How do I get my lights to stick to my house?
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To get your lights to stick to your house, whether for seasonal decor or permanent lighting, you need to use the right methods and materials to ensure they stay secure and don’t damage your home. The best approach depends on the type of lights you're installing (e.g., string lights, floodlights, or other decorative fixtures) and where you want to attach them (e.g., soffits, gutters, walls, or eaves).
Here’s a guide to help you choose the right adhesive or mounting method, along with suggestions on where to buy the materials and tips for selecting the best products for your needs.
1. Use Outdoor-Friendly Adhesive Hooks or Clips
What are they?
- Outdoor adhesive hooks or clip systems are designed to hold lights securely in place without drilling into the surface. They’re particularly useful for hanging string lights or decorative lights along your house's exterior.
- Command hooks and specialty light clips use a strong adhesive to stick to surfaces, ensuring the lights stay in place, but are easy to remove without leaving residue or damaging the surface.
How to Use:
- Clean the surface where you want to place the hooks or clips (e.g., gutters, walls, or soffits).
- Attach the adhesive hooks or clips to the clean, dry surface and let them set for about 30 minutes to ensure a strong bond.
- Hang the lights on the clips or hooks, ensuring they're evenly spaced.
- After the season or when the lights are no longer needed, peel the hooks off without damaging the surface.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Search for "outdoor adhesive hooks" or "command hooks for outdoor use."
- Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart: These retailers offer a range of adhesive hook products for outdoor use.
- Target: You can find both command strips and specialty outdoor hooks.
How to Choose:
- Weight Capacity: Choose hooks or clips that can support the weight of your lights. String lights are usually light, but larger lights (like lanterns or pendant lights) may require stronger adhesives or a more permanent mounting option.
- Weather Resistance: Look for adhesive hooks designed for outdoor use, specifically ones that can handle exposure to rain, heat, and cold.
2. Use Gutter Clips for String Lights
What are they?
- Gutter clips are designed to hang string lights from the edges of your gutters. They hold the string lights in place securely and prevent the lights from falling off or shifting in the wind.
How to Use:
- Clip the gutter clips along the edge of your gutters or eaves.
- Hang the string lights along the clips, ensuring the lights are evenly spaced and securely attached.
- Gutter clips can be used with both LED string lights and traditional light strings.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Search for "gutter clips for string lights."
- Home Depot or Lowe’s: Both stores offer various gutter clip systems designed for string lights.
- Walmart: Offers a range of affordable options for outdoor lighting clips.
How to Choose:
- Compatibility: Make sure the clips fit your gutter type (K-style, half-round, etc.) and can hold the weight of your light strings.
- Durability: Choose clips made from durable materials like heavy-duty plastic or stainless steel to withstand weather conditions.
- Ease of Removal: Look for clips that are easy to remove once the holiday season is over, or if you want to store the lights for future use.
3. Use Outdoor Mounting Tape
What is it?
- Heavy-duty outdoor mounting tape is a strong adhesive solution that can be used to attach various types of lights to smooth surfaces like walls, soffits, or even the underside of your roof. It provides a solid hold but is also designed for easy removal, leaving no residue.
How to Use:
- Clean and dry the surface where you’ll apply the tape.
- Cut the mounting tape into small strips or lengths and apply it to the back of the light fixture or light string.
- Press the lights firmly against the surface where you want to hang them.
- For larger lights, use multiple strips of tape to ensure the lights stay securely in place.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Search for “outdoor mounting tape” or “heavy-duty mounting tape for lights.”
- Home Depot or Lowe’s: Both offer weather-resistant mounting tapes, typically in their hardware or outdoor sections.
How to Choose:
- Weight Limit: Check the weight limit for the tape. Some tapes are stronger than others and can hold more weight, which is important if you’re installing heavier lights like floodlights or pendant lights.
- Weatherproof: Look for tapes that are rated for outdoor use and can handle extreme temperatures, humidity, and rain.
- Surface Compatibility: Ensure the tape works on the surface you’re sticking it to (e.g., brick, wood, vinyl siding).
4. Use a Staple Gun or Nail Gun (for Semi-Permanent Installation)
What is it?
- A staple gun or nail gun is a more permanent method for attaching lights to your home. This is especially useful for string lights, where you need a secure hold over a long period of time.
How to Use:
- Use a staple gun to attach the lights directly to wooden surfaces like fences, deck posts, or eaves. Be careful not to damage the wiring of the lights with the staples.
- If you’re using nails, place them along the edges of the lights, ensuring the wiring remains intact.
- For outdoor applications, ensure the nails or staples are rust-resistant (e.g., galvanized nails).
Where to Buy:
- Home Depot or Lowe’s: These stores sell staple guns and nail guns, along with outdoor-rated staples and nails.
- Amazon: Search for "outdoor staple gun" or "nail gun for outdoor lighting."
How to Choose:
- Rust-Resistant Staples or Nails: Choose materials that won’t rust when exposed to the elements.
- Type of Surface: If you're attaching to vinyl, siding, or other delicate materials, avoid using a staple gun as it may damage the surface.
5. Use a Temporary Outdoor Power Supply with Clips (for Temporary Lights)
What is it?
- Temporary outdoor power supplies can help you install lights without worrying about plugs. These kits often include clips or hooks that attach to your house and allow you to easily power your lights using a battery or solar-powered system.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Search for “outdoor temporary power supply kits.”
- Walmart or Home Depot: You can find similar systems in their outdoor lighting or seasonal sections.
How to Choose:
- Weather Resistance: Ensure the power supply and clips are designed for outdoor use.
- Ease of Use: Look for simple plug-and-play systems with easy-to-follow instructions.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Option
- For Temporary Lighting: Outdoor adhesive hooks, clips, and mounting tapes are great choices for short-term installations, like seasonal decorations or parties.
- For More Permanent Solutions: A staple gun or nail gun might be best for securely installing lights along your eaves or fences for a longer-lasting effect.
- For Flexibility: Solar-powered lights or battery-operated lights are ideal when you need to install lights without worrying about power outlets or wiring.
When buying, ensure the product you choose is weather-resistant and rated for outdoor use to ensure durability and safety. By selecting the right mounting solution, you can easily and securely attach lights to your house, creating a beautiful and functional outdoor lighting setup!
