Buying Guide
Gas lights have a quaint charm that you can't reproduce with an electric light. The soft glow provides security around the clock and does not attract bugs. Gas lights are usually mounted on a post in the yard. Another popular mounting is to install the gas light on a wall bracket.
There are two type of burners. The most common type of burner uses mantles. Mantles are small cloth bags that glow when lit. The amount of light is equivalent to a 40-watt light bulb. Mantles are fragile and need to be replaced from time-to-time. Laclede carries replacement mantles. Call for an order and we will send you mantles in the mail for a nominal fee.
Open flame gas lights are gaining in popularity. The open flame light does not produce much light and is appropriate for decorative use. The concept of "dark light" is an outdoor concept that many designers are now using.
Gas lights stay lit continuously. If you do not want to have the light on, you can manually turn it off at the service valve. Some lights feature electronic ignition systems that can be turned on and off using a light switch. A gas light generally burns between 2.3 or 3.7 cubic feet of gas per hour.
Light heads are made of cast aluminum or copper. Cast aluminum light heads come in black or white. Copper lights weather and turn an antique green with years of use. In general, copper lights cost about three times more than aluminum. Gas lights contain real glass. You may want to consider the ease of servicing. In general, it is more difficult to service bowl-shaped gas lights.
To service your gas light, turn the gas off and wait until it is completely cool. This can take ten minutes or more. Wearing gloves, remove the glass and clean it with glass cleaner and steel wool, then dry it with a clean towel. If you are replacing the mantles, do not touch the cloth surface. Only handle mantles by the ceramic ring. Light the mantles with the gas off and burn the coating off. Relight by holding a flame near the mantle while you turn the gas back on. Replace the glass, being careful not to shake the light.
We also offer gas lights for subdivision entrances and common areas. If you are interested, give us a call. Pricing is based on the amount of work required.
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