Frequently Asked Questions

Lighting Questions

Are the lighting systems UL Listed?

Yes, every component in our systems are UL rated. It has had extensive testing done by outside companies to make sure it is safe to be installed on any home in the USA.
Can I customize the colors? If so, how?

Yes, from the color palette screen simply long press any color circle outside the gray line box and a window will pop up giving you the option to slide your finger through the color spectrum to a specific custom color or type in RGB codes for different color options. Then click OK and that custom color will be saved in that color circle. There are 16 million color combinations to choose from.
Can I setup a daily timer or schedule?

Yes you can, but we recommend not overlapping your daily timer with a calendar event. For example, you can create a calendar event for a holiday and set that to run from 7pm to 11pm. Then you could set a daily timer to come on from 11:01pm to midnight or even to 5am. As long as the timers to not overlap they will work correctly.
There are different types of white lighting, what do you have?

With RGB lights pure white is using a combination of red, green and blue to create the color. We recommend looking at pure white from the sidewalk or street before trying to adjust the setting to see what the white hue looks like on your home. We also have RGBW systems that have an independent white LED for true white light and kelvin temperatures. The presets for white are 2700K, 3000K, 4500K, 4000K, and 5000K.
How do they look during the day?

The lighting system use a channel system that is designed to match the color of the roofline, blending in seamlessly to hide the wires from view. They lock the lights securely in place and they are hardly noticeable during the day.
How many LEDs do your lights have?

All of our lights have 3 LEDs per bulb (pucK). Our advanced systems have 4 LEDs per bulb, that includes an independent white LED.
Will I see my lights from different angles?

The bulbs protrude a 1/4" below the channel, providing a timeless holiday glow that radiates vividly from more angles at night.
How much electricity doe the system use?

The lights on full bright white uses less than one watt of power. Also, the controller pulls about 1 amp of electricity per 100 feet.
Can I make my own patterns?

Yes, you can. The lights are individually addressable which allows you to choose which lights you want on and what color (over 16 million different colors). There also are over 100 preset patterns.

Product Endurance

What happens if a light goes out?

‍Hawkstone comes with a Lifetime Product & Installation Warranty. Simply reach out to us and request to have the light replaced. You may or may not be charged a labor fee depending on your location, but the faulty product will be covered under warranty.
How long does the lighting systems last?

A Hawkstone Lighting system comes with a Lifetime Product & Installation Warranty. The lifespan of our lighting systems is influenced by its usage frequency. When used solely during the holiday season, it can last as long as 30-40 years. When used properly, on average the components will last around 20-30 years. If the lights are run continuously for 12-16 hours each day, except during the hottest summer days when extreme temperatures might affect them, they last about 8-10 years. Leaving your lighting system on continuously day and night will greatly shorten the lights' lifespan.
How does your Lifetime Product & Installation warranty work?

Hawkstone provides an industry leading Lifetime Product & Installation Warranty. This warranty covers any components of the Hawkstone system for the life of those components. When used properly the components in the lighting system should last up to 40 years depending on usage. The lights have a 50,000 hour lifespan. If the system is left on 24 hours per day this greatly diminishes the lifetime of the product due to heat dissipation. Learn more about our warranty HERE.
If one light goes out, do they all go out?

The answer is sometimes. If the glitch or fault occurs within the RGB components then it will only affect that light. The light may turn a different color or shut off completely. If the glitch or fault occurs within the data wire of the affected light, it may affect all the lights after it in line. Either way it is a quick and simple repair, reach out to your local dealer and they will swap out the affected light which will correct any issue.
Do the lights fade in the sun?

Typically, LED diodes with lenses can become faded or damaged due to constant sun exposure over time. However, our residential lighting has no lens or covering, just the direct LED shows out of the channel, which means our LEDs will not fade, get cloudy or become discolored over time like many other exterior LEDs. Furthermore, our residential LEDs face down and below the channel which further protects them from constant sun exposure.

Safety

Why should I have permanent lighting installed?

Annually, countless ladder-related mishaps occur while hanging holiday lights, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities – not to forget the myriad of near-misses that leave you breathless, thinking, "That was too close for comfort." Enter Hawkstone: your solution to never having to climb a ladder for holiday decorations again. This innovation ensures your safety and affords you more precious moments with loved ones.
Why does permanent lighting make your home safer?

Enhancing your outdoor spaces with adequate lighting not only minimizes the chances of stumbling or falling after dark but also fortifies your home’s safety. Hawkstone offers a solution that brightens up your walkways, driveways, and outdoor areas, ensuring both visibility and security are elevated to new heights.
Is your system low voltage?

Yes, our systems are low voltage. They range between 24V - 48V, depending on the system installed. All of our system controllers are powered via a 110 outlet located typically in the garage, then down converted to 24V-48V for the lights to operate.

General Questions

How long has Hawkstone been in business?

With over 24 years of experience we pride in setting ourselves apart with our commitment to innovative lighting systems and quality installations. Our company began in 2005, with a focus on smart-home and low voltage systems. In 2020, our founder began searching for the best permanent lighting solution. In 2022, we rebranded as Hawkstone and began offering premium permanent exterior lighting systems.
What kind of warranty does Hawkstone offer?

Hawkstone guarantees a lifetime warranty on manufacturer products and a lifetime warranty on installation labor, ensuring peace of mind and product reliability for the entirety of their ownership.
Are these systems HOA approved?

Hawkstone typically needs prior approval from HOAs. We have found our lighting systems are widely accepted by most HOAs once a meeting has been established with committee leaders to show how the our lighting systems works; that it is hidden during the day, programmable for specific holidays and there are assurances that any repairs or maintenance issues will be resolved in a timely manner.
Why is Hawkstone better than others?

Hawkstone stands behind its products — not with empty promises, but with a lifetime product warranty that reflects decades of engineering, testing, and real-world performance. We design and build our lighting to last, and our warranty is the simple promise that if a product fails due to defect, we’ll make it right. That confidence comes from rigorous quality control and a refusal to cut corners.

When you choose Hawkstone, you’re choosing reliability and peace of mind. Our lifetime product & installation warranty — supporting expected service life (up to 75,000 hours for typical LED modules) — is part of our pledge to customers: durable components, professional installation, and responsive support for the life of your system. In short, we build lighting to perform for years, and we back it for life.
Where does the controller get installed?

Typically we install the controller mounted on an interior wall inside a garage. The system simply plugs into a regular outlet. The wiring from the controller to the lights is done via wall fishing through the attic, so that no wires are visible.
How much do they cost?

Pricing in the lighting industry can be challenging to find online because each project is unique and requires a personalized approach. The cost of your installation depends on various factors, such as the size of the area, the type of control panel, and the time of year. Without understanding the specifics of your individual needs, it’s difficult to provide an exact price, but we’re here to offer transparency and guide you through the process.
Do I need to maintain the system?

When you opt for Hawkstone Lighting system, a maintenance-free, worry-free experience is waiting for you. Should you need a bulb replaced, a new controller, or you require any product warranty work, simply contact us and we will fix it!
What happens if a light goes out?

Should a light stop working, please reach out to us for a hassle-free replacement. Rest assured, your light is safeguarded by a product warranty on up 70,000 hours of light use.
Does the system affect my gutters or drainage?

Our systems are expertly positioned beneath the soffit, and behind the facia of your residence, safeguarded by a specially designed channel for optimal protection. We at Hawkstone emphasize the importance of leaving your gutters and drip edge untouched. These critical elements are key to ensuring efficient water flow and safeguarding your home against water-related issues. Maintaining the integrity of your gutters and drip edge is paramount to preventing undesirable leaks and accumulation of water around your property.
Can I do this myself?

While a selection of lighting companies might provide DIY kits, it's important to note that choosing this path will nullify your lifetime product warranty, given that the product isn't professionally installed.
How much money will I save with a lighting system compared to traditional holiday lights?

The yearly expense for having professionals install and remove traditional holiday or Christmas lights can vary greatly – expect to spend anywhere from $750 to over $1,200. This fluctuation depends on the size of your property and the intricacy of your festive setup. It's also worth considering that these conventional lights typically only brighten up your home during the holiday season. On the other hand, Hawkstone offers a versatile lighting solution that can be enjoyed year-round, for any occasion.
How long does an installation take?

Typically, the installation process is completed within a single day to two. However, for larger homes or commercial spaces, the setup may span over multiple days.

Connectivity

Can I pair the system to my home network?

Yes, the our lighting systems have the capability to be paired to your home network, however, keep in mind we cannot guarantee the system will connect to your home network based on many variables outside our control such as type of router/modem, firewall settings, potential obstacles, interference from other devices, etc.
Can I use my computer to control the lights?

Our systems are an app driven technology which is why it will not work with PCs. Our systems are designed to work with any iPhone or android device. The app will also work with most Mac computer systems since they are also app driven.
Can I use it with both Android or iPhone?

‍Absolutely, the our system apps are designed to work with any iPhone or Android device. The app will also work with most Mac computer systems since they are app driven. It will not work with PCs.
Can I turn them on/off when away from home?

With our user friendly apps, you can program your lights wherever you have service. The calendar allows you to set up any lighting schedule you want so you don’t have to worry about it while you are away on business or vacation, but if you need to access your system remotely no problem!
Do the lights fade Can I connect my system to a smart-home hub?the sun?

To enhance your control experience, you can seamlessly integrate your system with your Google Home and Alexa devices. Simply download the corresponding skill from the Alexa/Google Assistant store on your device and follow the easy setup instructions. This integration not only empowers you to switch the system on and off with ease but also unlocks the ability to adjust a few colors and dimming settings.

Safety

Will the track/channel be installed to custom fit my home?

Absolutely, all of our installations are tailored specifically to complement your home's design. We offer a diverse selection of channels designed to suit your specific needs. We have a palette of more than 50 standard channel colors alongside personalized color-matching solutions.