Flurries, hot chocolate, and snow days are all the joys we experience during these wonderful months we call winter. As a homeowner, there are a few situations that need to be handled before the fun of winter can officially begin. One big step is taking steps to prepare your outdoor lighting fixtures for this season. Join us through this article to look at four landscape maintenance tips for winter in the Midwest.
Control Exposed Wires
We know how the Midwest can be. Our weather is like a roller coaster, warm and cold, then warm and freezing, and the cycle continues. However, what you may not know is that this cycle can affect your outdoor lighting in Kansas City. When the ground goes through this cycle, it can force the wires to work their way all the way up to the surface – leaving them exposed to the elements. This is an extremely dangerous situation for your lights. It is important that any exposed wires get inspected and reburied before the ground refreezes again. You can call your local experts in landscape lighting in Kansas City to come and inspect the situation to ensure you get all the repairs fixed you need and get them reburied in the proper spots.
Keep Them Clean
Between dirt, mineral deposits, and debris – your lights can either dim or completely block light from a fixture. In order to achieve the best results for your outdoor lighting in Kansas City, it is extremely important to keep your fixtures clean and clear from debris. Here in the Midwest, we are expecting some brutal winter storms as usual, so it is important to remember your lighting fixtures during these times. You may want to plan on regularly going out and clearing away some of the snow from your fixtures. Some bulbs will produce enough heat to melt away some of the snow, but not all of it. So before all the snow piles up, help out your fixtures and keep them clear from these flurries.
Watch for Moisture Concerns
Moisture is the enemy of electricity. With the winter months comes much moisture, ice, and snow that we cannot help or prevent. While ice and snow are not the main concern, the melting of these frosty events can lead to damaging effects to your outdoor lighting in Kansas City. It can do something called tripping on your GCFI outlet. A simple reset can fix the issue, but in order to prevent this you can install a cover for these outlets to make sure you avoid this issue completely to start with.
Be Mindful During Snow Removal
We are all so eager to shovel our driveways this season, well maybe not. However, you seek snow removal, it is important that anyone working on your lawn knows where all the outdoor lighting fixtures are. Most damage to these fixtures happen by accidental situations during snow or ice removal. You could purchase flags or poles from a local hardware store to indicate their location. The best way to maintain your landscape lighting system is to prevent accidental damages.
Ready To Install Outdoor Lighting in Your Kansas City Home?
Are you ready to hire an expert for your outdoor lighting in Kansas City? Contact Chris Light Co at 913-851-5882 to talk about your lighting options. We would love to be a part of your next outdoor lighting project.