How To Install A Mounting Block On Existing Vinyl Siding
When installing a mounting block on vinyl siding, there are plenty of ways things can go wrong. You may ask if your vinyl siding can handle this depending upon the weight. You may not know where to begin.
Purchase your mounting block based on the design and color of your vinyl siding. You will likely need to remove a trim ring before beginning. Next, cut the siding to fit the mold of your mounting block. Next, Place some sealant between the mounting block and the house, ensuring that no water can get in. Replace the trim ring, ensuring that you install the lighting or device per your model’s instructions.
Below, we will dig into the details behind this process. We will also let you know about how vinyl creates some unique potential challenges for this installation.
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Installing A Mounting Block On Vinyl Siding
- Be sure you have the supplies you need
- Purchase mounting block based on your preferred design
- Remove trim ring
- Cut siding to fit the mold of your mounting block (if required)
- Ensure that your mounting block is waterproof with sealant, a cover, or tape
- Follow Local And National Codes On Installing Electric Boxes
- Replace the trim ring and install the mounted object per package instructions.
Step One: Purchase Or Check All Of The Supplies You Need
The first step to any successful installation job is ensuring you have the right tools. Below is a list of tools you should have ready.
- Safety goggles
- Protective gloves
- Phillips or flathead screwdriver
- Mounting block
- Drill with matching drill bits
- Screws (should come with mounting block)
- Wire caps
- Keyhole saw and utility knife (if cutting)
If you can, try and find a mounting block with a pre-installed electric box. If you don’t already have an electric box in the spot you are making the installation, this will make your job a bit easier.
Also, remember to turn off the power. Failure to follow this step will result in a significant potential injury of you and any of your helpers. You can also potentially burn your house down, which isn’t a good thing.
Step Two: Purchase Mounting Block Based On Your Preferred Design
Vinyl comes in a variety of potential colors. When installing your mounting block, you want to be sure that this color matches what you currently have.
If needed, you can also buy a small amount of paint that matches the color of your vinyl siding. You can remove a big enough chip from the section you plan on putting the mounting block over. Many hardware stores will be able to determine paint color with a large enough piece.
Step Three: Remove Trim Ring From Mounting Block
This step should be in your instructions. Most mounting blocks have a trim ring on the outside of them. You will need to remove the trim ring, as that will conceal the screws to ensure a clean project.
Step Four: Cut Your Siding (If Needed)
Many mounting blocks require you to cut a place for your siding to fit. This cut ensures that the mounting block is level with your siding. So your block will not stick out when compared to the rest of your wall.
But with vinyl siding, you may have to do that. Vinyl siding Is flexible, so your screws will be able to pierce through it. If you do decide to not cut into your siding, you need to purchase a surface mounting block.
This concern brings us to our next step.
Step Five: Ensure Your Mounting Block Is Waterproof
Use caulk, sealant, or tape to fill in any extra gaps between the electric box and the siding. You can also use a plastic device box to contain the electric components.
Whatever your preference may be, you cannot be too safe on this. Failure to handle these may result in potential fire hazards. You could also run into regular power shorts and outages.
Step Six: Ensure Your Wiring Is Up To Code
Anytime you handle electric wiring, you need to be sure that it follows the National Electric Code (NEC) standards. NFPA 70, the latest instructional benchmark to avoid electric hazards, is the newest release.
If you are uncertain about this or doubt your ability to handle this, you should contact a certified electrician. They are legally required to stay up-to-date with the latest in the NEC requirements.
Failure to follow through with this step will result in the potential for significant liability. Your insurance may decline this claim due to negligence, causing you the possibility to lose everything. Electric standards are no joke, so be sure to keep a close eye on these.
Step Seven: Replace The Trim Ring And Install The Mountable Object Per Package Instructions
Once you finish putting in the last screw, replace the trim ring to cover up this section. If you did this correctly, you should see a clean mounting block that blends seamlessly in with the rest of your house.
If needed, this would be the time you should start painting over the mounting block. Be sure that the paint matches the color of your house.
Assuming that your mountable object has clear instructions, you should be able to screw them directly into the block. Tie the electric wires underneath to this outdoor light, ensuring that there is no exposed wiring in the process.
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Related Questions
What Are Different Mounting Block Sizes I Can Use On Vinyl Siding?
The mounting block you choose will depend on what you are installing. Follow the instructions on your exterior light’s packaging if you want to know its requirements. You can see them in these variants:
| Size | Dimensions (HxWxD) |
| Jumbo | 16x8x2” |
| Large | 11x8x1” |
| Mini | 6x4x1/2” |
These sizes may vary depending on the company you choose. There will also be slight differences based on the number of inches of half-inches.
How Do You Install A Surface Mounting Block?A surface mounting block is the same, but you do not have to cut into your siding in the process. You will still need to ensure that you find a place that has access to electricity. Follow all of the same waterproofing steps and electric precautions.
These are also known as universal mounting blocks. These should be used after the vinyl siding is already on the house.
What If There Is No Electric Box?If there is no box, your exterior light will need to find a different source of power. You may consider installing solar lighting, which is a popular choice in typically sunny locations.
Otherwise, you will need to purchase a separate electric box for the installation. In this case, you will not be able to use a universal mounting bloc, as you will have no choice but to cut into the siding.
You will also want to pay extra care to fill in any potential gaps with caulk or sealant. Installing a separate electric box underneath the mounting block is a different area of concern.
Again, if you are uncertain about your abilities to follow with national and local electric guidelines, you will need to hire a professional.
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I'm a guy who becomes the expert of whatever I stumble upon, writing-wise. I've written tons about cool home products, home improvement, and smart technology in the home. I'm also the proud father of a kiddo born on new years, making my holidays very busy.
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