What Maintenance Does Outdoor Landscape Lighting Require?
Landscape lighting enhances the aesthetics of commercial and residential buildings. It highlights the unique elements in the outdoors, whether a beautiful plant or a statue and creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. However, if you have recently installed landscape fixtures, you must maintain them properly to increase their lifespan.
Don't know how to do it? This article is your complete guide to maintenance for outdoor landscape lighting and its benefits. Keep on reading!
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Common Issues with Landscape Outdoor Lighting
Before we get into the details of maintenance for outdoor landscape lighting, let's first look at some common issues they face:
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Lamp Burnout: One of the common issues with outdoor landscape lighting is lamp burnout. It happens due to extensive usage and power surges, which cause the bulbs to flicker or not light up at all. Other signs of lamp burnout include a gradual loss of brightness or a change in the color of light, which disrupts the whole vibe of your landscape.
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Wiring Problems: Often, you may see that when you turn on your lights, the circuit breaker trips. Besides, when you touch the fixture to check it, you get tiny electric shocks. Unfortunately, it's all due to wiring problems that result from poor fixture installation and wear and tear, and quick fixing is required to avoid unfortunate incidents. However, handle these things with care or get help from a professional.
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Harsh Weather Damage: If you live in areas with frequent rain and snow, you'll spend more time maintaining the landscape lights than enjoying them. Why? Well, harsh weather brings with it many challenges, like cracks or rust on the fixture and water inside the light. In some cases, the lighting connections can also become loose if there are strong winds, demanding immediate attention to protect your investment.
Maintenance for Outdoor Landscape Lighting Tips
Statistics show that the outdoor lighting market size is quickly growing as more and more people invest in it. It’s expected to reach USD 25.67 billion by the year 2033. If you have also got some breathtaking lights, you must follow the maintenance for outdoor landscape lighting tips to make sure the aesthetics of your garden or backyard remain vibrant forever:
Clean the Fixtures
Dust and debris can accumulate on your outdoor lights over time, denting their overall functionality. You may experience dim or flickering lighting that ruins the whole vibe of your landscape. To avoid this, you should regularly clean the fixtures, and here are the steps for that:
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Firstly, turn off the power from the main source to avoid getting electrocuted during the cleaning process.
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If the light bulbs are at a height, set your ladder to a suitable level depending on how far the lights are from the ground. In case you don't have a ladder, use a chair that holds you there stably.
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Remove your bulbs and use a soft cloth or bristle-free brush to get rid of all the dust on their surface.
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Now, use a screwdriver to take off all globes and casings from your bulb.
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Wear safety gloves and start preparing the soap solution to clean the bulbs. For this, use a few drops of mild soap, mix it well in water, and dip the bulbs in it.
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After a few minutes, remove the bulbs from the soap water and put them in a second bucket containing clean water for rinsing.
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Use a dry piece of cloth to absorb all the moisture from the bulb and reassemble everything back on. But don't turn the lights on until the fixture dries completely!
If the metal or brass elements of the fixture still have signs of rust and tarnish, here's how you can get rid of them:
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Take equal portions of salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch and mix them well. Or you can utilize vinegar and baking soda for brass.
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With the help of a soft cloth, apply and rub this mixture on tarnished spots and leave it for 10 to 30 minutes.
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Clean it off using warm soap, water, and a soft cloth to restore its shine.
Inspect the Wiring
Another maintenance tip for landscape outdoor lights is to inspect the wiring to avoid safety hazards regularly.
For instance, you should scan every electrical contact, from your main power source to the socket.
Pinpoint issues like damage on the wires and loose connections timely to make sure you get them fixed before they turn into expensive repairs that impact your monthly budget.
Protect from Harsh Weather
While outdoor lights are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and windy storms, they can still take a toll on their functionality. So, maintenance for outdoor landscape lighting demands the following measures to prevent weather damage:
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Get IP-rated lights to have the necessary peace of mind that your outdoor lighting fixtures are well-protected against water and dust damage.
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Choose weatherproof fixtures made of durable materials like brass that maintain their appearance even during extreme weather conditions.
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Place outdoor lights under eaves and awnings to minimize direct exposure to sun and rain.
Properly following the maintenance for outdoor landscape lighting tips improve your home's safety, increase the fixture’s lifespan, and reduce overall energy costs.
FAQs
How often do you maintain outdoor landscape lights?
Outdoor landscape lights don't require much maintenance; you should perform upkeep once or twice a month to ensure they remain pristine and functional for a long time.
Why do my outdoor lights keep flickering?
Outdoor lights often flicker due to loose connections, damaged wiring, and moisture buildup inside the fixture.
What to do if my outdoor lights stop working?
You should first check if the power source and circuit breaker are working. If yes, then check the wires for damaged or loose connections. In case the issue persists, you should consult a professional electrician to diagnose the actual problem.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance for outdoor landscape lighting ensures your outdoor spaces stay illuminated all the time, irrespective of the weather conditions. If you are searching for durable solar lights or brass lights for your landscape, Gardenreet is the ultimate one-stop solution! Our products are elegant and high-quality that not only stand the test of time but also impress your visitors.