Bradfordville Exterior Lighting

What is Exterior Lighting and why is it important for your home? In this article, you will learn more about the types of exterior lights available, their functions, and maintenance. Learn how to make the most of your exterior lighting system. Invest in some outdoor lighting to increase the beauty of your home.

Outdoor lighting

Before you begin to shop for outdoor lighting, you should consider the primary design goal for the space. Choosing the right lighting can highlight architectural details or attract attention to your landscaping. You can also install exterior lighting to use for safety and security, or to hold a backyard party. There are several factors to consider when shopping for exterior lighting, including the basic types of fixtures and their installation costs. Also, consider the longevity of the fixture, and how much it will cost to replace it if it breaks.

Choose fixtures that are environmentally friendly. Many "dark sky" light fixtures shield the light bulb to emit light downwards. Choosing light fixtures that deflect light away from the sky can reduce the risk of rusting. Moreover, lighting fixtures for coastal areas are usually made with special materials to withstand the harsh environment. The light fixtures of coastal areas are designed with weather-resistance coatings to prevent rust and corrosion. It is a good idea to choose UL-rated fixtures for outdoor use.

Styles

Whether you are redecorating or simply adding ambiance, exterior lighting is an important element of curb appeal. The right amount of lighting will set the tone for a nighttime arrival, keep you from tripping in the dark, and deter any unscrupulous characters. There are many styles of exterior lighting, from classic lanterns with a traditional English appearance to ultra-modern compact LED lights that cast dramatic washes of light onto the walls.

When shopping for exterior lighting, establish your primary design goal. The purpose of the lighting is primarily to draw attention to architectural features, while others prefer to emphasize their landscaping. Security and safety concerns are other major reasons to install outdoor lighting. Regardless of the purpose of the lighting, it's important to consider the basic types of fixtures, and how you'll maintain them. A general rule of thumb is that the more decorative the lighting, the more expensive it will be.

Functions

LEDs have several benefits over conventional bulbs for exterior lighting functions. They are highly efficient with a C02 emission reduction factor of over 26%. They can also reduce power consumption, and in some cases, reduce the amount of C02 emitted into the atmosphere. LEDs can save 2.4g CO2 per km or more, depending on the vehicle's model. The greatest energy savings potential for exterior lighting are associated with low beams and DRLs, as they consume the most power.

Signal lamps provide visibility by directly shining into the eyes of traffic participants. They also give an impression of the outer dimensions of a vehicle, such as its front, back, and sides. A vehicle's signal lamps may also indicate the presence of a stop sign or a red light. These lights can make the vehicle more visible, and are an essential aspect of road safety. The following are some common exterior lighting functions.

Maintenance

Aside from regular inspections for dirt and bugs, maintenance of exterior lighting also involves checking for cracked cover plates and yellowed acrylic covers, blown bulbs, and other damage. Exterior lighting should also be adjusted to the population accessing the building. For example, a medical office building may have a higher volume of senior citizens than an industrial park, which requires more illumination. A qualified lighting contractor can assess exterior lighting conditions and recommend any necessary changes and maintenance.

The maintenance of exterior lighting should be performed twice a year. Depending on its usage, it may require multiple visits per year. For instance, a system used only a few hours a week might only require annual maintenance. If possible, it is better to hire a professional electrician. However, this should be done only after a written agreement. Maintenance of exterior lighting is an important step to avoid accidents and criminal activity. For more information, read our article on proper lighting maintenance.