8 Problems to Avoid when Hanging Outdoor String Lights

Outdoor string lights are a great way of enhancing the beauty of any building. These lights, though widely used for festive occasions, are also gaining popularity for casual use, both in homes and commercial establishments. Hanging outdoor string lights can be an easy job if you prepare yourself well and avoid some of the most common problems described below.

1. Insufficient Length

Before you go shopping for outdoor string lights, you must carefully measure the coverage area. It is best to do a practice run with a string or rope. Twine the rope exactly as you plan to do with the string lights. Take into account all the loops and bends so that you don't run short.

2. Dead Bulbs

After going to all the trouble of installing and hanging your outdoor string lights, you don't want to find out that some of the lights don't work. Such a situation is frustrating, to say the least. You can avoid this problem by testing all the bulbs before you string them outside. Discard defective bulbs and replace them with working ones before hanging them.

3. Falls and Injuries

Before you try to hang outdoor string lights on trees or the roof, ensure that you have a sturdy ladder that can take your weight safely. You require a flat, solid surface on which to place the ladder so that it will not wobble. Any spot on which the ladder wobbles or shakes, have someone holding the base for you. Never reach too far to access a spot that is beyond you. Falls from a height can lead to sprains at the least and fatal injuries at the worst.

4. Electric Shocks

Never hang outdoor string lights without disconnecting them from the power supply. For additional safety, wear rubber gloves and footwear.

5. Improper Clips

There are several types of clips and fasteners available for hanging string lights. Make sure you use the right type of clip, depending on where you are hanging the string lights and also the thickness of the string. This will avoid problems later.

6. Sagging Lights

Some outdoor string installations look amazing, whereas others tend to look haphazard and unprofessional. Most often, the difference lies in the measurement of the string and the way you fasten the clips. It is important to maintain an even distance between lines of rope and between clips or fasteners. On the roof, it is advisable to clip each light to the roof. You must ensure that the string is pulled tight enough and secured well, so that the lights do not sag at intervals.

7. Damage to the String

Avoid using sharp instruments or hammers near the string. Be careful and patient when you fasten the string into place. Using too much force can damage the string.

8. Taking a Long Time

You can minimize the time you spend outside hanging the string lights by following a few simple steps. Keep an assistant nearby so that you don't have to climb down every time you want to retrieve something. Also keep enough clips or fasteners in your pocket so that you can attach many lights before moving on to the next area.