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July 25, 2011

Orlando Landscape Lighting promotes Copper Moon products

Our copper line of products was one of the original copper product lines introduced into the marketplace and has been mimicked by many others. At CopperMoon™ we have chosen to focus on the high-end segment of the premium landscape lighting market, and to that regard, our products are primarily made of solid copper and brass. Read more about Copper Moon products

July 8, 2011: by Bob Kelly, Lighting Contractor

I have been called in many times by a homeowner who at first was ecstatic with the work done only to realize that their lights have started to oxidize- rust and then corrosion becomes a problem aesthetically as well as electrically. Sockets go bad, wiring becomes exposed, and amps heat up.

In the current state of the economy, it’s no secret that keeping costs low is a primary goal.  To be able to sell products at a “reasonable” price, one that is appealing to the mass market, manufacturers produce items with cheap materials and poor construction. Often it is the large reputable names that offer these sub-quality items. Because the name has a good standing reputation, consumers assume that their quality will stay the same on these products

These products backed by quality names, that any homeowner can buy off a shelf are usually low end, aluminum fixtures, or cheap brass. For a licensed contractor, these products should not be even considered. In fact, most of the fixtures available for homeowners to purchase are illegal for licensed contractors as they are not to code, due to connection method. While acceptable for a regular consumer to install, it is not for a licensed contractor.

Because of Florida’s inclement weather, aluminum is a material that just cannot withstand the beating. As a contractor and even a consumer, it is not a secret that aluminum is not the most durable material.

For homeowners who want lighting that will last, I suggest heavy cast brass, copper, or bronze fixtures. Aluminum products do not have the sustainability that these cast metals do and often are damaged beyond repair. Heavy casted fixtures will last for as long as 25 years. Don’t get me wrong, the cost is larger up front for quality but believe me, through those 25 years it will be small maintenance. Never will you have to worry about the weather, oxidization, rust, or corrosion. All mounting hardware and fixture housings are solid heavy duty and can be refinished and reformed. The only maintenance needed will be replacement of small parts- o-rings, lamps, lenses, and sockets.

Halogen bulbs can become extremely hot, too hot for the housing encasing it due to the low cost materials used. Composites operating in the environment with the high heat will eventually warp the fixture. Once that happens, the seals will not fit as they should, causing leaks, and then the fixture can deteriorate from the inside out.

As a licensed contractor, I take pride in using AND servicing quality materials.

By Bob Kelly, Lighting Contractor:  July 1, 2011

Through this article, I would like to share why it’s important to buy quality equipment and even more importantly, to do so from a licensed contractor.

In more than 8 years of experience in this field, I have seen everything and have no doubt that a low cost project is risking the use of poorly built equipment, installation shortcuts, and questionable labor. While these companies that take these risks can offer low prices, the cost to the consumer is greater in the long run. Don’t get me wrong, low performance materials will look great at first- maybe even work well for the first few months.

A year from installation- when the contractor is nowhere to be found, or does not do maintenance, is when it becomes a problem. Beware of contractors that do not have a maintenance plan. Any reputable contractor would be proud to stand behind their work and choice of products. Previous work sites should be a source of pride and an example to be able to refer other clients from. I want customers to be happy with our work and recommend us to their friends and neighbors. I genuinely care that every installation we do works the way it’s intended to. The dynamic is huge for us in terms of payback. We know that if we do a good job, others will see it, like it, and call us. Therefore it is important to us that we do good work that will last, and get future work from the good work already completed.

Enjoy your 4th of July Holiday.

Night Vision Outdoor Lighting, an Atlanta landscape lighting company, is promoting moon lighting and its aesthetic impact on homes. While moon lighting is just an aspect on its service, NightVision suggests moon lighting as an effective way to highlight the nuances of a home’s unique landscaping. The NightVision Outdoor Lighting is specializing in outdoor lighting for residential and commercial needs, using the highest quality bulbs combined with dependable, experience service.  Read More from “Night Vision Outdoor Lighting.”

At first glance, a home burglary may appear random, but the truth is, the criminal chose your house for a reason. Burglary is a preventable crime, whether you are at home or away. Most burglars are not geniuses but opportunists who take advantage of a laxity in security to make a quick buck off of you. They are essentially lazy. They will pick the target that is the easiest and safest for them. It is your possessions they are after. They want a fast and easy break in, and then on to the next target, often in the same neighborhood.
What makes a home an easy target–darkness and ease of accessibility? Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. Without darkness, a burglar cannot easily enter and escape without detection. If you have big shrubbery or foliage hiding doorways and windows, you make it easy for a burglar to choose your home for his next hit. When shrubs and trees block the view of the windows and doors, it gives the burglar a hiding place while they break into your home. No one passing by or an observant neighbor will be able to see them as they break into your home. Burglars usually case or check out a target before they attempt to break in. The burglar will drive past your home at different times during the day and night to learn work and living patterns of the occupants. They will notice if you are away on vacation—something they like, because they know that they have all the time they need to ransack your home and leave with your valuables. Burglars also look for things they do not want to encounter. Motion sensor lights, outdoor lights, and anything else that could foil their entry or their escape. Outdoor lighting is one of the cheapest and best methods of burglary prevention.
Landscape lighting is attractive to us and very unattractive to a burglar. When you pull up to your home in the evening, your landscape is highlighted with lights creating a beautiful lighted surrounding for your home and a safe environment for you and your family and threatening to a would-be robber. While street lights are another good source of light for your residence, street lights tend to be harsh and cannot be shut off when you are ready for sleep. The light from a street light has a way of creeping past curtains and blinds to interfere with a good night’s sleep. With outdoor landscape lighting, you can have lights placed where you need them and want them. LED lighting uses a fraction of the energy that other types of lighting use. Many of them are solar and can last for years giving you security and beauty.
Most people think about making their home secure after a burglary has occurred. According to crime reports compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, one out of every six homes will be burglarized this year. It has been stated that burglars only need 60 seconds to break into most homes. FBI statistics claim that only one out of every four burglaries involve forced entry. The more a burglar has to work to get into your home, the more your increase the chance that the burglar will go on down the street to an easier target and the less chance you have of becoming his next victim.
To determine how secure your home is, think like a robber. From the outside, consider how difficult it would be for a robber to break into your home. Could a robber easily hide while forcing a door or window to gain entry to your home? Robbers need a place to hide. Outdoor lighting diminishes places to hide and makes the robber more likely to pick an easier target. Statistics have shown that a burglar is less likely to attempt to enter a well-lit residence.