What do you use to hang Christmas lights on a brick wall?

When it comes to decorating the exterior of your home for the holidays, hanging Christmas lights on a brick wall can be a bit tricky. Unlike siding or wood surfaces, brick does not allow for easy penetration with nails or screws. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can safely and effectively hang lights on brick walls.

Quick Answers

Here are some quick answers to common questions about hanging Christmas lights on brick:

• Use plastic anchors, masonry screws, or masonry nails to securely fasten clips, hooks, or mounting bases to the brick.
• Avoid using tape or glue as these may not hold up long-term and could damage the brick when removed.
• Look for light clips, hooks, or channel systems specifically designed for brick and masonry.
• Aim to attach the light anchors in the mortar between bricks rather than drilling into the bricks themselves.
• Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit to pre-drill any necessary holes in the mortar lines.
• Make sure all cords and connections are outdoor rated and have ground fault protection.
• Consider hiring a professional installer if working from heights or unsure about safely running electrical cords.

Choosing the Right Materials

Having the right mounting hardware specifically made for masonry surfaces is key for safely and securely hanging lights on brick. Here are some of the best options:

• Plastic anchors – Plastic wall anchors that expand when a screw is inserted work well for hanging lightweight decorations on brick. Opt for sleeve anchors or toggle bolts designed for masonry use.
• Masonry screws – Screws specifically engineered for brickwork and concrete have special thread designs to grip and hold. Use with plastic anchors or drill directly into mortar lines.
• Masonry nails – Nails designed for concrete and brick come with wide heads and shafts to hold them in place. Pre-drill holes and use a hammer to tap them in.
• Masonry clips – Specialty clips or channels distribute weight across multiple bricks for securing lights. Look for versions with double-sided tape or screw anchors.
• Adhesive hooks – While adhesive is not ideal for long-term use, removable adhesive hooks can work for lightweight strings. Ensure the brick surface is clean before applying.

Avoid any hardware designed for wood, drywall, or siding as it will not provide a secure hold in masonry. The hardware should always be rated for outdoor use as well.

Mounting Techniques

Once you have the proper supplies, use these techniques for safely mounting lights on brick:

• Make sure the brick surface is clean and dry before attachment. Use a wire brush to remove loose debris.
• Aim to anchor into the mortar joints rather than drilling or nailing directly into bricks for better holding power.
• Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit to pre-drill holes for anchors or screws at marked positions.
• Tap plastic anchors gently into pre-drilled holes using a hammer until the flange is flush with the brick surface.
• Insert screws into installed anchors, drilling slowly to allow threads to engage the anchor sleeve.
• For adhesive hooks, hold in place with firm pressure for 30-60 seconds ensuring full contact with the surface.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for whatever hardware you use.

Proper use of anchors at marked positions will prevent damaging the integrity of the brick while providing firm support for lights. Pre-drilling is vital as it prevents cracking and allows for flush installation against the mortar.

Lighting Options

There are a few common options when choosing lighting designed for brick installation:

• Clip-on lights – Clips with double-sided adhesive or screw anchors hold bulbs or wires in place.
• Icicle lights – Strands with dangling lights can be mounted on hooks screwed into mortar lines.
• Rope lights – Flexible LED rope lights can be secured against bricks using discreet clips.
• Spotlights – Individual spotlights with masonry mounting bases can highlight architectural features.
• Flood lights – Large flood lights can beam light and color onto exterior walls.

Look for lights made with plastic and silicone instead of glass to prevent breakage. Opt for LED bulb options for efficiency and longevity. Waterproof connections are a must for durability outdoors.

Positioning Lights

Strategically position lights to highlight key areas and complement the home’s architecture:

• Outline doors, windows, and garage entrances to highlight façade details.
• Run lights along borders, roof and side edges to define home’s shape.
• Wrap tree trunks and shrubs in light for a glowing garden focal point.
• Create swags over front doors and arbors using clip-on icicle lights.
• Ground spotlights angled up can accent vertical surfaces and textures.
• Floodlights placed at corners can cast saturated washes of color across walls.

Consider running extension cords through rain gutters to neatly hide unsightly wires. Use hooks to keep cords flush against walls when running vertically. Always leave slack to prevent tearing connectors loose.

Safety Tips

Take these precautions when hanging lights at height on brick walls:

• Use a sturdy ladder and have someone assist to keep it steady.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes and avoid overreaching from ladders.
• Have someone hold the ladder if working from heights above one story.
• Route electrical cords away from traffic areas to avoid tripping hazards.
• Always turn lights off when making electrical connections.
• Connect strands end-to-end before mounting instead of while on the ladder.
• Check that all light strands and electrical items are outdoor rated and UL approved.
• Consider hiring a professional installer for homes taller than two stories.

Keep safety the top concern when working at heights. Take your time and don’t rush when balanced on a ladder. Secure ladders firmly and use common sense to prevent hazardous situations.

Maintenance

Regularly check lights for issues to keep your display looking its best:

• Tighten or replace any loose anchors, clips, hooks that arise over time.
• Check for cracked sockets, frayed wires, and damaged insulation on cords.
• Replace any individual burned out bulbs promptly to avoid issues.
• Test all light strands before reusing each year and discard if faulty.
• Repair or replace any damaged light clips or mounting hardware.
• Clean dust and grime off plastic fixtures using mild soap and water.
• Store lights neatly coiled and untangled in sealed bins when not in use.

Well-maintained lights stored properly from year-to-year will provide maximum longevity and prevent safety hazards. Catching minor issues early also prevents bigger headaches later on.

Removal

When taking down lights after the holidays:

• Turn off power and carefully disconnect light strands from each other.
• Remove any mounting clips or hardware from the bricks.
• For adhesive removals, heat with a hairdryer then slowly pull hooks away.
• Scrub away any remaining adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol.
• Patch any holes in mortar lines with fresh caulk or mortar sealant.
• Wipe away dirt and dust to leave bricks clean after hardware removal.

Taking care not to damage the brick surface, properly remove all traces of mounting hardware. Check for any cracks or chips around holes and seal with caulk or mortar patch to prevent moisture issues.

Conclusion

Hanging Christmas lights on brick walls adds gorgeous ambiance to homes during the holidays. With heavy-duty masonry hardware, safe mounting techniques, and maintenance diligence, the lighting display can provide many seasons of enjoyment. Consider hiring a professional installer if unsure about taking on brick light installation yourself. With the proper preparation and care, your brick home can shine bright for the holidays.