Why Permanent Outdoor Lights Make People Nervous
I hear it all the time from customers: “Josh, I love the idea of permanent outdoor lights, but I’m terrified of ruining my house.”
It’s a valid fear. Whether you own your home or you’re renting, the last thing you want to do is drill a hundred unnecessary holes into your pristine vinyl siding or crack your expensive fascia boards. The thought of water damage, rust streaks, or just an ugly, cluttered look during the day is enough to make anyone hesitate.
But here’s the truth: permanent lights can be installed safely, cleanly, and beautifully. When done right, they disappear during the day and transform your home at night. Choosing a trusted brand for your permanent outdoor lights is essential—reputable brands ensure quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, giving you peace of mind about your investment.
At Deliciosa Decor, we’ve built our reputation on precision. As a Marine Corps Veteran, I don’t believe in “good enough.” I believe in systems that work flawlessly and protect your investment. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get that professional, sleek look without sacrificing the integrity of your home’s exterior.
Permanent Outdoor Lights: What They Really Are
Before we get into the installation process, let’s clear up what we’re actually talking about. When I say permanent outdoor lights, I’m not talking about leaving your stapled-up Christmas strings on the gutters until April.
Permanent lighting systems—like the popular Govee or Eufy models—are designed to stay up year-round. The Nanoleaf Permanent Outdoor Lights Smarter Kit, for example, includes 3 x 16.4ft (5m) light strings for a total length of 49ft (15m). Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights have an IP67 waterproof rating, making them highly resistant to rain and dust. These are robust, weather-resistant LED modules that mount securely to your eaves or fascia. LED fixtures like strip lights are typically used for eaves, while sconces are ideal for doorways. Unlike traditional temporary strands, these systems often feature:
- Ambient lighting capabilities for soft, architectural accents.
- Smart home integration for seamless control—Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights can connect to Alexa and Google for voice control, while Eufy S4 Permanent Outdoor Lights can connect to Apple, Google, and Alexa's smart home ecosystems.
- Weatherproof ratings to handle rain, snow, and sun.
The goal isn’t just to have permanent Christmas lights; it’s to have a versatile lighting solution that enhances your property every single night, from game days to quiet evenings on the patio.
Permanent Lights: Why Damage Happens During Installation
So, where do things go wrong? In my experience designing custom mounts, damage usually stems from three main errors:
- Improper Fasteners: Using standard screws that aren’t rated for exterior use leads to rust, which stains siding. Worse, using screws that are too long can puncture waterproofing layers behind your fascia.
- Poor Placement: Drilling directly into the wrong part of a vinyl soffit or aluminum trim can cause cracking or buckling as materials expand and contract with the weather.
- Adhesive Failure: Relying solely on the sticky tape backing provided by manufacturers. Over time, UV rays and moisture degrade the adhesive. When the lights inevitably fall, they can peel paint or take chunks of finish with them.
Some permanent outdoor lights use a slide mounting mechanism, allowing the lights to be easily inserted, adjusted, or secured by sliding onto holders or tracks for a more convenient and versatile installation. Additionally, certain permanent outdoor lights are designed to allow for cutting and splicing, so you can customize the length and fit to match unique home designs, providing extra flexibility during installation.
When we engineer our custom mounts, we specifically look at how to minimize these risks. We focus on clean mounting points that respect the material of your eaves, whether it’s wood, metal, or vinyl.
Safety and Precautions
When it comes to installing permanent lights—whether you’re setting up permanent Christmas lights for the holiday season or creating ambient outdoor lighting for year-round enjoyment—safety should always be your top priority. Here’s how to ensure your installation process is as safe and worry-free as possible:
- Weather Conditions: Permanent outdoor lights are built to handle the elements, from heavy rain to snow and blazing sun. Still, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance to keep your system weatherproof. Double-check that all connections are sealed and that your lights are rated for outdoor use, so your setup stays safe no matter the season.
- Electrical Safety: Working with power supplies and LED light strings means you need to be mindful of electrical hazards. Always turn off the power before starting your installation, and use only the included screws and hardware designed for your specific system. If you’re unsure about wiring or connections, don’t hesitate to consult a professional—safety comes first.
- Professional Installation: For homes with complex exteriors, tall eaves, or lots of trees, professional installation is a smart move. Experts can assess your house and ensure your permanent outdoor lights are mounted securely and safely, reducing the risk of accidents or damage.
- Year-Round Use: Permanent lights are designed for more than just the holiday season. Take advantage of features like set schedules and custom patterns to create the right mood for any occasion, but remember to switch to softer, energy-efficient settings for everyday use. This not only saves power but also extends the life of your system.
- Voice Control and Wi-Fi: Many modern systems, like Govee lights, offer smart features such as voice control through Google Home and Wi-Fi connectivity. When setting up these features, follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions carefully to ensure secure connections and reliable control. Always keep your smart home accounts protected with strong passwords.
- Brightness and Power: LED lights are energy-efficient, but it’s still important to monitor brightness and power consumption, especially if your lights are on for long periods. Adjust brightness to suit the occasion—brighter for parties, softer for quiet nights—and keep an eye on your energy usage to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Outdoor and Hanging Safety: Securely fasten your lights to the house, eaves, or other stable structures using the included screws and mounting hardware. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage your home’s exterior. If you’re hanging lights near trees or plants, make sure they’re clear of branches and leaves to prevent overheating or fire hazards.
- Maintenance and Repair: Regularly inspect your permanent outdoor lighting system for signs of wear, loose screws, or damaged components. Replace any worn parts promptly to maintain both safety and performance, and keep your lights looking their best all year round.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can confidently install and enjoy your permanent lights—whether it’s for Christmas, a summer party, or everyday curb appeal—knowing your home and family are protected.
Installation Process: How to Do It Right
The initial installation cost of permanent outdoor lights typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,500, making it a one-time pay investment for long-term durability and year-round use. Professional installation services are also available for those who prefer expert setup.
If you want permanent outdoor lights that look professional and cause zero damage, you have to plan before you drill.
1. Map Your Layout
Don’t just start screwing things in. Lay your light string out on the ground to ensure the power supply reaches your outlet. Measure your eaves to determine the best spacing.
2. Use the Right Mounting System
This is critical. Direct drilling through the light strip itself is risky. Using a dedicated mounting bracket—like the ones we 3D print here at Deliciosa Decor—protects the light and the home. Our mounts allow for thermal expansion, meaning when the weather shifts from hot to cold, the plastic won't crack your siding.
3. Secure with the Right Hardware
Always use the included screws if they are high-quality stainless steel, or upgrade to them if they aren't. Stainless steel won't rust and bleed down your white trim.
4. Mind the Drip Loop
When connecting your power supply, always create a “drip loop.” This is a U-shaped dip in the cord before it enters the outlet. It prevents rain and melting snow from traveling down the cord and directly into the electrical socket.
Professional Installation vs. DIY
I founded Deliciosa Decor to help everyone from the weekend warrior to the professional tech. So, should you do it yourself?
DIY Installation is fantastic if you are comfortable on a ladder and patient with measurements. It saves you money on labor, which you can reinvest in better lights or premium mounts.
Professional Installation is the way to go if you have a multi-story home with difficult rooflines. Professional installers have the safety gear to reach high peaks without risking life or limb. They also know exactly how to navigate tricky soffit materials.
If you hire a pro, ask them what mounting hardware they use. If they plan to just stick them up with tape or use generic clips, send them our way. We supply technician companies nationwide with precision-fit mounts that ensure their work lasts—and that your house stays safe.
Photo by Knopka Ivy on Unsplash
Voice Control & Smart Outdoor Lighting
The hardware is important, but the software is why these lights are so fun. Modern permanent lights offer incredible voice control features.
Imagine pulling into your driveway and saying, “Hey Google, turn on the security lights,” or “Alexa, set the patio to warm white.” By connecting your system to Wi-Fi, you integrate your exterior lighting into your entire smart home ecosystem.
You can set brightness levels to be subtle late at night so you don't annoy the neighbors, or crank them up for a backyard party. The app control usually allows you to create custom scenes, meaning you aren't stuck with presets. You are in total control of the mood.
Year Round Use: More Than Just Christmas
The biggest mental hurdle for homeowners is getting past the word “Christmas.”
Permanent christmas lights are really just programmable RGB lights. Yes, they look amazing in December with candy cane patterns and animations. But their real value is year round use.
- Game Day: Flash your team's colors on Sunday.
- Halloween: Spooky purples and oranges.
- Architectural Accents: Use a soft, warm white to highlight the peaks of your roof or texture of your brick.
- Security: A well-lit home is a safer home. You can set schedules so your lights turn on automatically at sunset and off at sunrise.
When you install them permanently, you eliminate the dangerous annual ritual of climbing icy ladders to hang lights. You do the work once, and you enjoy it forever.
Why Mount Quality Matters
This brings me back to why I started making mounts in the first place. I saw people buying expensive Govee or Nanoleaf systems and attaching them with flimsy clips that degraded in the sun.
At Deliciosa Decor, we engineer permanent outdoor mounts that are:
- Precision-Fit: Designed specifically for your exact light model (Eufy, Govee, Nanoleaf, etc.).
- UV Resistant: Made to withstand years of direct sunlight without becoming brittle.
- Aesthetically Clean: They hide the wires and keep the lights straight, giving you that crisp, linear look that usually costs thousands in custom track lighting.
When the mount fits perfectly, you don't have to over-tighten screws or use excessive force, which is the leading cause of installation damage.
Photo by Seyed Amir Mohammad Tabatabaee on Unsplash
Final Thoughts: Permanent Lights Should Enhance, Not Harm
Don't let the fear of installation stop you from upgrading your home. With a little planning and the right mounting hardware, permanent outdoor lights are one of the best upgrades you can make for your property's curb appeal and functionality.
At Deliciosa Decor, we’re here to help you get it right. Whether you need a custom solution for a tricky eave or just standard mounts for your new Govee set, we’ve got your back. Every order ships free, and we always take 20% off because we believe premium quality should be accessible.
Let’s get those lights up, keep your siding safe, and make your home shine.
Helpful Links and Resources | Permanent Outdoor Lighting
- Energy Star Lighting Guide | Learn about energy-efficient lighting options and how to choose outdoor lights that save energy and reduce costs.
- International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) | Discover tips for reducing light pollution and selecting outdoor lighting that’s eco-friendly and neighbor-friendly.
- National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) | Explore safety standards and best practices for outdoor lighting installations.
- U.S. Department of Energy – Outdoor Lighting Basics | A comprehensive guide to outdoor lighting, including LED options, energy savings, and maintenance tips.
- DIY Outdoor Lighting Tips For Beginners- Family Handyman | Practical advice on how to weatherproof and maintain your outdoor lighting for long-term durability.
- Landscape Lighting Design Tips – HGTV | Get inspired with creative ideas for using permanent outdoor lights to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
