For those who would rather not continue doing second-floor eave lighting annually, the permanent roof line lights are more appropriate for a two-story house that needs annual lighting. For someone interested in Christmas lighting, who loves C9 bulbs, and can reach the second floor without any problems, then string lighting is more appropriate. The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro has an IP68 (dustproof and waterproof) lamp body, is cuttable, has app and Matter (smart home cross-platform standard) capability; however, it is a first-time project and maintenance might also require additional climbing.
Which Is Better for a Two-Story House, Permanent or Temporary Lights
It comes down to two key questions when choosing lighting for a two-story house: how often will you install the lights, and who will climb to the second floor later? The table below applies to both options.
| For a two-story house | Permanent roofline lights | Temporary Christmas string lights |
| Ladder work at the upper eaves | One initial installation project, done by you or a hired pro; inspection or repair may still require access | At least two work sessions every season (installation and removal), with multiple climbs or ladder moves possible in each |
| Changing the look for another holiday | Pick colors and scenes in the app from the ground | Rehang the lights; a single-color or theme-specific set may need to be replaced, while color-changing temporary sets can be reused |
| Work every year | No routine hanging, taking down, or storing; inspect and maintain as needed | Test, hang, take down, untangle, and store |
| Upfront cost | Higher upfront cost | Lower to start |
| Classic Christmas look | Lights stay mounted under the eaves; not large C9 bulbs | Large C9 or C7 bulbs are easy to get |
| Use beyond December | Holidays plus everyday lighting | Can cover other occasions if the colors and design fit, but the set still has to be hung and removed |
| What to check before buying | Waterproof rating, warm white range, warranty, where the power adapter plugs in | A safety-tested label for outdoor use, outlet, and cord route |
And here is how it works in reality:
- If you want to get the lights each year and you are going to use them as everyday lights, then permanent lights will be the best year-round lights for your home.
- But if you need lights only for the Christmas period, you enjoy C9 bulbs and you can install them safely up to the second floor, then temporary string lights will suit you more, like, for example, Govee C9 Christmas String Lights.
- But if you need both, then permanent lights must be installed on front eaves, and the other on the trees and porches.
When selecting temporary string lights, it is necessary to look at safety and outdoors test marks on the package.
How Much Ladder Work Each Option Takes on a Two-Story Roofline
In the case of a two-story house, even though the installation of string lights requires only two times climbing up and down the ladder per year, once for installation and once for removal, it can involve climbing multiple times in case the string lights need replacement.
Falls are the chief risk. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, falls cause nearly half of all holiday decorating accidents.
Three basic ladder rules, adapted from the OSHA ladder rules (which are workplace guidelines, not a homeowner requirement):
- Place the bottom of the ladder approximately one quarter of its working length from the wall.
- On ladders with extension to an upper landing surface, the side rails shall extend at least 3 feet above such surfaces.
- For those situations where you or the ladder might come in contact with energized electrical wiring and components, make sure that the ladder is made of non-conducting materials.
Moreover, you should also ensure that there is someone holding the ladder from the ground level for as long as you are using it.
The installation of permanent rooflights alters the calculations regarding ladders. You or the professional installs it once, and then after that, modifications in the festive lighting effects can be done through an application from the ground level.
Hanging and Taking Down String Lights Every Year vs a One-Time Permanent Install
But temporary lights mean the annual cycle starts again: checking to make sure the strings work and replacing any blown bulbs, getting them up with a ladder around the corners and downspouts, taking it all down at the end of the season and packing it away. If you choose this option, read our advice on how to hang Christmas lights on gutters.
The permanent holiday lights mean no annual cycle and only setup once, plus checking and maintenance.
In order for you to have an estimate of your trade-off, you can just compute the sum of your time spent installing and removing the lights from the previous year and then multiply that by the number of years you expect to live in your house.
What Each Option Costs Over the Years You Stay
The cost comparison between permanent and temporary Christmas lights does not depend on the first year. It depends on how long you will stay. Use these three steps:
1. Add up the total initial costs for the permanent system: cost of the set on the date of purchase plus cost of its installation if you are hiring the installation services.
2. Account for annual recurring costs of both options individually: inspection and maintenance costs for the permanent lights and costs of replacing the strands/clips or costs of annual installation/removal for the temporary lights.
3. Calculate approximate break-even: (permanent initial cost - temporary first purchase cost) ÷ (temporary annual recurring cost - permanent annual recurring cost). If the denominator is zero or negative, there is no break-even point.
For instance, if a group gives you a quote of $600 per season with no costs of light installation included, the same professionally installed light system will break even in the seventh season of your use if its price is $4,000. The example is purely hypothetical and considers the initial cost of lights as zero.
If you have someone installing the lights for you each season, you will have the payback period shortened. If you install the lights yourself, meaning that you do not have a height phobia, you will spend less money on temporary lights per season.
For the difference between DIY and professional installation costs, see how much permanent Christmas lights cost. If you are still weighing the purchase, read whether permanent lights are worth it.
DIY or Hire a Pro for Second-Story Eaves
| Option | Who climbs to the second story | How often | Trade-off |
| DIY permanent roofline lights | You | One initial installation project; multiple climbs or ladder moves may be needed | You plan runs and power yourself; later inspection or repair may still require access |
| Professionally installed permanent lights | A hired installer | Initial installation, then service only as needed | Higher upfront cost; no ladder work for routine color changes |
| DIY temporary string lights | You | At least two work sessions every season—installation and removal | Lowest upfront cost; each session may require multiple climbs or ladder moves |
| Hired seasonal installation | A hired crew | Installation and removal every season | No climbing for you; you pay for recurring seasonal service |
For two-story homes, Christmas lights outdoor installation using a DIY permanent kit is a first-time project that takes real effort; and it will take more than one climb. In case you do not want to climb, a professional can do the job of permanent lights installation for you. After that, changing color and scenes will be done without the use of any ladder but you might still have to climb once in case you are inspecting your lights.
Professional seasonal installation is something you will pay for every season.
Permanent lights installed in the front eaves, while seasonal lights installed on the trees and porches, is quite a common combination for outdoor Christmas lights for house. Whichever route you choose, always follow the product manual and local electrical codes. For hardwired installations, hire a licensed electrician.
Govee Permanent Roofline Lights for Two-Story Homes
Both Govee permanent outdoor lights below can be cut and extended, support Matter, Alexa, and Google Assistant, and carry a 3-year warranty. They differ in eave shape, length, and budget.
Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro: Best for Two-Story Rooflines With Split Runs
The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro is better suited for two-story homes whose rooflines need separately controlled runs, such as separate upper and lower eaves.
The difference: two-story eaves have corners, gables, and an upper/lower distinction. In both products, it is possible to splice them around corners, but the 2 Pro also comes with a Y connector allowing for splitting the run and controlling the lights separately. After you install upper and lower eaves, you will be able to change holiday scenes (Christmas/Halloween, for instance) and pure white light from the ground using the app. To splice them, follow the instructions included in the package for your product. The lamp body and Y connector have an IP68 rating, and the control box/adapter has IP67.
| Spec | Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 Pro |
| Lengths | 100ft (H3A51), 200ft (H3A53) |
| Lights and brightness, 100ft | 42 lights, 55lm per light |
| Lights and brightness, 200ft | 84 lights, 40lm per light |
| Waterproof rating | String lights IP68, control box IP67, power adapter IP67 |
| Operating temperature | -22°F to 140°F |
| White color temperature | 1000K–10000K |
| Price, 100ft | $499.99 |
| Price, 200ft | $799.99 |
Advantages
- The splits of the Y connector are suitable for multiple eave segments.
- IP68 rated lamp body and Y connector, IP67 control box and adapter, works at -22°F to 140°F (18°F colder at the low end compared to the Pro's -4°F).
- 1000K–10000K white light; compatible with Matter, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Watch.
Disadvantages
- Higher base cost at 100 feet ($499.99 compared to $479.99 of the Pro) and only available in 100 and 200 feet, with no 150 feet option. At 200 feet, the 2 Pro is currently selling at $639.99 (was $799.99), whereas the Pro is at $759.99 (October 23, 2026).
- Light count and brightness vary by length: 42 lights at 55lm for the 100ft version (brighter than the Pro’s 50lm per light) and 84 lights at 40lm for the 200ft version (dimmer than the Pro).
Best for: two-story house with upper and lower eave segments to be controlled separately as zones.
Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro: Best for 100–150-Foot Runs on a Tighter Budget
The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro is better suited for a measured 100- to 150-foot run, a lower kit price, and layouts that do not need the 2 Pro's independently controlled Y-connector branches.
The breakdown: A 50ft or 100ft unit could work fine for a small home, a bungalow, or a two-story home. This is only an approximation; therefore, we advise that you measure the length of your roof line first before purchasing the kit from the measurements. The Pro series is available in 100ft, 150ft, and 200ft lengths. It is extendable up to a maximum of 200ft, and anything above 150ft needs a Govee driver module that comes with the 200ft kit. It produces a white light with a color temperature of 2,700K to 6,500K, having 50 lumens per light (60 lights at 100ft, 120 lights at 200ft). Operating temperature ranges from -4°F to 140°F.
For those who prefer not to go up to the second floor themselves, the official website recommends hiring a professional for installation.
| Spec | Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro |
| Lengths | 100ft (H706A), 150ft (H706B), 200ft (H706C) |
| Lights, 100ft | 60 lights |
| Lights, 200ft | 120 lights |
| Brightness | 50 lumens per light |
| Waterproof rating | String lights IP67, control box IP65; adapter for indoor use only |
| Operating temperature | -4°F to 140°F |
| White color temperature | 2,700K–6,500K |
| Price, 100ft | $439.99 |
| Price, 150ft | $599.99 |
| Price, 200ft | $759.99 |
Advantages
- Multiple sizes and a cheaper initial price: $439.99 (100ft), $599.99 (150ft), $759.99 (200ft), as of October 22, 2026.
- More lights in the same length: 60 at 100ft compared to 42 at 2 Pro.
Disadvantages
- The adapter is indoor-only, so take into consideration the placement of your power supply and wiring in accordance with the manual.
- The lamp housing is rated IP67, while the control box is IP65 – which is a lower rating compared to the 2 Pro's.
Best for: a two-storey house with an estimated eave length of 100-150ft, without the need for independent branch control, and a smaller budget. Being two-story does not necessarily mean 100ft.
Can permanent roofline lights stay up through winter?
Yes, as long as every component (lamp body, control box, and adapter) meets the manufacturer’s water-resistance rating and operating temperature range for your conditions, so don’t rely on the lamp body’s IP number alone. The 2 Pro has IP68 lamp body, IP67 adapter, and works in range from -22°F to 140°F. The Pro has IP67 lamp body, operates in range from -4°F to 140°F, and indoor adapter only. IP numbers are classified in accordance with IEC 60529 standard.
Conclusion
For a two-story house, start by figuring out how often you will climb to the second floor over the next few years. The installation of permanent lights makes the annual cycle of hanging and removing lights unnecessary.
In conclusion: if you want to control the top and bottom parts of the eave separately, choose the 2 Pro model. In case you have an accurately calculated run of 100 to 150 feet and a little less money, choose the Pro model. In case you want to use Christmas lights with C9 bulbs only, choose temporary string lights. First, measure your eaves, and then go to the Govee website to find the required length.
