Outdoor lighting provides many benefits. Illuminating your outdoor areas enhances curb appeal, emphasizes landscape design and calls attention to interesting architectural details. For instance, you can use outdoor lighting to showcase your beautifully kept flowerbeds or give the front of your home or business a welcoming glow.
Beyond aesthetics, outdoor lighting also improves security by discouraging would-be trespassers and criminals. It also enhances safety by helping to prevent falls and injuries caused by unseen trip hazards.
In this blog, we discuss the importance of regular upkeep and equip you with practical tips to maintain your outdoor lights. With proper care, you can help ensure your outdoor spaces remain beautifully lit, welcoming, and secure.
Why Maintaining Your Outdoor Lights Is Crucial
Homeowners and business owners might wonder if it's necessary to maintain them at all. After all, outdoor lights are designed to be durable and resilient, even waterproof.
While this is true, outdoor lights are not indestructible. They can become damaged from constant exposure to the elements if they are not maintained. This damage can range from faded paint and cracked components to corrosion and even complete failure of your outdoor lighting. By following a regular maintenance schedule, you can prevent these issues, extend the lifespan of your outdoor lights, and keep them in top condition.
Well-maintained outdoor and landscape lighting adds visual appeal to your property while enhancing the security and safety of your outdoor spaces. By taking care of cleaning and repairs, you ensure the aesthetics and longevity of your lighting system and also keep your outdoor spaces safe for residents, visitors or customers.
How to Maintain Your Outdoor Lighting: Seven Helpful Tips
Experts recommend cleaning and maintaining outdoor lights twice a year at a minimum. However, diligent property owners and managers may choose to adjust this schedule based on factors such as climate, frequency of use and the surrounding environment. For instance, if your property is located near the seaside, you might need more frequent maintenance to prevent corrosion caused by saltwater in the air.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your outdoor lighting system remains in top-notch condition.
1. Trim Plants and Branches
Vegetation that is located too near your outdoor lights can obstruct light and damage fixtures. For example, high grass surrounding pathway lights can dim their shine, while strong winds can cause branches to hit elevated outdoor lights.
Schedule regular trimming sessions with a trusted gardening or landscape contractor to prevent these issues. A professional will employ pruning techniques that keep greenery at bay while avoiding harming the plants.
2. Check the Wiring
Inspect the wiring for any damage or wear, ensuring tight and secure connections. Damaged or exposed wires can pose safety risks and should be promptly replaced by a professional installer.
3. Clean Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Regularly clean metal fixtures to remove dirt and debris that can accumulate over time. Before you disassemble and clean them, however, be sure to turn off the circuit breaker first to ensure safety. Better yet, have a trusted outdoor lighting company do it for you. An outdoor lighting company employs professionals who have the expertise, training and tools to safely and effectively clean outdoor lighting fixtures.
4. Replace Burned-Out Bulbs
Promptly replace burned-out bulbs to maintain the efficiency of your outdoor lighting system. Always use the correct wattage and type of bulb recommended by the manufacturer.
5. Adjust the Light Fixtures
Periodically adjust light fixtures to prevent misalignment, ensuring they are securely mounted and pointing in the right direction. This will help prevent shadows and maintain your desired aesthetic effect.
6. Check the Timers and Controls
Keeping your outdoor lights in top condition requires more than just replacing bulbs and cleaning fixtures. Regularly checking the functionality of timers and control systems is crucial for ensuring they operate efficiently and meet your lighting needs. Once you've verified that timers and controls are working correctly, you can adjust the settings to ensure the lights turn on and off at the correct times. If the timers or controls malfunction, be sure to replace them promptly.
7. Check for Water Damage
Outdoor lights rated IP66, IP67 or IP68 are considered "waterproof." However, they can still be damaged by water under certain circumstances. For instance, waterproof lights can develop cracks or have worn-out seals over time, allowing water to seep in and damage their internal components. Also, waterproof outdoor lights are not designed to be submerged in water for long periods, so a flood or prolonged rainfall can cause damage to their electronics.
As part of your maintenance routine, carefully inspect outdoor lights for signs of water damage, such as rust or corrosion. If you find any, contact an outdoor lighting company to repair or replace the affected parts to prevent further damage.
Regular maintenance ensures the optimal performance of your outdoor lights and extends their lifespan. By following these tips, you can enjoy reliable, visually appealing outdoor lighting that enhances safety and aesthetics in your outdoor spaces for many years to come.
The benefits of outdoor lights extend beyond aesthetics, as they play a crucial role in enhancing the security and safety of outdoor spaces. Regular maintenance is essential to preserving these advantages as well as ensuring the longevity of your lighting system.
Elevate Your Outdoor Lighting Fixtures With Lights Over Atlanta
Lights Over Atlanta, a trusted and reliable outdoor lighting company serving residential and commercial clients in Atlanta, understands the importance of maintaining outdoor lighting. Our experts are equipped to handle the complexities of outdoor lighting care, providing comprehensive services to keep your spaces beautifully lit, welcoming and secure.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get a free quote.