Skip to main content

«  View All Posts

Permanent Christmas Lights: Why To Never Drill Into Your Gutters

November 1st, 2024

5 min read

By Nathan Dube

orange, purple, and green permanent Christmas lights

Imagine your home glowing in festive colors every evening without the hassle of hanging lights every season. Permanent Christmas lights are the answer, giving your home that cozy holiday glow all year long! But before you choose a company, there’s something important to know: drilling into your gutters is a big no-no. This can cause notable problems, damage, and even safety risks.

In this article, we’ll go over why some companies drill into gutters, the problems this can cause, and why we use a different installation method that doesn’t involve these damaging tactics. By the end, you’ll know exactly why this makes a difference in your home’s appearance and safety. 

With millions of LED bulbs installed for thousands of happy customers, you can trust that the information found in this article is factual and worthy of your time and consideration.

blue permanent outdoor lights

Why Do Some Companies Drill Holes Into Your Gutters When Installing Permanent Christmas Lights?

Some companies focus on speed and profit rather than quality and safety. They might charge premium prices but skip proper techniques, often resulting in bad installations. It’s cheaper and faster to drill directly into gutters, so they choose this method even if it’s not good for your home. These companies may even promise you a long-lasting installation, but in reality, they’re leaving you with a setup that can cause trouble.

When these companies drill into your gutters, they might make it sound like a harmless process. However, after they leave, problems may begin to appear over time. With many companies offering shoddy warranties with countless loopholes, you could be left footing the bill. 

This means you may end up having to pay for leaks, damaged gutters, and water damage, even though the problems were caused by the installation.

Why Is Drilling Into Gutters For Permanent Christmas Lights Installation A Bad Practice?

Some companies install permanent Christmas lights by drilling directly into gutters, making it a fast and affordable method. However, this approach has some serious issues, including damage to gutters, safety risks, and decreased home value. Here’s a breakdown of the key problems that come with drilling into gutters:

1. Damage to Gutters

Gutters are designed to carry rainwater away from your roof and home. When companies drill holes in them, it disrupts their function. Water may start leaking through the holes, which can lead to rust, corrosion, and even clogs in the gutter system. When gutters fail, it can lead to bigger problems, like water damage to your roof, walls, or foundation. Not only does this ruin the appearance of your home, but it can also lead to expensive repairs down the line.

2. More Exposure to Weather

When lights are drilled into the gutter, they’re left out in the open, unprotected from rain, snow, and the sun’s harmful UV rays. This exposure can make the wires, bulbs, and other parts wear down quickly. When this happens, you may find yourself needing replacements and repairs often, which can be costly and frustrating. In extreme cases, the lights may even stop working in the middle of the season, leaving you in the dark!

3. Limited Lighting Options

Gutter-mounted lights are usually positioned to face outward toward the road. This works well for holiday displays, like Christmas, but it limits their use throughout the year. Because these lights are only visible from the front, it’s harder to use them for other purposes, such as highlighting your home’s unique architectural features. In contrast, lights installed in other areas can offer more flexibility for year-round lighting.

4. Decreased Home Value

Permanent lights installed by drilling into gutters aren’t just bad for the gutters themselves; they can also hurt the value of your home. Future buyers may see drilled holes, exposed wires, and damaged gutters as extra problems they’ll need to fix. This can lower the overall appeal and even the price you could get if you decide to sell your home. With visible damage, potential buyers may worry about hidden issues, too, like leaks and electrical problems.

5. Safety Concerns

Gutters are designed to handle water, but water and electricity don’t mix well! Running electrical wires through gutters increases the risk of electrical shorts or even fires, especially in wet conditions. If your area gets frequent rain or snow, this method can be a real hazard for your home and family.

Unavailable Gutters

6. Homes With Drip Edges Instead Of Gutters

For homes where gutters aren't available and drip edges are used, the aluminum on the edges can be damaged when companies install lights on them. When the aluminum on the drip edges is bent, they never lay flush again.

outward-facing permanent outdoor lights on drip edges

Why Lux Lights Doesn’t Drill Into Gutters When Installing Permanent Christmas Lights

At Lux Lights, we believe in a safer and longer-lasting installation process. Instead of drilling into gutters, we use a special method that keeps the lights secure, protects your home, and gives a sleek, polished look.

The Proper Way To Install Permanent Christmas Lights

Our team installs lights under the soffit (the underside of your roof’s overhang) and fascia (the board along the edge of the roof that faces the road and is often covered by aluminum). These areas are strong and offer protection from weather, which helps keep the lights in great condition. This also means we don’t need to drill holes in gutters, so you can have the beautiful lighting you want without risking damage to your home’s drainage system.

Benefits Of Under-Soffit Permanent Christmas Lights Installation

  1. Hidden And Sleek: Lights are tucked neatly under the soffit, so you don’t see wires or hardware. This clean look blends seamlessly with your home’s design, giving a natural, elegant appearance.
  2. Protection From Weather: By placing lights under the soffit, they’re protected from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight. This means the lights last longer and maintain their brightness and function, saving you time and money on maintenance.
  3. Safer And More Reliable: Since we don’t touch the gutters, there’s no risk of water causing electrical issues. Your home remains safe, and your lighting system is dependable year-round.
  4. Flexible Use All Year: With under-soffit lights, you can easily adjust the lighting for any occasion, from holidays to family events or just a cozy night at home. These lights don’t just look good—they’re practical, too!

FAQs On Installing Permanent Christmas Lights Without Drilling Into Gutters

You might be wondering how this method works or if it’s right for your home. Here are some common questions people ask about our gutter-free lighting system:

Does It Take Longer To Install?

While installing lights under the soffit may take a bit more time, the extra care we take pays off. A well-installed system saves you time and stress down the line, as it requires fewer repairs or adjustments.

Will The Lights Stay Secure?

Absolutely! We use a sturdy channel that holds the lights securely in place, even in windy or rainy weather. You won’t have to worry about loose lights or drooping strands.

Can I Control The Lights Easily?

Yes, our lighting systems are easy to control with an app. This lets you change colors, set schedules, and adjust brightness without any fuss. Plus, because they’re permanent, you can use them for all sorts of events and holidays, making them a versatile addition to your home.

Why Choose Permanent Christmas Lights That Are Not Drilled Into Your Gutters?

Installing permanent Christmas lights without drilling into your gutters is the best way to enjoy the beauty and convenience of year-round lighting without the headaches of repairs or safety concerns. It may cost more, but it's worth it.  At Lux Lights, we care about making your home look amazing, but we also want to protect its value and integrity.

If you’re considering permanent Christmas lights, remember that the installation method matters just as much as the lights themselves. Choose a company that values your home as much as you do, and avoid methods that could cause damage or lead to costly repairs. With Lux Lights, you’ll have a reliable, beautiful lighting setup that brightens up your home without risking damage to your gutters or roof.

rainbow permanent outdoor lights

What Else Do You Need To Know Before Buying Permanent Christmas Lights?

Why you should avoid permanent Christmas lights that are drilled into your gutters is an important item of consideration. But, it is not the only thing you need to understand before buying these lights for your home.

Would you like to learn about the other important elements that you need to consider before making a purchase? If you said yes, you will want to read this article called Permanent Christmas Lights: What You Need To Know Before Buying.

This article will provide you with much of the information you will need to choose the best permanent Christmas lighting solution for your home.



Nathan Dube

Nathan Dube is the Content Marketing Manager at Lux Lights.