2 Reasons to Choose High-Quality Copper Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

When homeowners invest in outdoor lighting installation, two of the most important factors that will influence their decision about which fixtures to choose are the durability and the sustainability of the lights. 

Copper is the premium quality choice for many homeowners when taking these two factors into consideration, and, although the initial investment for copper is greater, it is the best choice, paying for itself in terms of lifespan and performance.

The two primary benefits that copper fixtures offer are:

 

1. Lifespan - copper lighting fixtures are extremely durable

Copper has been proven to stand the test of time and it’s the reason that it’s used in plumbing, roofing and even structures such as the Statue of Liberty. This is large because copper resists corrosion extremely well. 

Copper light fixtures provide resistance to:

• Atmospheric exposure: so that storms and other extreme weather won’t damage the fixtures.
• Freshwater: copper light fixtures offer superior resistance to corrosion by water and soil
• Heat: the bulb won’t damage the fixture.
• Exposure to chemicals: when gardens and using fertilizers or compost, the fixtures won’t be affected if they are accidentally exposed to different organic and inorganic chemicals.
• Damage from electrical applications: outdoor lighting combines electrical, thermal and mechanical properties, all of which a copper fixture can handle with ease.

In comparison, another popular material for light fixtures is brass. Brass does not perform as well as copper since it is an alloy. It is made from a combination of copper and zinc, is likely to leach zinc over time which depletes the zinc from the fixture, leaving the remaining metal porous and weak. This will happen in the case of a copper-zinc alloy fixture in a garden where it is exposed to oxygen and moisture. The color of the fixture will also gradually change from yellow to a less-attractive dull red.

 

2. Sustainability of copper outdoor lighting fixture

Copper fixtures have the highest sustainability as it is an organic material lasting up to 300 years and is easily recyclable. Even if it gets thrown in the trash, the folks at the landfill will go through and pick out the copper for it to be recycled since it has the highest recycling value compared to other metals.

From an eco-friendly perspective, copper offers the best true sustainability. It stands out from other materials such as plastic and aluminum which are technically recyclable, but in most cases, it is not financially viable, so these materials are less likely to end up being recycled. To put it differently, from the beginning of the production phase to the end of the product's lifespan, the copper will retain a high percentage of its value. This makes it desirable and financially feasible to recycle. 

Copper offers the best option for high quality and value while offering an unbeatable beautiful patina finish that becomes more apparent over time. Because copper is a pure metal as well as being a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice, it’s the most coveted material for outdoor lighting fixtures on the market.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta, GA specializes in the installation of copper outdoor lighting fixtures as part of the landscape lighting installation services. Their copper fixtures offer excellent durability and sustainability as the metal is corrosive resistant, and long-lasting, able to respond well to extreme temperatures. 

They are the custom outdoor lighting company for thousands of satisfied clients, offering expert advice, professional installation and excellent service both pre- and post-installation.

The next information was first seen on 2 Reasons to Choose High-Quality Copper Outdoor Lighting Fixtures and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog

3 Reasons to work with a landscape lighting installer when building an outdoor living area in the backyard

Creating a beautiful outdoor space for entertaining is a fun home improvement project that enhances the value of your property as well as offering additional living space and a way to make the most of your backyard.

For homeowners in Atlanta, the prospect of an outdoor entertainment area is particularly attractive as the long, warm summer months mean that there are many opportunities to invite friends and family. 

Creating an outdoor living space is more than simply furnishing your patio by adding some seating and a barbeque with wheels. An outdoor living area provides a higher level of style, comfort, and functionality - comparable to the convenience of using your kitchen or dining room. 

These projects should take into account your preferences and the needs of your family, as well as the long-term prospect of possibly selling your home. Regardless of whether you’re planning to sell currently, it should still be approached in the same way that you would plan a remodel or home addition. 

As such, in addition to enlisting the help of a professional designer or landscape architect, a landscape lighting installer's opinion will be essential for designing a fully functional, user-friendly outdoor area design.

A landscape lighting specialist will help you:

1. Envision how you want to use the space

The outdoor space needs to fit in with your lifestyle so think about how you want to use the space. This might include preparing family meals, in which case you would need well-positioned lighting to support a full outdoor kitchen. Maybe you want to use the space to host friends or watch a football game which would mean setting up the outdoor lighting so that the television can be watched after dark.  You might even have a more formal space in mind where you can host dinner parties, which would mean installing the highest quality, beautiful outdoor lighting to complement the space. 

2. Ensure that there is a provision for adequate lighting after dark

It’s much more efficient to pre-wire an outdoor area for lighting before the hardscaping is done, particularly for hard to reach areas. When the outdoor lighting contractor works on the project from the beginning with the hardscape contractor it results in a cleaner, more polished look that will save the homeowner money in the long run and make servicing down the road easier if the wiring is in conduit.

3. Make provisions for any special requirements

The structure you choose will determine the lighting that is needed, and a landscape lighting company will work with you to overcome any specific challenges such as how to light the area if:

• Wind protection needs to be put in place for shelter
• It's close to neighbors and you want privacy as well as ensuring that your lighting doesn’t disturb them
• The area is small, and you want to maximize the feeling of space without impacting on functionality
• Any focal points such as a fireplace, views or water feature need to be highlighted with lighting

Designing the perfect outdoor area requires planning and may need expert assistance to ensure that you get exactly what you want. In addition to taking out the stress of making all the decisions, they’ll also make sure that you don’t miss anything important.

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems services Atlanta offers professional landscape lighting installation services, giving their clients expert lighting advice and installation assistance. It might be as simple as small accent lights that illuminate the garden pathway or creating focal points of impressive trees or water features. But this could be the difference between an average entertaining space and a space that creates the ideal environment for entertaining friends or relaxing in the garden.

 

The next information was first seen on 3 Reasons to work with a landscape lighting installer when building an outdoor living area in the backyard and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} https://www.southernlls.com/

Want to Get the Most from Your Outdoor Lighting? Here are Tips to Extend the Life of Your Landscape Lights in Marietta

Correct cleaning and maintenance can have a direct impact on the lifespan of your landscape lights, as well as helping to keep them in tip-top working condition. Preventative maintenance, including a number of tasks that can be performed once or twice a year, will ensure that you avoid more expensive repairs at a later date. Your specific maintenance needs will vary depending on the specific landscape lighting installation and fixtures that you have. In many cases, talking to your landscape lighting installer will help clarify maintenance requirements.

1. Prune Branches and Plants

This is the first and most important step to maintaining your outdoor lighting. Cut back trees, shrubs, and plants that are touching the fixture, are too close or are blocking the light when the fixture is on. This step will prevent any damage to fixtures, will make it easy to clean and maintain the actual feature, and will ensure that the light from the fixture is optimal as it is no longer blocked.

 

2. Check the Cables

It's important that the cables are not damaged and that they remain buried. Even with a professional outdoor lighting installation, it is possible for wires that were correctly buried to become exposed. And if they are exposed for an extended time, this can lead to electrical wire damage. Perform this check often if you have dogs or children who spend time out in the yard, especially if your dogs like to dig, or if you’ve recently had harsh weather such as storms and wind. 

If you do come across exposed wires check that they are not damaged before reburying them. If there is no damage, they should be buried immediately so that they do not present a tripping hazard. If you don’t have enough experience with wiring and are not sure if the lines have been damaged, ask your landscape lighting installer to check them for you.

 

3. Remove Any Debris on or Around the Fixtures

Debris that collects around your light fixtures can include mud, fallen leaves, mulch, pinestraw and insects and will have the impact of improving illumination. For visible light fixtures, clearing them of debris will contribute to a cleaner, neater outdoor area. It can also lengthen the life of your fixtures and has the additional benefit of avoiding any fire hazards.

 

4. Check Fixtures and Replace Bulbs

Check each and every lighting fixture for damage. This includes broken lenses, dented metal, and corrosion. If your lighting fixtures are in hard-to-reach areas, you can call your landscape lighting installer to perform the checks for you. If there is damage you may need to order some replacement parts or replace the fixtures if the damage is extensive. 

While you’re doing this check, replace any bulbs that have burned out. If you have LED lights, this check can possibly be skipped, although if you’ve had your LED lighting installation for a long time, some of the bulbs may no longer be shining so brightly and you may opt to replace them. Here again, it may be a better option to ask your landscape lighting company to change the bulbs if needed as they can check for damage and make repairs at the same time as necessary.

 

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Marietta offers LED lighting installations for homeowners and are the preferred company for custom outdoor lighting with a track record of thousands of satisfied customers. They offer the highest quality products, professional and innovative installation, and design and excellent after-sales support. 

The next blog post was originally seen on Want to Get the Most from Your Outdoor Lighting? Here are Tips to Extend the Life of Your Landscape Lights in Marietta and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Find more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems Blog

The Benefits and Advantages of Professionally Installed Landscape Lighting For Your Home

It’s sometimes tricky deciding how to allocate your home improvement budget as it’s not always easy to know what changes or modification will have the biggest impact and offer the most benefits. One of the perennial top choices for home improvement that offers quantifiable benefits is landscape lighting.

While most will agree that proper lighting for home interiors is a non-negotiable, increasingly outdoor landscape lighting is being seen in a similar way. Especially when one considers the safety and security implications of floodlights and security lighting for homeowners with families.

With this in mind, let’s look at some of the top benefits of installing a professional landscape lighting system:

Improve Safety

Navigating outdoor areas after dark, particularly for children and the elderly, can be problematic. Well-lit outdoor spaces effectively eliminate many of the trip and fall hazards such as steps, uneven pathways, or overgrown roots. It also increases the functionality of spaces that can now be used because they are well-lit.

 

Increase Security

Many studies point to the efficacy of a professional landscape lighting installation for deterring potential criminals. Outdoor lighting increases security by illuminating entry-points and eliminating areas of shadow in the garden. It’s important to note that the lights should remain on throughout the night, rather than being activated by a motion sensor, so that burglars don’t even enter the property. 

 

Enhance Beauty

A professional landscape lighting installation will highlight the beauty of a garden after dark. Using a variety of lighting techniques (such as silhouetting, shadowing, and highlighting) an installation company can transform a yard to make the most of its natural and architectural features. And ultimately, outdoor lighting adds to the curb appeal of a home.

 

Create Ambiance

Outdoor lighting can be used to create a feeling of space and can set the mood of an area. The impact of this is that it makes your outdoor spaces more welcoming so that they become a place that you want to spend time in after dark with your friends and family. 

If you still have questions about installing landscape lighting, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, a leading outdoor lighting company servicing the area of Atlanta, shares their insights:

 

I don’t want to do it myself, what are the options?

Working with a professional landscape lighting company offers a number of benefits. You will get access to the latest, best quality fixtures at an affordable rate as well as full peace of mind that the system has been expertly and safely installed by professionals that know exactly what they’re doing.

 

What is the impact on my energy costs?

Low-voltage systems that use energy-efficient LED lightings will have a very small impact on your monthly utility bill (and compared to traditional halogen bulbs offer a massive saving). LED lights convert as much as 90% of the energy that they receive into light, whereas incandescent bulbs are only at around 10 – 20%.

 

Should I be concerned about light pollution?

Dark sky advocation is becoming an increasingly important topic as brightening the night sky through artificial sources, including landscape lighting, has a disruptive effect on the natural cycles of wildlife. A professional landscape lighting company will ensure that lighting is properly installed and that the fixtures are directed correctly to address these concerns.

 

Local outdoor lighting company, Southern Landscape Lighting Systems, serves the residents of Atlanta, GA offering the best in high-quality LED landscape lighting. With thousands of satisfied clients, many years of experience, and the best customer service, it’s not hard to see why they are the preferred custom outdoor lighting company.  

The following information was originally published on The Benefits and Advantages of Professionally Installed Landscape Lighting For Your Home and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. Read more on:} https://www.southernlls.com/

Important Trends to Consider for a New Landscape Lighting Installation in Alpharetta

Whether you’re looking to update your current outdoor lighting or want a completely new landscape lighting installation, you can get inspiration from some of the top lighting variations that are currently trending.

LED Is the Best Choice for Bulbs

This isn’t new, but it’s an important ongoing trend as homeowners seek to decrease energy costs and enjoy flexible lighting options. LED technology continues to evolve and offers lower energy consumption, extended lifespans, and a wide variety of color options from warm to cool choices.

And the one argument that has stopped LED from being the first choice for some homeowners, the cost, has become less of an issue in recent years as the prices of LED fixtures and bulbs has come down considerably. So, when the long-term cost savings are considered, LED lights are a firm favorite for lighting companies and homeowners alike. 

 

Bathing Your Garden in Moonlight

The full moon effect is currently a popular choice for outdoor lighting installations, creating a beautiful effect that mimics the light of the full moon. It creates a relaxing, tranquil environment that has the added benefit of increasing the security of the property and it naturally highlights and accents landscaping features. 

 

The effect is created by installing downlights 20-80 feet from the ground, usually in trees or other structures. Mature trees are an excellent choice as it creates a dappled, soft, moonlight effect as the light shines through the branches. A professional landscape lighting company will help with this as they will ensure the proper beam spread coupled with glare guards will keep the light looking natural.

 

Use High-End Fixtures for Visible Lights

For porch lights, patios, and pathways, homeowners are choosing to allocate more of their budget to fixtures that are more visible, choosing lights that are more attractive and complement the overall aesthetic. These lights are what you and your visitors will see when you spend time in your outdoor living areas.

 

Fit-for-Purpose Lighting

This type of lighting includes both the outdoor cooking area and all outdoor attractive, yet functional lighting. The idea is that indoor living can extend to the outdoors, transforming areas of the yard into spaces that allow for reading, playing, eating, relaxing, and even work. 

Outdoor lighting, therefore, needs to be customized for its purpose. Examples include lots of light for a backyard gym or tennis court, ambient mood lighting for a dining room outdoors, or a warm glow for a comfortable reading nook that can be used in the day or at night. 

 

Water Features Lit from Within

Water features have long been a focal point for outdoor areas, but the current trend of illuminating them from within is taking water features to the next level. Uplights can be positioned to highlight fountains, a waterfall can be lit from below, or a soft glow added to a pond of flat water.

 

These types of installations usually require specific expertise and will need the services of an experienced landscape lighting installer. They will understand the requirements for working with electricity, lighting, and water and will be able to complete the project safely. 

 

Southern Landscape Lighting Systems in Alpharetta has been helping homeowners in the area stay well-lit after dark for many years. Their specialist lighting experience, combined with a passion for offering customer service excellence, has made them popular with the community and is reflected in the many five-star reviews that they continue to receive. If you want to stay on-trend and enjoy your garden after dark, you can trust the Southern Landscape Lighting Systems team to help.

The following article was originally published to Important Trends to Consider for a New Landscape Lighting Installation in Alpharetta and is republished from Southern Landscape Lighting Systems. See more on:} Southern Landscape Lighting Systems