Follow this simple Canadian checklist to protect your Christmas lights from snow, freezing rain, wind and shifting winter temperatures. Learn how to secure fixtures, handle cords and avoid electrical hazards.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Lights Shining Through Tough Weather
Winter throws a new set of challenges every year. Snow piles up, the wires freeze and then comes a mild day when all that meltwater decides to run along rooftops. And your lights, they face the lot all at once, so a bit of care upfront will keep the display looking bright right through December and the cold months that follow.
Start With Lights Rated for the Great Outdoors
Choose lights that are designed to work outdoors – it sounds obvious but lots of people grab indoor strings without checking the packaging . Outdoor lights have thicker insulation and sealed bits where the bulb slots in. These little details are what keep them safe on cold nights.
So What Should You Be Looking For?
- CSA or cUL marks on the packet
- Wiring thats resistant to the sun
- Bulbs that have a good tight seal
Secure Each Light Against a Sudden gust of Wind
Wind can twist the cord or snap the clips loose. An easy way to avoid all that trouble is to choose fasteners that fit snugly with your siding or shingles without snapping them. Try mixing up small clips on the trim with stronger hooks down near the gutters. This keeps the lines steady through any sudden gusts.
- Make sure each clip is doing its job before you add any weight to it
- Spread them out evenly along the line
- Check the tightness after the first really cold snap
Keep the Cables High And Dry
Wet cables cause lights to flicker or even cut out completely. Lift the cables up off the ground so they avoid puddles or layers of snow. Run them through a riser or hang them carefully along a fence. This slows down the ice buildup when it gets really cold in the mornings.
Some Good Habits to Get Into
- Make sure all your plugs are covered up
- Use waterproof boxes near your outlets
- Try to avoid any sharp bends when it’s freezing outside
Use Outdoor Cables
A lot of us mix indoor cables with outdoor lights, which just leads to problems when snow touches the cable. Choose outdoor cables designed to flex when its freezing. They have a thicker coating that can handle shifting temperatures without cracking.
Leave out long runs that cross driveways because if theres a vehicle sitting on the cable, it can pinch it. Keep the cables short so the current stays steady right the way through the chain.
Making Sure Your Lights Dont Cause An Electrical Hazard
Make sure there’s a clear path away from any metal edges or loose nails. Metal can start to cut into the insulation over time, especially after a thaw followed by a freeze. Keep each cable free so it hangs without rubbing on any sharp corners.
Check your lights:
- Look out for any worn spots before you put them outside
- Replace any cracked bulbs
- Keep your outlet covered up with a little shield to stop moisture getting in
Watch Out for Ice Buildup
Ice adds weight to the wiring. A quick shake in the afternoons usually clears long sections without causing any strain. Avoid tugging on frozen strands because the plastic gets really stiff. A little tap with a glove works better than a big yank.
Check Over Your Lights After A Storm
A quick walk around the house after a storm helps you catch any issues early. You might find a loose clip or a cable thats sagging under the weight of new snow. Get it sorted and your display will stay safe and bright for the rest of the season.
Holiday lights bring some much-needed cheer to long winter nights but the work behind them can start to feel overwhelming once the storms start rolling in. Loads of people ask professionals to sort out the setup and cleanup so the season feels more peaceful and less rushed.
