Outdoor Security Lighting Tips and Ideas

12/04/20

Residential Outdoor Security Lighting Nebraska McKay Landscape Lighting

Everyone wants their home to be a safe place - free from crime, theft, and other unwanted mischief. One measure to amp up your home's security involves adding outdoor lighting to the exterior of your home. In fact, homes without security measures such as alarms and outdoor lighting are up to 300% more likely to be vandalized.

Home security statistics tell us that burglars will usually bypass a house if it requires too much effort. Outdoor lighting will make it more difficult for them to get onto your property and access your home unseen, thereby deterring potential intruders from making your home their next target.

Many people think of floodlights and motion sensors as necessary home security measures. Bright floodlights overwhelm and distract from the beauty of a home. Motion sensors give sudden blasts of intense light after an intruder is already on your property and, in our opinion, too close for comfort.

Residential Outdoor Lighting Omaha Nebraska McKay Landscape Lighting O 01-1

Outdoor security lighting doesn't have to be harsh and startling to be effective. 

When properly designed and installed, outdoor security lighting can look beautiful and increase security. At McKay Lighting, it's our passion to highlight the natural beauty of a home in a way that also protects you and your family. We work with the top security professionals in the area to give homeowners peace of mind without sacrificing nighttime curb appeal.

Here are our tips for adding outdoor security lighting to protect your home:

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First, complete a security analysis of your home's exterior

Grab a pen, paper (or use this checklist), and walk your property at night, even if you already have outdoor security lights. 

Start in front of your house and work your way around your property. Walk the sides and back of your home, including the garage, driveway, and carport. Check all the doors, sliding doors, windows, window wells, and nearby trees.

You want to think like an intruder: they will look for easy access points and places to hide. Make notes of dark areas, possible ways someone could get access to your home, and anywhere they could hide on your property. Adding light to these areas will make it more difficult for someone to attempt a break-in. 

Residential Outdoor Security Lighting Omaha Nebraska - McKay Landscape Lighting

Analyze your view from the inside of your home

You also want to analyze your view from the inside, looking out to the front, back, and side yard. Is your point of view completely dark? If someone were to walk or hide on your property, would they easily be seen?

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Light the outer perimeter of your property for increased security

For larger properties or acreages, especially ones with lots of trees or wooded areas where someone could potentially hide, you want to consider lighting the perimeter. Lighting the outer edge makes it even more difficult for a potential intruder to get onto your property and get near your home.

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Outdoor Security Lighting Ideas: How to illuminate the dark the areas around your home

After your analysis, you should have a good idea of all the dark and vulnerable areas that could use light. While there are many different ways to light your home for security, up-lighting, down lighting, and path lights are some of the most common methods. 

You can increase the security of a dark front entrance by uplighting the columns or other architectural features, this technique will also emphasize the beauty of your home. Path lights, down lights, or a combination of both, will brighten dark walkways and paths between the house and garage.

Light dark areas outside of the home to boost security | Residential Outdoor Security Lighting - McKay Landscape Lighting Omaha Nebraska

Statistics indicate homes on corner lots are more vulnerable to burglaries since they have more access and fewer immediate neighbors. Homes without fences can improve security by highlighting the sides of the house. We use up-lighting on the residence above, but you could downlight dark corners or otherwise dark areas from a large tree too.

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Utilize outdoor lighting timers or controls

Timers and controls are an efficient way to turn your outdoor security lighting system on and off without manually needing to flip a switch every night. Plus, since it's programmed, it makes your home appear occupied even if you are out of town for the night or longer.

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Ready to strategically illuminate your home to increase security and add curb appeal to your home?

In summary, intruders prefer homes that are easy to access unseen. Having your home beautifully illuminated each night will deter anyone looking to trespass onto your property. Outdoor security lighting doesn't have to be harsh and startling to be effective. 

Let the experts at McKay Landscape Lighting create a custom lighting design that enhances the beauty of your home while protecting you and your family. You can schedule a free consultation online or give us a call at 1 (402) 289-3424.  

Looking to Enhance Your Property?

Our dedicated team at McKay Landscape Lighting works with you to create a custom landscape lighting design that's unique to your property. From design to installation to service, you can count on our team of experts to make sure you are happy with your lighting system for years to come.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

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