing, and see exactly what your home needs. Then send the plan with your free estimate request.
Example home loaded. Replace the numbers with your own, and switch sections on or off. Your plan is saved on this device.
Rooflines & eaves
Measure along the ground directly below the gutter linePeaks & gables
Width at the ground × roof pitchAccents & landscape
Counted or measured on the ground- 1 · Set the scale
- 2 · Trace a section
- 3 · Assign it
Stand across the street, straight in front of your home, and take a photo with the whole front in view. Upload it here. Your photo stays on your device and is never uploaded.
Choose a photoUpload a photo to start measuring.
For best accuracy, measure lines on the same wall as your reference object. Gables: trace across the base, corner to corner; the planner adds the pitch. We confirm every measurement on site.
Your light plan
Illuminated roofline: 0 ft, about 0 bulbs.
Look:
Accents:
Lights included: we supply, maintain, take down, and store everything. There's nothing for you to buy.
Power: about 0 W (0 A), which fits on .
| Item | Qty |
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This is a planning estimate based on your measurements and LED bulb wattage. At 12″ spacing that's one bulb and one clip per foot. Final measurements, design, and pricing are confirmed during your free on-site estimate.
How to measure your home from the ground
Every section of a roofline can be measured without a ladder. Here's the method behind the planner.
Eaves, returns & ridge
These edges are horizontal, so their length on the ground equals their length on the roof. Roll a measuring wheel, or shoot a laser distance meter, along the ground directly under the gutter line from corner to corner.
Peaks & gables
Measure the gable's width at its base from the ground, then multiply by the pitch factor below to get both rake edges together. Example: a 24 ft gable at 10/12 is 24 × 1.302 = 31.2 ft.
Columns, shrubs & entries
Count them and note heights. Column wraps are worked out from height and diameter. Shrubs are planned in 4 × 6 ft nets. Wreaths are counted.
Roof pitch factors
| Slope | Pitch | Angle | Rake factor | 24 ft gable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/12 | 18.4° | ×1.054 | 25.3 ft | |
| 6/12 | 26.6° | ×1.118 | 26.8 ft | |
| 8/12 | 33.7° | ×1.202 | 28.8 ft | |
| 10/12 | 39.8° | ×1.302 | 31.2 ft | |
| 12/12 | 45.0° | ×1.414 | 33.9 ft |
Pitch is inches of rise per 12 inches of run. Not sure of yours? Compare the slope of your gable with the drawings above. Many traditional two-story homes fall between 6/12 and 10/12, while steep craftsman and mountain-style gables can be 12/12 or more.
Measuring questions
Can I really measure my roofline from the ground?
Yes. Eaves, returns, and ridges run horizontally, so their length on the ground is the same as on the roof. Gables are measured by their width at the ground and adjusted for roof pitch. That's how a section-by-section quote is built, and nobody has to climb onto your roof to do it.
How accurate is measuring from a photo?
It's a good starting point, typically within about 10% when the photo is taken straight on from across the street and the reference object (like the garage door) is on the same wall as the lines you measure. Lines that are farther back or at an angle will be less accurate. We confirm every measurement during your free estimate.
Why does roof pitch matter?
A gable's sloped rake edges are longer than its width. A 24 ft gable at a 10/12 pitch has about 31 ft of rake edge to light, which is 30% more than its width. Choosing the right pitch keeps bulb, clip, and wire counts accurate.
Why is 12-inch spacing the standard?
At 12 inches, one bulb and one clip cover every linear foot, which looks even from the street and makes counting materials simple. Closer spacing (6 or 8 inches) gives a fuller line; wider spacing suits very long runs.
Do I have to measure before requesting an estimate?
No. The planner is optional. We measure every home during the free estimate. If you've used the planner, sending your plan helps us arrive prepared with design ideas.
Send us your plan. We'll confirm it on site.
Tell us about your home and what you have in mind. We'll follow up to schedule your free estimate and talk through design options.
- Short form, no obligation
- Lights included. Installation, maintenance, takedown, and storage handled for you
- Serving Knoxville, Loudon, Tellico Village, Farragut, Lenoir City and nearby communities