It wouldn’t really matter how aesthetically beautiful your outdoor lighting fixtures are if you have chosen the wrong material, because they will eventually end up as waste. Moreover, if you are someone who lives in Texas, it means dealing with weather-related issues like heavy rain, humidity, and so much more, which can quickly damage and cause them to corrode and fade. So, it follows that choosing the right material for your outdoor lighting fixtures is a big decision, which we will help you make in this blog. Let’s get started!
Highlights: How to Choose Outdoor Lighting That Can Handle Bad WeatherThe choice of outdoor lighting material is important if you want the light to serve for a long time when it is exposed to bad weather. Brass, copper, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and polymers like UV-stabilized polycarbonate and fiberglass are some of the best materials to use for outdoor lighting because they are rust-resistant and do not require much maintenance. |
Factors You Must Consider When Choosing Outdoor Lighting Material
UV Stability
It is obvious that when lights are placed outside, they will be exposed to strong sunlight every day, leading to fading, cracks, or material weakening. That’s why it’s better to choose materials that are naturally UV-resistant or UV-stabilized.
Resistance to Corrosion
If you install outdoor fixtures that are susceptible to moisture, humidity, and pollutants, not only will they cause damage outside, but they might also leak inside and corrode the wires, connectors, or even cause short-circuits during lighting fixture installation. To overcome this problem, keep in mind to select those materials that are corrosion-resistant.
Tolerance for Thermal Expansion
In Texas, outdoor fixtures face extreme summer temperatures that can reach 100–110°F (38–43°C), while winter nights can drop to around 30–40°F (-1 to 4°C) in many areas. These changes cause materials to expand and contract. If you pick poorly designed uplighting fixtures, they can bend, come loose, or crack the seals. But if you choose materials that maintain their thermal performance, they will stay as they are.
Compatible with IP Ratings
According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), outdoor luminaires used for external installations should have at least an IP65 or IP66 rating to effectively prevent dust and water from entering. It is best recommended to have higher ratings like IP67 whenever possible, as it provides stronger protection against weather-related issues.
Maintenance
Another thing that you have to take into consideration is that the materials you will choose should be able to handle all the wear and tear without regular upkeep. This decision will help you save money in the long run.
Best Materials for Weather Resistance
Here is a list of the trusted materials used in quality outdoor lighting fixtures across residential and commercial properties:
Solid Brass and Copper
Solid brass and copper are very strong metals that are highly admired for their natural corrosion resistance properties. Over the years, they form a protective layer, called patina, that protects the fixtures made from them against any weather damage.
Features:
- It has natural antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce microbial growth in humid outdoor conditions.
- It is easily polished, restored, or naturally aged without replacement.
Which component of your fixture should the brass and copper be on?
- Internal electrical contacts and terminal connectors, as well as on the exterior elements such as exposed frames, housings, and protective covers.
Ideal for:
- Coastal areas with high humidity or salt exposure.
- Areas with fluctuating weather exposure, such as rain, humidity, and sun.
Aluminum Alloys
These alloys are light in weight and still very durable. When they are anodized or powder-coated, they are highly corrosion-resistant. They also have good heat dissipation properties, making them ideal for outdoor LED lighting fixtures.
Features:
- The protective surface treatments help the material withstand regular exposure to moisture, dust, and environmental wear over time.
- It also maintains structural stability even during temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of warping or material stress in outdoor conditions.
Which component of your fixture should aluminum be on?
- LED heat sink assemblies along with exterior fixture bodies, casings, and mounting frames.
Ideal for:
- Areas with high rainfall.
- Hot climates with prolonged sun exposure.
Stainless Steel
If you do not want any compromises on finish, stainless steel is the best option for you. It is made from iron, chromium, and nickel, which provide both aesthetics and durability.
Features:
- Its marine-grade variants, like grade 316, provide exceptional longevity even in saltwater environments.
- It forms a self-healing protective layer that helps the surface resist rust and moisture exposure.
Which component of your fixture should stainless steel be on?
- It should be within the internal fasteners and structural support brackets, as well as on the exterior frames, exposed housings, and protective fixture parts.
Ideal for:
- Any of the properties in coastal regions.
- Areas exposed to strong winds, physical stress, or temperature changes.
Polycarbonate & Fiberglass
Polycarbonate and fiberglass are durable synthetic materials designed to handle heat and heavy rains, making them most suitable for weather-resistant outdoor lighting fixtures. They are flexible materials, meaning they won’t crack under pressure, unlike metal.
Features:
- Comes with UV-stabilized material to prevent fading and damage from sunlight.
- Safe because they don’t conduct electricity.
Which component of your fixture should polycarbonate and fiberglass be on?
- They should be on the insulation barriers, driver compartment covers, and the exterior diffusers or protective covers, particularly.
Ideal for:
- Regions with heavy rainfall or electrical safety concerns in wet environments.
- Locations with intense sunlight and UV exposure.
Apart from materials, other factors that matter when deciding which lights to choose are the psychology that goes behind the light, which affects mood and perception. This is because your lighting choices influence how spaces feel and are experienced.
Conclusion
Hence, the above-discussed points must have made it clear to you that choosing the correct outdoor light fixture material shouldn’t be taken lightly. So, whenever you start looking for material options and types of lighting fixtures, check out the whole collection of outdoor lights at TridentPro Lighting. We also offer guidance and professional installation services to help you choose solutions that perform well in harsh weather.
Don’t let harsh weather damage your investment. Reach out to us today for your free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to install outdoor lighting fixtures yourself or hire a professional?
Hiring a professional will provide safety, proper sealing, and code compliance, and with TridentPro Lighting, you get it all.
Do the outdoor lights’ materials require frequent cleaning or polishing?
It depends on the material you choose; like brass and copper may need occasional polishing, while aluminum, stainless steel, and polycarbonate require very little maintenance.
How long do quality outdoor lighting fixtures typically last?
Good quality outdoor lighting fixtures can last between 10 and 20 years. It all depends on what material they’re made of, how much they’re exposed to the elements, and how well you take care of them.
Which material is best if I don’t want my outdoor lights to change color over time?
If you like having a consistent finish without natural patina or discoloration, powder-coated aluminum or stainless steel are better options than copper or brass.
How often should outdoor lighting fixtures be inspected for weather damage?
Get it done at least twice a year, right before and after extreme weather seasons, to check for any issues.
