Installation Process Of Light Mounting Block On Vinyl Siding
For mounting exterior light fixtures, electrical boxes, or other mountable units on vinyl siding, mounting blocks offer a level surface. Additionally, they come in a variety of designs that offer a tidy trim around a vent or hose bib. Installing a vinyl siding mounting block can be done either before or on top of the already-installed siding. Do you want to add outside fixtures like lights, doorbells, and water taps without causing damage to your siding? The solution is a mounting block since it is reliable, unobtrusive, and comes in designs and hues that go with vinyl siding panels. It can endure the entire life of your house and lends interest. The best part is that you just need a few simple tools and a few minutes to set it up. Gather the below-mentioned simple tools first & then quickly install a mounting block on vinyl siding by following the easy instructions:
Tools Needed
- Mounting Block Set
- Oscillating Cutting Tool
- Utility Knife
- Screw Gun
- Siding Tool
- Spirit Level
- Pencil
- Tape Measure
Step 1: Outline The Mounting Block On The Siding
- The siding will need to be cut in order to install the block, even though you don't need to remove it to finish the project.
- Start by separating the mounting block from the included trim; the trim will be installed later.
- Mark the location where the block will be installed next. Place the block on the siding with the face towards the wall and the screw flanges facing you. Next, draw an outline of the block's face with a pencil.
Step 2: Cut The Siding
- Cut the siding along the previously drawn outline using the oscillating tool. Using an oscillating tool will be quicker and result in a cleaner cut, but a utility knife will work just as well.
- The objective is to be as accurate as you can when cutting the siding, whether you use an oscillating tool or a utility knife. The cut hole should snugly fit the mounting block's face.
- Along the top, sides, and bottom of the outline, take as much time as you can. When you're finished, a hole will remain, exposing the house wrap concealed beneath the siding.
- You secure the mounting block to the house wrap and underlying studs rather than nailing through the vinyl and perhaps damaging the siding. However, we will address this eventually.
- After you've drilled a hole in the siding, place the block and make sure the face fits before continuing.
Step 3: Slide The Mounting Block Behind The Siding
- For a clean, tidy finish, put the mounting block flush with the rest of the wall rather than on top of the siding. The block will consequently need to be slid below the side panel by lifting it.
- Locate the horizontal seam between the panel you want to cut a hole in and the panel next to it. Use your fingers to break the seam, and then raise and detach the panel's bottom using the siding tool. You will have space to insert the mounting block as a result.
- The mounting block should be slid under the panel and centered within the cut hole. The screw flanges should be towards the house wrap, and the block should face you.
- Make sure the mounting block slips right into the opening you made. Check that the mounting block is square and level when put in the hole using a spirit level.
Step 4: Fasten The Mounting Block To The House Wrap
- The mounting block must now be secured to the house wrap after being inserted into the siding's hole.
- Since the screw holes are concealed below the siding, driving screws through the corresponding holes on the mounting block flange can be challenging. However, a screw gun can make the job easier.
- To drive a screw through one of the screw holes, lift the siding panel, jiggle the screw gun in the opening you've made in the siding, and do so.
- For a secure connection between the mounting block and the house wrap, insert a screw into each of the remaining screw holes. Every time you insert a screw, make sure it is level so you can fix any mistakes as you go.
Step 5: Re-Install The Siding
- You can lock the panel back into the j-channel after screwing the mounting block behind the siding.
- Pull the siding tool down just enough to cover the panel's j-channel after hooking it to the panel's bottom folding.
- Apply light pressure with your hand as you move it across the panel to ensure that it snaps firmly into the j-channel.
- If you installed the mounting block correctly, it should be flat with the rest of the wall.
Step 6: Install The Trim
- The removable trim that comes on mounting blocks provides the block with a polished appearance that matches the rest of the paneling.
- Before you begin working with the mounting block, I asked you to remove the trim and lay it aside. It would be wise to use that trim right away. To finish the look, mount the trim flush against the wall and on the block.