With the holiday season approaching quickly, one of the most precious traditions is decorating homes with beautiful, sparkling lights. While it adds a festive charm and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, installing holiday lights can sometimes be a challenging and time-consuming task. Here at J&A Exterior, we want to make your holiday light installation as stress-free as possible for you with reasonable pricing! Whether you’re hanging lights for the first time or looking to update your display, here’s your ultimate guide to a safe, stress-free holiday light installation.
Holiday Light Installation: Tips for a Safe & Stress-Free Season
1. Plan Your Holiday Light Display!
Before you even plug in a string of lights, take a step back and plan your design. Consider the following:
Scope of the Project: Do you want your holiday lights to light up just your porch or your entire house? Do you want to go all-out with detailed displays, or keep it simple with a few strands around your windows and doorways?
Style: Think about the theme you want to create—classic white lights, multicolor strands, or even LED lights in fun shapes like snowflakes or reindeer. Your light design will influence the type of lights you need to buy.
Power Sources: Make sure you know where your power outlets are, and calculate how many extension cords you may need to reach those spots without overloading circuits.
Pro tip: Our holiday light installation crew is here and available to help you with planning your holiday light display.
2. Choose the Right Holiday Lights
Not all holiday lights are created the same. When it comes to holiday light installation, the quality of the lights you choose can make a huge difference in both appearance and safety. Here’s what to look for:
LED vs. Incandescent: LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and cool to the touch, making them a safer option. Incandescent lights, while traditional, use more energy and can get very hot.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Lights: Ensure the lights you purchase are rated for outdoor use. Outdoor lights are built to withstand the elements, such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, while indoor lights cannot.
Length of the Strand: Measure the areas where you plan to install holiday lights to ensure you buy the right length. You don’t want to run out of lights halfway through the project!
Pro Tip: J&A Exterior uses the best quality of energy-efficient LED lights that are perfect for your dream design!
3. Safety First in Holiday Light Installation
Holiday light installation can be fun, however safety should always be your top priority. Follow these tips to ensure a secure installation:
Use a Stable Ladder: If you’re working at height, always use a sturdy ladder. Never try to balance on a chair or other makeshift platform.
Avoid Overloading Circuits: Overloading extension cords or outlets can result in a fire hazard. Ensure your lights do not exceed the wattage rating of the outlets and extension cords you’re using.
Check for Damage: Always inspect your lights before installation. If you find any frayed wires or broken bulbs, replace them immediately. Never install lights with exposed wiring.
Turn Off When Not in Use: Firstly, you should always turn off your lights when you’re not home or when going to sleep. Many newer holiday lights come with timers, so set them to automatically shut off after a certain time frame.
Pro Tip: J&A Exterior will set up your lighting timers!
4. Properly Hang Your Lights
Hanging lights doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow a few key steps. Here’s how to get it right:
Start at the Power Source: Always start hanging lights from the outlet or power source, and work your way around. This ensures that you won’t run out of cord at the end of your project.
Use Clips and Hooks: During installation, use plastic clips or light hooks specifically made for holiday light installation. They are designed to hold your lights securely without causing damage to your gutters, shingles, or roofline.
Even Spacing: Space the lights evenly to create a uniform display. If you’re using larger light strands or net lights, make sure the spacing between bulbs is consistent.
Work in Sections: If you’re lighting your entire house, break the task into manageable sections. Work on one part of the house at a time—this helps reduce mistakes and frustration.
5. Professional Holiday Light Installation
If hanging holiday lights sounds overwhelming, or you simply don’t have the time, professional holiday light installation is a great option. J&A Exterior holiday light installation includes:
Design Consultation: Our team can help you create the perfect light display that suits your home and style.
Safe, Efficient Installation: Our trained experts will install your lights securely, ensuring that no damage occurs to your property and that the lights are hung properly.
Maintenance and Removal: After the holidays, so you can enjoy your lights without worrying about the hassle.
Conclusion
Holiday light installation doesn’t have to be a stressful or dangerous task. With careful planning, the right materials, and a little bit of time, you can create a winter wonderland display that adds your unique style to your home. Before you choose to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, the key to a successful holiday lighting experience is to prioritize safety and enjoy the process. Happy decorating and happy holidays to you and your family!
As always best wishes,
J&A Exterior
248-403-0281 – jnaguttercleaning@gmail.com
