Should You Repair Or Replace Landscape Lighting?

Landscape lighting has multiple purposes in a property. Aesthetically, it highlights the key features of the home’s exterior, which enhances its curb appeal. It also promotes safe movement around the lawn or the garden area, especially at night. Lastly, it helps protect the area from trespassers or burglars. For these reasons, investing in quality landscape lighting is essential in every home.

With proper care and maintenance, the exterior light fixture’s lifespan can reach up to 35 years on average. However, these fixtures are prone to damage since they’re frequently exposed to the elements and extreme weather changes. Because of this, you may have to repair or replace certain parts over the years to keep everything in optimal condition for the long term. Also, some fixtures may deteriorate more quickly than others, depending on where they’re positioned and how durable they are.

Here are some of the most common signs of damage in light fixtures:

• Burning smell
• Buzzing or humming sound
• Excessive heat around the fixture
• Unstable light
• Damaged or faulty wiring

It may be tricky to determine if a damaged light fixture needs to be repaired or replaced. At times, one solution may be more practical or cost-effective than the other. If you’d like to know what factors should be considered to help you determine whether to repair or replace your landscape lighting, here are some points you may find helpful:

1. Consider The Extent Of The Damage

Choosing whether to repair or replace a fixture commonly depends on the extent of the damage. While some damage to light fixtures may be repairable, some need to be replaced to restore the lighting system’s functionality, safety, and visual quality.

If you’re unsure of the extent of the damage to your landscape lighting, you can first consult with a lighting company to see which solution would work best for you. To give you a better idea, here is a link to a website where you can explore repair and replacement options for outdoor lighting: https://washingtonoutdoorlighting.com/.

Here are some of the most common types of damage incurred in landscape lighting systems:

• Flickering or burned-out bulbs
• Corroded or rusty metal fixtures
• Faded or chipped paint
• Deformed surfaces
• Short-circuit
• Loose or faulty wiring
• Malfunctioning light switches

For minor damages, it’s usually more convenient and practical to seek repair services. It may even be possible to do repairs on your own, especially if the damage is minimal or superficial. Some examples of these minor repairs are replacing light bulbs, repainting damaged surfaces, and basic wiring adjustments.

However, it may be better to seek professional services if the damage is extensive and more complex, such as faulty wiring and malfunctioning bulbs. It can be dangerous to work on electrical systems without sufficient knowledge and proper equipment. Also, you’ll be able to avoid further damaging the lighting system by hiring the right services. Though you may have to pay more for labor costs, you can ensure that the damage is repaired correctly and avoid any untoward incidents at the same time.

2. Assess The Functionality Of The Damaged Fixture

You can also consider the functionality of the broken fixture when choosing the appropriate solution for the damage. At times, the item may only be partially impacted by the damage, which makes it still functional in some ways. In this case, you can consider repairing the fixture on your own or hiring a professional to do it for you. A simple repair may not only be a more cost-effective option, but it may also be more practical because you won’t have to discard an item that is still useful.

However, incurring minor damage to your lighting system may still require you to find replacements depending on how it impacts the rest of your property. For instance, a partially corroded lamp fixture may still help illuminate your exterior. However, replacing it may be a good idea because the rust may affect other parts of the fixture and the immediate area surrounding it. In this situation, its negative impact on your property outweighs its functionality, making replacement a plausible solution.

3. Ensure That the Fixture Is Safe To Use

Outdoor lighting fixtures should be certified weather-resistant and safe for exterior use. Because these fixtures are frequently exposed to heat, cold, moisture, and other elements, they’re made with weather-resistant materials explicitly intended for outdoor use. Because of the increased exposure, they are more prone to damage such as breakage, bad wiring, corrosion, and other issues. Depending on the extent, these damages may cause your lighting system to malfunction if not resolved immediately.

Aside from this, your exterior lighting can also pose serious hazards to you and other members of the household, including pets. There’s a risk of fire and electrocution if these damages are not fixed promptly. Because of this, it’s essential for you to carefully consider whether a repair or a replacement is a much safer choice.

Damage to your wiring, for example, may be repaired by replacing damaged wires with new ones as needed. On the other hand, a malfunctioning light switch may still be safe to use after minor repairs. The right solution would be one that would guarantee the safety of everyone in your household.

4. See If The Visual Quality Is Maintained

Landscape lighting often comes as a complete set with a specific color theme, sizes, and designs. The uniformity adds to the aesthetic value, and it’s ideal for maintaining it for the visual appeal it contributes to the space. Given these factors, it may be challenging to decide whether to repair or replace one fixture, mainly if it significantly affects the overall lighting design.

Replacing one lamp or fixture may be ideal if you find something that goes with the rest of the set. While replacing the damaged items with the exact match may be ideal, you can also consider something similar in design and functionality if the identical item is not available.

The visual appeal of your exterior may also be affected if you’re going to repair and use a severely damaged fixture. If the damage is too obvious or extensive, it may negatively impact not only the lighting design but the overall aesthetic of your landscaping. In this case, it may be better to find a replacement instead. This way, you may even boost the visual appeal of your landscape with brand-new lighting equipment or fixture.

5. Choose The More Cost-Effective Solution

Repair costs may vary depending on the item and the extent of the damage. Some damaged items may not be too costly to repair, though fixing them may not always be practical or justifiable. You’ll need to consider if a replacement would be more cost-effective in these cases.

Here are some factors you may need to consider when choosing a more cost-effective solution to any damage incurred to your lighting system:

• The Remaining Lifespan Of The Fixture

If the fixture is already looking faded, outdated, or worn-out, buying a replacement may be a more practical choice. While you may need to spend more when you purchase a replacement, it will be more cost-effective because you’ll be able to use the new item for a longer time.

• Quality And Functionality After Repair

After repairs, a damaged item may function as needed, though not at the same level as a brand-new one. If there’s only a nominal price difference between repair costs and buying a replacement, then purchasing a new item with guaranteed optimal functionality may be a better choice. This way, you’ll make the most out of your investment, and you’ll minimize the risk of further damage in the long run.

• Expected Downtime

It may be inconvenient to have several days of downtime, especially regarding landscape lighting. Alternative lighting options, such as emergency lights, may be required to keep your outside lighted. It can also be risky not to have sufficient lighting around your property as you wait for the repairs to be completed. Given these factors, you may have to consider which one provides a faster solution and how much downtime you can accommodate before the lighting system needs to be up and running again.

You may also need more details to give you a better idea of the kind of solution that would be most cost-effective for you and your property. If you’re unsure, you can consult with professional lighting system providers and explore your options. This way, you can easily compare repair and replacement costs based on your requirements.

Conclusion

Having a well-designed and fully-functional lighting system on your exterior is also an excellent way to optimize your outdoor space. This feature adds both practical and aesthetic value by illuminating your exterior, making it a functional and visually appealing living space even at night. It also serves as an effective security system that protects your property from burglary or destruction. Given its significance, you can consider its upkeep a wise investment to enhance your property.

Repairing and replacing the damage is an essential step in maintaining a property, and it’s equally important when caring for your landscape lighting. As it plays a crucial role in your household, it’s vital to maintain your landscape lighting’s quality and purposefulness.