How to Install Permanent Outdoor Lights on Your House
How to Install Permanent Outdoor Lights on Your House
📋 Table of Contents
Imagine never having to climb a ladder every December to hang lights — and still having your home look stunning for every holiday, every season. That's exactly what permanent outdoor lights offer. Once installed, you control colors, animations, and schedules right from your phone.
This guide walks you through the entire installation process, step by step. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a first-timer, you'll have everything you need to get your permanent lights up and running.
What Are Permanent Outdoor Lights?
Permanent outdoor lights (also called architectural lights or eave lights) are weatherproof LED fixtures that mount directly to your roofline, eaves, or fascia board. Unlike traditional string lights that you hang and remove each season, permanent lights stay in place year-round.
They're powered by a central controller that connects to your home's Wi-Fi. From there, a smartphone app lets you choose any color, set holiday scenes, schedule timers, and even sync lights to music.
💡 Pro Tip
Permanent lights use individually addressable LEDs, meaning each bulb can display a different color simultaneously. This makes effects like chasing, fading, and holiday scenes look incredibly vivid.
Like Light Permanent Outdoor Lights
Weatherproof IP67, 16 million colors, app-controlled. Designed to last 50,000+ hours outdoors.
Shop Permanent Lights →Tools & Materials You'll Need
Before you start, gather everything below. Having the right tools on hand makes the job go smoothly and safely.
⚠️ Safety First
Always use a sturdy, non-conductive ladder. If your roofline is steeper than 45° or higher than two stories, hire a professional electrician for the wiring portion. Safety is not worth compromising.
Step-by-Step Installation
Plan Your Layout
Start by measuring your roofline with a tape measure. Write down the total length in feet. Most homes need lights along the front eave, garage roofline, and sometimes the gable ends for a full look.
- Measure each section of your eaves separately
- Add 10% extra length as buffer
- Identify where your outdoor power outlet is located
- Plan your cable path from the outlet to the controller, then to the lights
Sketch a simple diagram of your home's roofline. Mark where the controller box will sit — ideally in a protected spot like under an eave, inside a garage wall, or in a weatherproof enclosure.
Install the Mounting Clips
Mounting clips (also called light channels or tracks) attach to your fascia board — the flat board running along the lower edge of your roof. Most permanent light systems include purpose-built clips that lock the lights in place securely.
- Space clips every 6–12 inches depending on your wind exposure
- Use stainless steel screws to prevent rust
- Apply a small bead of weatherproof silicone around each screw hole
- Ensure all clips are level using a chalk line or laser level
💡 Pro Tip
If your fascia board is aluminum or vinyl, use self-tapping screws rated for that material. Avoid over-tightening — clips should be snug, not cracked.
Run the Power Cable
This is the step most people find intimidating — but it's straightforward if you plan carefully.
- Run the low-voltage cable from your controller box along the roofline, secured with wire staples every 18 inches
- Keep cables tucked against the fascia board so they're hidden from view
- If passing through a wall, use a waterproof conduit fitting
- Connect the controller box to a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet — this is code-required in most US states
Most permanent light systems run on low-voltage DC power (12V or 24V), which is much safer than running standard 120V line voltage along your roofline.
Connect the Lights
With clips in place and cables run, it's time to snap in the lights.
- Starting from the end closest to your controller, snap each light into its mounting clip
- Most systems use quick-connect waterproof plugs between segments — push until you hear a click
- Make sure the data wire direction is correct — lights are directional (look for an arrow on the strip)
- Cap any unused connector ends with the included waterproof caps
💡 Pro Tip
Don't stretch the light strip tightly around corners — use 45° angle connectors for clean corner turns. Stretching the wires can cause connection failures over time.
Set Up the Controller & App
The final step is the most satisfying. Power on the controller and download the companion app on your smartphone.
- Connect the app to your home Wi-Fi (2.4GHz network)
- Follow the in-app pairing instructions for your controller model
- Once connected, do a test run — all lights should flash white
- Set up your first scene: try a warm white or a patriotic red-white-blue
- Create schedules: auto-on at sunset, auto-off at midnight
Most controllers also support voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Enable the skill in your smart home app and you're all set.
Complete Permanent Light Kits — Ready to Install
Our kits include lights, mounting clips, controller, and app support. Everything in one box.
View All Kits →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does installation take?
For an average home (3–4 bedroom, single story), expect 4–6 hours for a DIY installation. Two people working together can cut that time nearly in half.
Can permanent lights withstand harsh weather?
Yes. Quality permanent lights are rated IP65 or higher, meaning they're protected against rain, snow, UV exposure, and temperature swings from -40°F to 140°F. Like Light products are IP67-rated for even greater durability.
How much electricity do permanent lights use?
Very little. A typical 100-foot run of LED permanent lights uses approximately 50–80 watts — less than a single incandescent light bulb. Running them 6 hours a night costs roughly $2–4 per month.
Do I need an electrician?
For the light installation itself, most homeowners can DIY. However, if you need a new outdoor outlet installed or your electrical panel doesn't have a suitable circuit, hire a licensed electrician for that portion.
Can I install permanent lights on stucco or brick?
Yes, but it requires masonry anchors instead of wood screws. Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit, insert plastic anchors, then screw in your clips. Seal around each anchor point with weatherproof silicone.
Will the lights damage my fascia board?
When installed correctly with appropriate screw sizes, damage is minimal. Many homeowners note that the clips actually protect the fascia from moisture by keeping the light strip lifted slightly off the surface.
