Architectural Facade Uplighting

Our facade uplighting installations use premium LED fixtures from Unique Lighting Systems, WAC Lighting, and Kichler with color temperatures of 2700K warm white, which produces a natural, inviting glow that complements the warm tones of brick, stone, and earth-toned siding common throughout Lake Wylie and Charlotte neighborhoods. We select beam angles ranging from 10 degrees for narrow column accents to 60 degrees for broad wall washes, depending on the specific architectural feature being illuminated.

All systems operate on 12-volt low-voltage power supplied by commercial-grade magnetic or electronic transformers. We calculate voltage drop across every wire run to ensure each fixture receives adequate power, compensating for longer runs with heavier gauge cable when needed. A typical Lake Wylie facade installation uses 12-gauge or 10-gauge direct-burial copper wire with runs kept under 100 feet from the transformer to maintain consistent brightness across all fixtures.

Fixture wattages typically range from 3 watts for subtle accent work to 12 watts for illuminating two-story facades or deeply textured stone surfaces. We use adjustable-output fixtures wherever possible, allowing us to fine-tune brightness during the calibration phase and make adjustments as landscaping matures. Many of our fixtures feature tool-free aim adjustment with locking mechanisms that maintain their position through Carolina wind storms and heavy rain events.

Every underground wire connection is made using silicone-filled waterproof wire nuts rated for direct burial, and all splice points are documented on the lighting plan. We route wiring through flexible conduit wherever it crosses hardscape or passes through areas prone to disturbance. Transformers are mounted in protected locations with GFCI-protected power feeds and include surge protection to guard against the electrical storms common during Lake Wylie summers.

For homes with complex facades or multiple distinct sections, we use multi-tap transformers that allow us to run separate circuits at different voltages. This ensures fixtures at varying distances from the transformer all receive consistent power. We verify voltage at each fixture with a multimeter during calibration and document readings on the lighting plan, creating a baseline for future maintenance comparisons.

How many uplighting fixtures do I need for my home's facade?

The number of fixtures depends on your home's width, height, and architectural complexity. A single-story ranch-style home in Lake Wylie might need 6 to 10 fixtures for a complete facade treatment, while a larger two-story home with multiple gables and material changes could require 12 to 20 fixtures. During our complimentary nighttime demonstration, we place temporary fixtures to determine the exact count needed for your specific home. We always err on the side of quality over quantity, as properly placed fixtures create better results than simply adding more light.

Will the fixtures be visible during the daytime?

Our goal is to make fixtures virtually invisible during daylight hours. We use compact, low-profile fixtures finished in architectural bronze, black, or dark verde that blend with mulch, ground cover, and landscape beds. Fixtures are typically positioned within planting beds at the base of your home where shrubs and ground cover naturally conceal them. When ground-mounted fixtures are not practical, we use stake-mounted options that tuck behind low plantings. Visitors will admire your beautiful lighting at night without ever noticing the fixtures during the day.

How much does facade uplighting cost for a typical Lake Wylie home?

Facade uplighting projects in the Lake Wylie and Charlotte area typically range from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on the number of fixtures, complexity of the facade, wire run distances, and whether you are lighting one or multiple sides of the home. A focused front-facade-only installation for a single-story home starts around $2,500, while comprehensive multi-sided installations for larger custom homes can reach $8,000 or more. We provide detailed written estimates after our nighttime demonstration so you can see exactly what you are investing in before committing.

How much will facade uplighting add to my electric bill?

Very little. Our LED uplighting systems are remarkably energy-efficient. A typical 10-fixture facade installation draws approximately 60 to 80 watts total, which is less than a single traditional incandescent light bulb. Running from dusk until midnight every night, you can expect an increase of roughly $3 to $5 per month on your Duke Energy bill. The astronomical timer in your transformer automatically adjusts run times as days lengthen and shorten throughout the Charlotte-area seasons, so the system never runs longer than necessary.

Will uplighting damage my home's siding or facade materials?

No. Our LED fixtures produce minimal heat compared to older halogen technology, and they are positioned at the base of the wall rather than mounted to the structure itself. There is no drilling into your facade, no adhesive, and no physical contact between fixtures and your home. The light itself does not cause any degradation to stone, brick, stucco, or painted surfaces. In fact, the 2700K warm white LEDs we use produce virtually no ultraviolet light, which means they will not fade or damage any surface material over time.

Can I control my facade uplighting from my phone?

Yes. We offer smart transformer controllers from Unique Lighting Systems that connect to your home WiFi and provide full smartphone control via a dedicated app. You can set schedules, adjust brightness, create scenes, and turn zones on or off from anywhere. The system also includes an astronomical timer that automatically tracks sunset and sunrise times for the Lake Wylie area, so your lights always come on at the right time without manual adjustment, even as daylight hours shift throughout the year.

How long does a facade uplighting installation take?

Most facade uplighting installations are completed in a single day. A straightforward front-facade installation with 8 to 12 fixtures typically takes our crew 4 to 6 hours, including trenching, wiring, fixture placement, and initial aiming. Larger installations involving multiple sides of the home or complex wire routing may extend to a second day. We always schedule the evening calibration visit separately, returning at dusk to make final aiming adjustments and ensure every fixture is performing optimally.

What happens if a fixture gets damaged by lawn care equipment or landscapers?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear from Lake Wylie homeowners, and it is a valid one. We address it in several ways. First, we position fixtures within planting beds rather than in turf areas whenever possible, reducing exposure to mowers and string trimmers. Second, we use commercial-grade fixtures built from cast brass or powder-coated aluminum that can withstand incidental contact. If a fixture is damaged, our lifetime workmanship warranty covers reinstallation, and replacement fixtures are readily available. We also flag fixture locations for your landscaping crew.

Does facade uplighting work on all types of exterior materials?

Facade uplighting works beautifully on virtually all exterior materials, but the technique varies by surface type. Heavily textured materials like natural stone, stacked stone veneer, and brick produce the most dramatic results because the grazing light catches every surface variation and creates depth through shadows. Smoother materials like stucco, fiber cement siding, and painted wood respond well to broader wall-wash techniques that create an even, glowing appearance. During our demonstration, we show you exactly how your specific materials will look under professional lighting.

Will the lights bother my neighbors or violate HOA rules?

Professional facade uplighting is actually one of the most neighbor-friendly forms of exterior lighting. Unlike floodlights that spray light outward, uplighting directs illumination upward against your home's facade where it is absorbed by the building surface. Very little light escapes into the sky or toward neighboring properties. Most HOAs in Lake Wylie communities actively welcome professional landscape lighting because it enhances neighborhood aesthetics and property values. We are familiar with guidelines in The Palisades, River Hills, Reflection Pointe, and other local communities and design accordingly.

How long do the LED fixtures and bulbs last?

The integrated LED modules in our commercial-grade fixtures are rated for 40,000 to 50,000 hours of operation. Running from dusk to midnight every night, that translates to approximately 15 to 20 years of service before the LED output begins to diminish. Even then, the light does not simply burn out like a traditional bulb; it gradually decreases in brightness over time. The fixtures themselves, made from cast brass or marine-grade aluminum, are designed to withstand decades of exposure to Carolina weather, including our humid summers and occasional ice storms.

Can I add more uplighting fixtures later to expand the system?

Absolutely. We design every system with future expansion in mind. Our transformers are sized with additional capacity to accommodate future fixtures, and we document all wire routing and connection points on your lighting plan. When you are ready to add lighting to additional sides of your home, extend coverage to a detached garage, or illuminate new landscaping features, we simply tap into the existing system. This modular approach allows Lake Wylie homeowners to invest incrementally while building toward a comprehensive exterior lighting design.