Winter is coming fast. Here’s how to keep your lights shining through the GTA’s toughest months!
GTA winters can be brutal. Blizzards, ice storms, and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on outdoor lighting. If you’re not prepared, your system could fail just when you need it most. Here’s how to winter-proof your landscape lighting so it stays reliable all season long.
Invest in Weatherproof Fixtures
Start by ensuring your lights are built to withstand the elements. Look for fixtures with an IP65 or IP66 rating, which means they’re sealed against water, snow, and dust. Materials like aluminum and stainless steel resist rust better than plastic, which is essential in the GTA’s freeze-thaw cycles. Check the seals on lenses and housings… moisture that seeps in can freeze and crack fixtures.
Protect Wiring from the Cold
Wiring is often the first thing to fail in winter if not properly protected. Bury cables 12 to 18 inches deep to prevent frost heaves from damaging them. Using PVC conduit adds extra protection, especially near driveways where snowplows may pass. Check all connections in the fall… summer humidity can cause corrosion that leads to failures in the cold. Waterproof wire nuts or a dab of silicone sealant will help keep everything secure.
Keep Snow and Ice Off Your Lights
Heavy snow buildup can dim your lights and make your yard look dull. After a snowfall, gently brush off fixtures with a soft broom… don’t chip away ice, as it can scratch the lenses. Avoid using de-icing salt near your lights, as it can corrode metal over time. If you have tree-mounted uplights, use a long pole with a padded end to clear snow safely.
Test and Upgrade Before Winter Hits
Fall is the best time to prepare for winter. Turn on all lights and check for issues like burned-out bulbs or flickering fixtures. If anything needs replacing, switch to LEDs…. they work instantly in cold weather and consume less power. Inspect transformers and timers as well. A faulty timer can overload your system. In the GTA, where winter hits hard by December, handling these tasks early saves you from mid-season headaches.
Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Winter storms can shift fixtures and weigh down wires. Schedule a tune-up to realign lights and tighten mounts. In a region where the weather fluctuates dramatically, this keeps your system looking its best. If you prefer DIY maintenance, check for moisture inside fixtures and watch for voltage drops that could dim your lights.
Extra Winter Tips for GTA Homes
Adjust timers as daylight hours decrease. Set them to turn on at 4:30 p.m. and off at 11 p.m. If you have a snowplow service, mark fixture edges with reflective stakes to prevent damage. In rural GTA areas with deep freezes, wrap exposed transformers in insulating foam for extra protection.
At BDLights, we’ve spent years perfecting winter-ready lighting solutions that keep GTA homes bright, no matter the weather. Need help getting your setup winter-proof? Book a free winter check-up with us, and we’ll make sure your lights shine through every snowstorm!
