Outdoor wiring, like cable and telephone lines strung along the exterior of your home, can be an eyesore. Luckily, there are several effective methods to remove, replace, or conceal outdoor wiring to improve the aesthetics of your home's exterior.
Evaluate the Type of Wiring
The first step is to identify the type of wiring on your home's exterior. Common outdoor wiring includes:
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Cable or satellite TV lines - These are typically thick black cables running from a roof or wall connection to your cable/satellite box inside your home.
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Telephone lines - Older telephone lines are thin black cables that connect your telephone pole to your home.
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Electrical wiring - This includes any exterior electrical outlets, light fixtures, or extension cords.
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Low-voltage landscape lighting - These are typically smaller gauge wires connecting landscape light fixtures.
Understanding the purpose of each wire will help determine the options for removal, replacement, or concealment.
Options for Removing Wires
If you wish to completely remove and eliminate the wiring from your home's exterior, the options will depend on the wire type:
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TV/Satellite cables - Call your provider to disconnect and remove wires. Be aware you may need to renew a service contract.
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Telephone lines - Contact your phone company to formally disconnect and request removal. This likely requires closing your landline account.
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Electrical wires - Hire a licensed electrician to properly disconnect and remove any exterior electrical wiring.
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Low-voltage lighting - You can safely remove these landscape lighting wires yourself.
Removing wires requires disconnecting from any inside connections and completely detaching from the exterior facade. Be sure wires are not simply cut, as this can leave unused wiring attached.
Replacing Exposed Wiring with New Cables
If the wiring is still needed, like for TV/internet or telephone service, you can replace unsightly exposed cables with new, less obtrusive cables:
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Use flat, low-profile coaxial cables to replace bulky round cables for TV/internet lines.
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Replace old telephone wiring with flat, white cables that blend into exterior paint or siding.
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For landscape lighting, replace exposed wires with new ultra-thin cables or solar powered fixtures.
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Contact an electrician about re-wiring any exterior electrical with more subtle cables or conduits.
Replacing old, exposed wires provides an aesthetic upgrade. Be sure to re-attach wires properly leading into your home.
Concealing Existing Wiring
If the wiring must stay, there are ways to conceal the wires for a cleaner look:
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Use removable cable concealers that blend wires into trimwork or rain gutters.
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Consider wire covers that encase exposed sections in a painted, plastic blend.
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For landscape lighting, bury wires underground using wire burial tools.
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Hide wires by mounting them to exterior walls or soffits. Use wire mounting clips.
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Paint wires to match the home's exterior color scheme. Use outdoor-safe paint.
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Bundle together and cover wires with vinyl tubing or braided sheathing.
Concealing wires creates a cleaner facade without removing functional wires completely. Blending or hiding wires is typically a cost-effective solution.
Hiring a Professional for More Complex Jobs
For any major wire removal, replacement, or concealment projects, it is often advisable to hire a professional:
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Electricians can safely handle all electrical wiring needs and structural modifications.
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A landscaping contractor can trench and bury landscape lighting wires underground.
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A handyman can install cable concealers, wire covers, and mount wires to blend into your home's exterior.
Hiring a licensed, insured pro ensures wiring projects are done properly and safely. They have the experience to blend or hide wires for the best aesthetic outcome.
With some effort and diligence, you can successfully eliminate exterior wiring or conceal it for a cleaner, less cluttered look on your home's facade. Taking the right approach based on the wiring type will lead to the best outcome without sacrificing needed functions. Your home's curb appeal will be greatly enhanced by addressing annoying exterior wires using one or more of these removal, replacement, or concealment techniques.