Christmas is almost here, but there is no better feeling than being under warm glow lights with Christmas twinkling at your door. However, when it comes to stucco exteriors for homeowners, hanging those twinkling decorations seems daunting. Don’t worry! The article will guide you on how to hang Christmas lights on stucco exterior and keep your dwelling bright during the holiday without causing damage to your exterior walls.
Let’s take just a minute to understand what stucco is and why it demands special attention when the holiday season comes around before getting into the nitty-gritty.
What is Stucco?
Stucco is a popular exterior finish for homes, particularly in warmer climates. It’s a durable, versatile material used in construction for centuries. But what exactly is stucco?
The Composition of Stucco
Stucco is a form of plaster made by mixing the following: a paste of cement, sand, lime, and water. Once combined, these mixtures make up a solid, weather-resistant material that will adhere well to wood, brick, and concrete surfaces. The finish material from such a composition ends up with either a smooth or textured appearance that’s very attractive and long-lasting.
The Layers of Stucco
A typical stucco exterior consists of three layers:
- Scratch coat: The first layer is applied directly to the wall surface.
- Brown coat: The second layer that evens out the surface.
- Finish coat: The final layer that provides the desired texture and color.
What Makes Hanging Lights on Stucco a Challenging Task?
Now that we know what stucco is, let’s explore why hanging Christmas lights on this surface can be tricky.
Porous Nature
Stucco is porus or stated; it can absorb moisture. That makes the surface type quite vulnerable to damage by adhesive and mounting methods that may work easily on other kinds of surfaces.
Fragility
While stucco is generally durable, it can chip or crack without care. Holes from drilling or aggressive adhesives make a permanent mark on the surface and are costly and hard to repair.
Textured Surface
Many stucco exteriors have a textured finish, making finding a good light hold point difficult. Traditional hooks or clips will not hold well to the uneven surface.
Safe Methods To Hang Christmas Lights on Stucco
1. Adhesive Light Clips
The most popular method of hanging Christmas lights over stucco surfaces is with adhesive light clips. These small plastic clips are specifically designed to secure hold for your strings of lights without damaging the stucco surface.
How to Use Adhesive Light Clips:
- Clean the stucco with a damp cloth and let dry completely.
- Remove the backing from the adhesive clip.
- Press the clip firmly on the surface of the stucco for about 30 seconds.
- Let the adhesive set for at least an hour before hanging lights.
- Snap your light string gently into the clip.
2. Gutter Hooks
If your home has gutters, you can use gutter hooks to hang your lights without touching the stucco.
Using Gutter Hooks:
- Use plastic gutter hooks to avoid rust stains.
- Clip the hooks onto the edge of your gutters.
- Apply the hooks spread out along the gutter line.
- Hang your light strings onto the hooks.
This method works well for outlining the roofline and keeps your stucco completely untouched.
3. Roof Clips
For those comfortable working on their roof, roof clips offer another stucco-free option for hanging lights.
Installing Roof Clips:
- Determine what clip you’ll need based on your roofing material (shingle, tile, etc).
- Position clips under the edge of your roofing material.
- Mount the lights to the clips.
Always be careful when on your roof; hiring a professional may also be useful if you are afraid of heights.
4. Removable Outdoor Mounting Tape
For a temporary solution that’s easy to remove after the holidays, consider using removable outdoor mounting tape.
Applying Mounting Tape:
- Clean the stucco surface.
- Cut the tape into little pieces.
- Tape to the back of the light clips or onto the light string.
- Apply for 30 seconds with firm pressure to the stucco.
- Wait until after 24 hours before hanging heavier lines of lights.
When removing the tape, apply a slow and parallel pull from the wall as much as possible.
Why Should You Not Drill Holes in Stucco to Hang Christmas Lights?
It might be tempting to drill holes in your stucco to create permanent attachment points for your Christmas lights. However, this approach is strongly discouraged for several reasons:
1. Moisture Infiltration
Drilling into stucco provides pathways that let moisture penetrate your home’s frame. This can lead to:
- Water damaged interior walls
- Growth of molds and mildews
- Detachment of the stucco itself
2. Structural Integrity
Stucco is applied in layers, and drilling through it can compromise its structural integrity. It might lead to:
- Cracks radiating from the holes
- Disintegration of internal parts that are weak and may be easily damaged
- Disability of insulation
3. Aesthetic Damage
Small holes are visible and can cause cosmetic damage to your home. They can:
- Create obvious marks on the exterior face
- Collect dirt and debris, making them more noticeable
- Be difficult to patch and blend with the surrounding texture
4. Costly Repairs
Repairing drilled holes in stucco is not a simple DIY task. It often requires:
- Stucco repair by a professional
- Color matching to be the same as the finish of the existing surface
- This means possible repainting of larger sections for an evenly uniform look
Considering these risks, drilling holes in stucco for Christmas lights and other temporary decorations is not worth the damage and possibly the cost.
Does Hot Glue Work on Stucco?
Hot glue is sometimes suggested as a temporary solution for attaching decoration, but does it work on stucco? Let’s dig a little deeper and weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of Using Hot Glue on Stucco:
- Quick application
- Strong initial hold
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons of Using Hot Glue on Stucco:
- It damages the surface when removed
- Will not stick under extreme temperature changes in or around the exterior
- It leaves behind a residue that can be hard to remove
- Not designed for use outdoors for extended periods
Alternative Decorating Ideas for Stucco Homes
If you do not want to fix your lights on your stucco, here are alternative decorating ideas:
1. Freestanding Decorations
Invest in outdoor Christmas decorations that don’t require attachment to your home:
- Inflatable figures
- Light-up lawn ornaments
- Illuminated trees or bushes
2. Projected Lights
A Christmas light projector can project festive lights and patterns onto your stucco walls with no attachment required.
3. Window Decorations
Focus on decorating your windows from the inside:
- Hang lights around window frames
- Place electric candles on windowsills
- Use window clings or paint for a festive touch
4. Potted Plants
Decorate potted plants or trees near your home with lights and ornaments.
5. Walkway Lights
Brighten your walkway or driveway with solar-powered stake lights for a warm welcome.
Tips for Safe and Effective Light Installation
Regardless of the method you choose, keep these tips in mind for a successful and safe Christmas light installation:
- Plan and design your display with ample lights and clips ready to hang.
- Install lights and extension cords rated for use in outdoor winter conditions.
- Inspect all your lights, checking and replacing burnt-out bulbs before putting up the lights.
- Do not overload electrical outlets; consult manufacturer guidelines for safe capacities.
- Use a sturdy ladder, and if possible, work with a spotter to support you when at elevation.
- Install lights on a dry day when it is cold to ensure better curing.
- You might consider using LED lights, which consume less energy and generate less heat.
- Use timers to control when lights are on and off and save energy/bulb life.
Removing Christmas Lights from Stucco
When the holiday season ends, it’s important to remove your lights carefully to avoid damaging your stucco:
- If possible, wait for a warmer day, as adhesives are easier to remove in milder temperatures.
- Gently twist and pull adhesive clips to release them from the stucco surface.
- If you have used the adhesive mounting tape, carefully pull it off in a direction parallel to the wall surface.
- Clean up the adhesives using a solution of warm water with mild dish soap.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or tools that will scratch the surface of the stucco.
- Check your stucco for any damage and repair damaged areas as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.
Final Words
Hanging Christmas lights on stucco does not have to be a chore. If you use the proper techniques, knowing how stucco works will let you enjoy a festive look without damaging the exterior of your house. The key to decorating stucco is to use gentle, non-damaging options like adhesive clips, gutter hooks, or removable mounting tape. These allow you to decorate without causing any harm to the stucco.
As you start decorating your stucco home, don’t forget to remember safety for yourself and your house. Always plan what you will do, ensure you have the right equipment, and never be afraid to get help if you need it.
Using these super easy tips, your stucco home will burst with beauty during the holidays and create that warm, cozy space to spend with loved ones, friends, and neighbors. Have fun decorating, and may your home shine bright!
Read Also: How To Layout Recessed Lighting In Your Kitchen
