Many of us have extended our living spaces outdoors with beautiful patios, decks, and gazebos that are surrounded by beautifully manicured landscaping and eye-catching features. Lighting not only highlights and enhances the ambiance in these areas, but adds a layer of security around our properties.
Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, it’s important to keep outdoor lighting systems in excellent condition. Pennsylvania weather brings everything from hot, humid, wet events to freezing rain, snow, and sleet.
These fluctuations can damage outdoor lighting systems and fixtures, eventually causing expensive repairs. The professionals at GB Electric offer outdoor lighting installation Lehigh Valley PA, and recommend the following tips.
Regular Cleaning and Seasonal Maintenance
As mentioned above, your outdoor lighting is exposed to Pennsylvania’s weather and everyday outdoor elements like dirt, dust, and debris. It’s important to regularly clean every light fixture. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft cloth or brush and mild cleaning solution and avoid abrasive materials that might damage or scratch the surface.
Additionally, it is important to inspect outdoor fixtures at the beginning of each season. During winter, remove snow and ice accumulation, during spring and summer, check that all seals are intact, and in the fall, clean away and remove leaves, branches, and fallen debris. Seasonal maintenance will keep your lights working effectively for many years.
Inspect and Replace Bulbs: Consider Energy Efficient LEDs
Replacing light bulbs is an essential task because, over time, they can become less efficient and will eventually burn out. Our team recommends replacing bulbs regularly and replace them with longer- lasting energy-efficient LED light bulbs. An important tip is to check the labels and make sure the replacement bulbs are designed for outdoor use.
Check For Electrical Problems: Consult a Professional Electrician
It’s a good idea to routinely check your wiring and electrical connections. Make sure each wire is not loose, damaged, or exposed. Look for wear and tear, frayed wires, and corroded connections. These issues can damage the lighting fixtures and cause potential safety issues, including fire.
If you do notice any electrical issues that worry you, contact a professional electrician who can provide lighting installation in Allentown, PA. They will properly evaluate the issues and repair them safely.
Adjust Light Fixture Positions To Illuminate Special Features
Outdoor lighting fixtures will move and shift, especially during extreme weather conditions, physical impacts, and normal ground movement. Routinely check and adjust your light fixtures to make sure they are properly pointing to special features like landscaping, walkways, and entrances.
Trim Surrounding Foliage To Prevent Unwanted Shadows
Landscaping is part of a beautiful curb appeal, but over time will grow to cover your lights. Clear over-grown trees, branches, bushes, shrubs, and other foliage that are blocking your light fixtures, scratching them, and creating unwanted shadows. Regular trimming and manicuring will make your property look well-kept and beautifully illuminated.
Install Weatherproof Fixtures And Apply Sealants
Outdoor lights are constantly exposed to the elements, so protect them throughout the entire year by investing in weatherproof lighting fixtures. These products are designed to hold up to harsh weather conditions including wind, rain, snow, and ice. There are also sealant products you can spray onto the fixtures and silicone-based caulk that will seal joints and connections for additional protective layers.
Contact GB Electric For All Your Outdoor Lighting Installation Needs
Outdoor lighting can provide illumination to welcome guests, deter unwanted visitors, and enhance your property. It can also provide ambiance to the backyard garden, patio, deck, or gazebo. Get the look you want. The professional team at GB Electric is here to make your lighting installation in the Lehigh Valley, PA area a reality. Contact us today.