Practical guide to maintaining illuminated decorations
Leblanc Illuminations helps you create and maintain the perfect "WOW" effect, year after year.
When a lighting project is rolled out and installed for the first time, the WOW effect is instantly apparent. The novelty, visual impact, and luminous atmosphere create a memorable experience. However, even though the surprise effect naturally diminishes over the seasons, the goal remains the same: to deliver a flawless, reliable, and spectacular display every year.
To achieve this, it is essential to implement a structured annual maintenance program, combined with optimal storage conditions. Rigorous maintenance not only preserves the appearance of the decorations, but also significantly extends their lifespan, reduces replacement costs, and ensures a hassle-free installation.
1. Summary inspection of defects
Each year, when removing the light decorations, a systematic visual inspection must be carried out. This step is crucial for quickly identifying any equipment that is no longer working properly.
Among the most common issues:
Sections of light strings turned off
LED on a string of lights
Decorations partially or completely out of service
It is strongly recommended that defective items be identified immediately, for example, using colored electrical tape. This simple method effectively isolates problematic equipment before storage and prevents it from being reinstalled as is the following season.
If the sets are not powered at the time of removal, a complete functional inspection must be carried out before they are stored.
2. Diagnosis of defects
Once the defective components have been identified, a thorough diagnosis must be carried out to determine the exact cause of the problem. This step allows us to assess whether repair is possible and identify the necessary parts.
To this end, we have written a detailed article explaining the various methods for diagnosing and repairing illuminated decorations:
We have also developed a downloadable diagnostic form (compatible with Excel, Google Sheets, and Numbers), which makes it easier to identify the repair materials and quantities needed. This tool simplifies work planning and optimizes parts ordering.
3. Maintaining a stock of repair materials
For customers who maintain their own decorations, it is strongly recommended that they keep a minimum stock of repair materials on hand. This approach allows for quick intervention and avoids unnecessary delays when preparing for the next season.
Depending on the diversity and volume of your lighting installations, our team can assist you in:
Identify the most frequently used parts
Establish a list of basic equipment to keep in inventory
Optimize your procurement costs
4. Systematic repair of defects
Once the diagnosis has been made, it is time to proceed with the systematic repair of the defective components. Using the diagnostic form allows us to assist you effectively in ordering the required materials.
We also recommend always having a sufficient quantity of nylon cable ties (Ty Rap) – sizes 5" and 7 ¼".
It is also recommended that you have the following tools available in order to carry out repairs efficiently:
Cable tie gun
Small thread-cutting pliers
Heat gun (heat-shrink tubing)
Large-size thread cutter pliers
Multi-purpose pliers for spade connectors
Careful repair work directly contributes to the reliability and durability of your lighting installations.
5. Storage under optimal conditions
Storage plays a crucial role in preserving illuminated decorations. We recommend a space:
At cool temperature
With low humidity
Well ventilated during the summer months
The use of shipping containers is not recommended, as they accumulate heat and humidity, which can lead to premature wear and tear on the equipment.
For decorations installed in trees or on building facades, it is essential to:
Leave them to dry at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Avoid any residual condensation that could cause corrosion.
Once completely dry, the decorations can be stored in sturdy plastic bins. However, it is recommended to drill a few holes about 1 inch in diameter to promote air circulation.
6. Longevity of illuminated decorations
When properly maintained and stored, illuminated decorations have an average lifespan of 4 to 7 years.
For installations that remain in operation for more than three months per year, and are therefore more exposed to UV rays, it may be necessary to completely replace all lighting equipment approximately every five years.
And if you lack resources...
If you are short on space or time, and are located within a reasonable distance from Joliette, Leblanc Illuminations offers a turnkey storage service that includes:
Routine inspection
Repairing the sets
Secure storage
At the beginning of the year, we also offer a promotion that allows you to benefit from:
A discount on repair materials
Reduced labor rates during the off-season
For more information on the maintenance promotion, please see the article:
Leblanc Illuminations-Canada: Two key promotions to optimize your next season. Pickup and delivery service is available in the Lanaudière, Laurentians, Laval, Montérégie, Montreal, and part of the Mauricie regions.
Conclusion
The purchase of illuminated decorations represents a significant investment. That is why we believe it is essential to inform and support our customers in order to maximize the durability, performance, and profitability of their installations.
Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information about our maintenance, repair, and storage services. We will be happy to provide you with all the information you need to secure and enhance your lighting investments.