Outdoor lighting is an important part of both decorating and protecting your house. The right outdoor lighting system can add glamour and charm to any home, especially in Atlanta, Georgia's capital, and the areas around it. Greater Atlanta is made up of 25 counties, so outdoor lights can make every home in the area look better and make it safer.
Investing in Lasting Illumination
Even the most beautiful house can be lost in the dark if it doesn't have outdoor lights. So, when people put in outdoor lighting systems, they are making an investment in their homes. The owner wants the outdoor lighting system to last as long as possible so that it doesn't need to be fixed or replaced as often. When you spend money on a beautiful outdoor lighting system and it stops working after a few years, it's stressful.
Choosing Quality Components for Longevity
Luckily, it is easy to make outdoor lights last longer. Start with the right goals by thinking about the quality of the parts and how much wear and tear each one will have to deal with. You wouldn't put up a roof that doesn't work for your climate, so it's important to put up outdoor lights that can handle the weather. That's where Exterior Lights Design comes in. We want you to be able to enjoy your outdoor lights for as long as possible with as little work as possible.
The Anatomy of Lasting Outdoor Lighting System: Part One
We'll look at the most lasting outdoor lighting fixtures and other things that affect how long an outdoor lighting system lasts and how well it holds up. In part one, we'll look at the different kinds of fixtures, including outdoor lighting fixtures that can last for a long time.
Choosing the Right Fixtures for Longevity
The most obvious part of an outdoor lighting setup is the outdoor lighting fixtures. Homeowners usually have different kinds of fixtures, like wide-angle lights for the front of the house, bullet lights for trees and architectural features, and path lights to keep walks safe. Some things are meant to be seen, while others are meant to stay out of sight. Investing in high-quality, sturdy fixtures can help your outdoor lighting system last longer, no matter where they are.
The Impact of Construction Material
Construction is one of the most important things to think about when picking outdoor lighting. How long a device lasts depends on the material it's made of and how well it's put together. For example, most fixtures need to be able to handle rain, wind, sprinklers, and other dangers that come with bad weather. So, the material and structure of a fixture are important factors in how long it will last.
Plastic Fixtures: Budget-Friendly but Not Long-Lasting
Plastic is used to make the cheapest outdoor light fixtures. You can buy these cheap fixtures at big box stores and hardware shops. Unfortunately, the price of these cheap fixtures is right in line with how bad they are. Weather and everyday bumps and falls can easily damage cheap plastic. Solar-powered lights in the fixtures aren't always bright enough, and the cheap solar panels wear out fast, so they need to be fixed or replaced often. So, if you want an outdoor lighting system that lasts longer, you should stay away from these lights.
Composite Fixtures: Affordable but Prone to Wear
The plastic used to make composite fittings is stronger than the plastic used to make low-cost fixtures. The lights are generally powered by 12-volt wiring that is buried in the ground, and homeowners like them because they are affordable. But composite fixtures aren't the most lasting, and after a few years, weather and sunlight cause them to break down and get spots, stains, and fade. The material can also become dry and brittle, which can cause cracks that let the elements into the bulb. If you choose composite fixtures over more lasting ones, you may have to fix or replace them more often, which will cost you more in the long run.
Aluminum Fixtures: A Step Up in Durability
Aluminum fixtures are the least expensive metal fixtures you can buy. They are not as sturdy as other metal fixtures, but they are better than plastic and composite fixtures in some ways. Powder-coated metal fixtures are sealed and protected from the weather by the coating, which also gives them a nice look. But powder-coated metal is still very sensitive to the sun's UV rays, which can cause it to fade, crack, or chip over time. Fixtures made of aluminum are also more likely to get dents than those made of other metals. They are a big part of how long your outdoor lighting setup will last. Exterior Lighting Design suggests buying high-quality brass fittings to make sure that your outdoor lighting system will last for a long time.
Copper Fixtures: Beauty and Durability Combined
Copper is another very durable material that can be used for outdoor lights. Copper is a beautiful metal that can get a patina over time that gives it a unique look that goes well with its natural settings. Copper fittings are also very resistant to corrosion and can stand up to rough weather. They may cost more than other products, but because they last longer, they are a good investment.
Stainless Steel Fixtures: Rust-Resistant and Easy to Maintain
Stainless steel is another type of metal that is very strong and doesn't rust. It is often used along the coast, where the salty air from the sea can make other metals rust quickly. Fixtures made of stainless steel are also easy to care for and clean. But they can cost more than other types of metal.
The Importance of Quality Construction
The fixture will also last longer if it is made well. If a device isn't made well, it may be more likely to break or get damaged. Look for fixtures with waterproof seals to keep water out of the electrical parts and strong, secure mounting choices to keep them from falling off or getting damaged.
Investing in Lasting Outdoor Lighting
Investing in high-quality, long-lasting outdoor lighting equipment is a must if you want your system to last as long as possible. Even though there are cheaper options, they often give up sturdiness and longevity to save money up front. At Exterior Lighting Design, we put the quality of our parts and service at the top of our list of priorities so that your outdoor lighting system will last. Stay tuned for part two of this series, where we'll talk about other things that affect how long and well your outdoor lighting system will last.
Contact Exterior Lighting Design for Lasting Outdoor Lighting Solutions
Contact Exterior Lighting Design right away if you live in Atlanta or a larger area around Atlanta and need an expert to set up and maintain your outdoor lighting. Our team of professionals can help you plan and install an outdoor lighting system that will make your home look better and make it safer for years to come.
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