Getting permanent lighting often helps homeowners experience lower maintenance needs during peak holiday seasons. Permanent lights still need to be maintained, but they don’t require constant cleaning and repairs that come with traditional holiday lighting. Maintaining permanent lights will save your home from damage, increase the usage of your lighting, and ensure the bulbs last through their promised lifespan. We developed this guide to help homeowners stay on top of their permanent lights and understand when to contact your installer for additional help. 

Perform Proper Prep Beforehand

Before the lighting is even installed, doing the proper prep work can set you up for success. Cleaning the roofline, repairing siding or roof structure, and clearing off old hooks or clips are needed to ensure a smooth installation of permanent lights. Starting with a clean slate will also reduce the amount of cleaning and repairs you need to complete after installation. If you want your lights to shine year-round, taking proper steps before and after installation will cut down on the maintenance time for homeowners. 

Waterproof Junction Boxes

Protection boxes are the best way to protect your electrical connections that run your permanent lights. There are many different sizes of junction boxes that can be sealed to stop moisture, debris, or pests from damaging your permanent lights. Electrical wires and cables should have a protective coating, but some control boxes or electrical components can be left exposed. Having these installed at the same time as your permanent lighting is an addition that will save you money on future repairs.  

Remove Debris And Salt Buildup

While permanent lighting is durable and able to withstand different types of weather, they do need to be cleaned in order to maintain its luminosity and durability. Keeping the bulbs and the surrounding area around them clean will ensure the lights look their best. Homeowners can take a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the lights, or contact a residential cleaner to handle bulbs that are too difficult to reach.  

Avoid Chemicals

If a homeowner feels their lights need to be cleaned or polished, it is best to avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Certain chemicals or a combination of ingredients could cause wear on electrical components, bulbs, and connection wires. This is why cleaning is best left to your installer or a professional home cleaning company. It is also best to avoid abrasive brushes or pressure washing, as this could damage permanent lighting even further. Harsh chemicals can reduce the lifespan of your lighting, void your warranty, and even damage other materials on your home. 

Update Software

Because permanent lighting is often connected to an app or outside controls, there may be software or firmware that needs to be kept up to date. Staying on top of software updates will help ensure that you are able to control your lights from anywhere, customize the colors, and set timers for when lights turn on. If you have an app that connects to your permanent lighting, check the app at least once a month for updates; this ensures that any bugs are worked out and you can run the lights correctly while you are away from your home.

Know When To Contact Your Installer

Maintaining permanent lights is often done by the installer, because the goal of these lights is to keep homeowners from dangerous situations. Instead of climbing on your roof or fighting the weather to replace bulbs or clean around lights, contact your installer to see what services they offer. If you have paid them to install your lights, companies will often offer yearly maintenance and checks to all of their clients. 

Certain damages and maintenance need to be handled by a professional if you want to keep the lights working for years to come. Resetting or replacing a section of lights, bulbs that remain off after cleaning, or damage from severe storms should be handled by a team of professionals. 

Permanent Options From Switch Outdoor Lighting

Switch Outdoor Lights offers a variety of lighting and permanent options for homes in Knoxville, TN. We want all of our surrounding communities to enjoy bold and festive lighting, no matter the size or type of home you have. Our professionals use top-quality commercial-grade lights that are made to last through different UV exposure and weather conditions. 

We specialize in reliable outdoor lighting used for holidays, better visibility, setting up an outdoor entertaining space, and special events. Switch Outdoor Lighting is here to help you through the entire lighting process, ensuring you love the display and your home afterwards. Reach out to our team to get a quote!