When planning to add exterior lighting to your house, consider many factors. For example, you should mount the lights on the siding and use energy-efficient bulbs. You also need to consider style and motion sensors. This article discusses these issues in more detail. Keep reading to learn more! Below are some general guidelines on installing exterior lighting. You can also read this article to learn about different types of fixtures. Once you understand the basics, you can go on to purchase your new fixtures.
Light fixtures should be mounted directly on the siding.
When mounting lights outside the home, take special care to protect them from moisture and wind. Since exterior lighting fixtures don’t usually come with roofs, they are typically mounted on the siding. Most exterior lighting Overland Park fixtures are equipped with insulation and a rubber gasket to firmly mount them against a flat surface. However, if the light fixture doesn’t come with a mounting block, the mounting block can be replaced.
To mount your light fixture on siding, first drill a hole in the center of the block. This hole should be about 1/2 inch wide to fit the institution’s base. Then, trace the block onto the siding. Ensure that you don’t cut into the house wrap or tar paper. Once you’ve located the location, drill the hole in the mounting block. This step should be done only once and should be easy to complete.
Motion sensors
Motion sensors may be the solution if you are looking for safety and convenience features for your outdoor lights. You can purchase lights that turn on automatically when someone walks in the yard or approaches your patio door. They also help illuminate darker areas of your yard, such as bushes and trees. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing these lights, as they differ in sensitivity and installation process. For more information on motion sensor lights, read on.
You can get inexpensive outdoor lights that activate when someone walks or approaches your porch. When left off, the lanterns will look like ordinary porch lights, but they will turn on when someone comes. You can also install lights that detect motion inside the house. However, you must be careful with direct-wired motion sensor lights because power surges can affect them. If you notice power surges, you can choose a motion sensor light with an auto-reset feature, which automatically resets the light after a surge. Or, you can manually reset the lights by turning off the power for 30 seconds.
Energy-efficient bulbs
If you have a landscape lighting system, you may want to upgrade to energy-efficient bulbs. Energy-efficient bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and can save money on electricity bills. These bulbs come in many varieties, from compact fluorescents to light-emitting diodes, and you can find these at most traditional retailers. In addition to LEDs, you can also choose to buy energy-efficient CFLs and halogen lights.
In general, LEDs last up to 50,000 hours, nearly twice the lifespan of incandescent bulbs. LEDs are considerably more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but they also last longer. Some models will last for several years, while others may only last one or two years. These energy-efficient bulbs are also better for the environment because they produce less waste than incandescent lights and last much longer.
Styles of fixtures
If you’re looking to add a touch of flair to your home’s exterior, you can choose from many exterior lighting styles. Decorative styles include intricate art glass and double-beveled fixtures. Vintage-style fixtures can serve both functional and decorative purposes. In addition to lighting walkways and driveways, exterior light fixtures can also highlight landscaping elements or natural features. The range of light emitted by these lighting options depends on the wattage of each bulb.
The number of bulbs, shape, and style of the light are important factors to consider when determining which type of lighting is right for your home. Larger bulbs generally mean a more prominent light fixture, so make sure to consider the size of your property before selecting your lighting. Smaller buildings may not suit a prominent, modern fixture. Consider the size of your property and the number of people who will use it. You can choose from various styles and colors to complement your existing architecture.
Cleaning fixtures
Outdoor light fixtures tend to get dirty quickly. Over time, dirt, grime, and oxidation can accumulate on them. To remove oxidation and mineral deposits, you can clean your outdoor lights by spraying them with water and vinegar. Then, let the light dry entirely before reassembling it. You can also use a professional glass cleaner to get rid of tough stains. If you are unsure about cleaning your outdoor lights, read on for tips on cleaning fixtures.
The first step in cleaning outdoor lighting is removing the covers. Often, this is a difficult task. However, the cover should permanently be removed and kept clean. You can clean the glass surface with a glass cleaner if you remove the covers. After cleaning, dry the cover with a clean cloth. Don’t forget to wipe down the fixtures before reassembling them. You can also apply a fresh coat of paint to them by following the steps outlined below.
