We’ve all seen them before: those stubborn outdoor lights that gasp for breath between heavy rainfalls. When it’s raining out, you can almost hear their cries of dismay as the water washes over them, knowing full well that their fate will be a short lifespan, ending in an early death. But who said protecting outdoor lights from the rain was mission impossible? 

Common Outdoor Lights and their Water Damage Potential

The type of outdoor lights you choose can have a significant impact on how much damage they suffer from exposure to rain and other elements. Some light types lend themselves well to exterior use because they are designed to withstand the elements and have a relatively low potential for water damage, while others are more vulnerable and require additional protection or adaptation.

For instance, halogen lamps, incandescent bulbs, and fluorescent tubes all have varying levels of resistance to water damage, with incandescent bulbs leading the pack for their generally robust design. Halogen lamps are slightly more susceptible to moisture penetration, while fluorescent tubes run the risk of encountering the most water damage. In some cases, however, they may be shielded with a special protective coating which makes them more resilient against rain.

It is important to consider not only what type of lightbulb you use outside but also its placement and maintenance needs in order to maximize its protection from rain. With this knowledge in mind, it’s possible to make an informed decision on which type fits best for your outdoor lighting purposes – making sure that your setup will last long-term even through wet weather conditions. To further ensure that your lights endure the elements, let’s look at what type of bulbs are used in these systems and discuss how best to protect them.

What Type of Bulbs are Used?

The types of bulbs used in outdoor lights will also play a role in how they respond to water damage. Incandescent bulbs tend to be cheaper, but they may be more prone to water damage due to their filament construction. Halogen lights, on the other hand, are made for more rugged use and provide better quality lighting for longer periods, but they also tend to be costlier.

LED bulbs can also be an option since they provide bright and efficient light that is far less susceptible to water damage due to their solid construction. Each of these bulb types has its own benefits and drawbacks when it comes to water resistance, so it may come down to personal preference or budget when it comes time to make a decision.

Fortunately, choosing the right bulb type doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your safety standards or aesthetics. With a wide range of options available, there are sure to be some models that fit both criteria as well as your wallet. 

However, there’s no guarantee that a particular bulb will resist water damage no matter how strong either of those factors may be–that’s why it’s important to take additional steps to ensure outdoor lights stay safe during inclement weather conditions. The next section will explore some possible solutions you can use for this purpose.

Solutions to Protect Outdoor Lights from Rain

When it comes to protecting outdoor lights from rain, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right type of bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are not ideal since they are more easily moisture damaged and tend to be overly expensive to use. On the other hand, LED bulbs are an excellent solution as they boast a longer life span and highly efficient energy usage with little risk of rain damage. LED bulbs also come in a variety of colors and light levels that are perfect for any mood or decoration you may be seeking.

Furthermore, LED bulbs provide special weatherproofing features that can help protect them against heavy rains, such as sealed casings, being waterproofed on their own, and even having additional wash-off protection that repels additional water away from the bulb itself.

Materials and Techniques to Waterproof Structures and Surroundings

Waterproofing materials and techniques are essential to protecting outdoor lights and other structures from the risks of water damage. By taking preventative measures such as painting surfaces with a waterproof sealant or coating, installing waterproof sheathing on electrical wiring, or encasing lights in a weather-resistant casing, homeowners can ensure their lighting is protected from the elements. When used in combination, these solutions offer superior protection against rain-induced damage.

That being said, it’s important to note that waterproofing solutions aren’t always practical. In cases where cost or labor are prohibitive, more traditional solutions for limiting water penetration may be the better choice.

For example, using treated lumber that has been designed to withstand rainfall or directing downspouts and gutters away from vulnerable areas can create barriers that can effectively shield outdoor lighting from heavy rain.

While waterproof sealants and casings are effective in keeping out water, many buildings have aspects that make them prone to wind-driven water damage. That’s why understanding unique rainstorm threats and designing appropriate solutions is an important part of ensuring your outdoor lighting stays dry when the rain starts pouring. With this in mind, let’s move on to exploring design considerations related to reducing the risk of water damage from bad weather.

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Lighting for Your Home or Garden

Whether you live in a rain-heavy climate or a place with mild weather, selecting the right outdoor lighting for your home or garden is an integral part of protecting your lights from rain damage. When purchasing outdoor lights, there are two primary options to choose from: permanent fixtures and temporary fixtures.

Permanent fixtures are more expensive than temporary fixtures, but they offer increased durability, especially in wet conditions. Permanent light fixtures are usually composed of metal or aluminum, which can resist deterioration caused by moisture and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Many permanent light fixtures also come equipped with waterproof seals that further protect them against exterior elements.

Temporary fixtures are typically made of plastic or PVC, which offer less protection against long-term exposure to rain and sun. However, depending on the style and size of the light fixture, temporary outdoor lights may still be sufficient for brightening outdoor spaces for short periods of time like summer barbecues or evening gatherings. Before making a final decision about the type of outdoor light to purchase for your home or garden, carefully consider both your budget and needs – any option will offer adequate basic aesthetic experiences, but one may be better suited for resisting rain damage in the long run.

Whether you decide on permanent or temporary light fixtures, there is an effective way to add an additional layer of protection: look for models treated with lasting weatherproof coatings that help mitigate the effects of UV radiation and rainstorms. By doing so, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing that your lights are secure even during unpredictable weather conditions.

When it comes to installing lighting outdoors, additional considerations should also be taken into account – such as sunlight protection levels – to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This brings us to our next step in protecting our outdoor lights: providing them with proper coverage against direct sunlight.

Sunlight Protection for Outdoor Lights

Sunlight protection for outdoor lights is an important consideration when selecting appropriate fixtures for home or garden use. While some may feel that it’s natural and harmless for the sun to hit their lighting, the truth is that too much sun exposure can compromise the functionality of the fixture and reduce its long-term durability. Clearly, this should be a priority consideration for anyone looking to install outdoor lighting.

On one hand, some argue that it’s better to buy fixtures made from materials like glass and metal, which have opposing properties that make them resistant to sunlight. For example, glass is naturally reflective and can deflect strong sunlight away from your light fixture, while metal is naturally heat-resistant, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures without damaging the fixture. 

On the other hand, some advocates of plastic light fixtures suggest that plastic has its own benefits – namely, its lightweight nature and ease of handling make it more suitable for quick DIY projects or temporary installations. Furthermore, plastic is also more affordable compared to more durable materials such as glass or metal.

The bottom line is that both sides have advantages and disadvantages. It’s ultimately up to the buyer to weigh their options carefully and consider which material they might prefer based on their cost-efficiency needs as well as their personal preferences in terms of aesthetics. There are many different types of outdoor lighting fixtures available in today’s market; what matters most is selecting a product suited for your specific project needs – with careful attention given to both sunlight protection and durability for the best outcome.

Work with Big Easy Lighting Today

If you have any doubts about the safety or effectiveness of your outdoor lighting system, it’s always best to consult with a professional electrician or lighting installer. They can provide you with expert advice on how to protect your outdoor lights from rain and other elements.

So, don’t let rain ruin your outdoor lighting system.

If you need help installing, repairing, or maintaining your outdoor lighting system, contact a professional lighting installer or electrician in your area. They can help you ensure that your lights are protected from rain and other weather elements and keep your property looking its best. Contact us today to learn more!