Making a hole in a perfect siding surface requires confidence.
Homeowners love their low-maintenance vinyl siding but may hesitate to attach things to it. Attachment is easy when you know the ins and outs of working with this surface. Using the right tools and techniques for each application is the key to a successful outcome.
Instructions
Hanging Items That Weigh 10 lb or Less
1. The Welcome Sign could be hung using siding hooks, but the light fixture requires anchors and screws..
Attach siding hooks for lighter jobs. If you want to hang an outdoor thermometer, garden clock, or lightweight decoration, you are in luck. Special vinyl siding hooks make hanging items under 10 lb fairly simple. Siding hooks do not require making holes in your siding, so there is no risk of moisture damage. These fasteners are designed to take advantage of the siding's grooves, locking into them to counterweight the item. The hooks are available online as well as at most large hardware and home improvement retailers.
2. Use "picture hook" style fasteners. Two styles of hooks are available. The first is the simple "picture hook" type. This wide stainless steel strip fits into a horizontal seam of the siding with a hook that sticks up. A loop style fastener or one with a slot on the back can be slipped over the hook to hang an item securely. Most clocks, plaques and wall decor items come with some sort of hanger on the back. If yours does not have the right type, you can purchase a stick-on hanger that will work for this application, such as the 3M Commando line, from a hardware store.
3. Use flat style siding hooks. The second made for vinyl siding features a flat metal strip with two to four holes. S hooks, J hooks, small screw and nut applications and many other fasteners can fit into these holes, making them versatile and appropriate for many items that may not work with loop fasteners. Follow the instructions for the hanging system you purchase.
Hanging the Heavy Item
4. Find a stud. To hang something heavy, such as an outdoor light or mailbox, you will need to find a stud under the siding to attach your hanger to. For an older home that was re-sided, you can screw into the old wood siding underneath. If the house has foam insulation or wrap, you will have to probe for a wooden stud. A battery powered stud finder--available from your hardware store, uses a simple laser to make the job easier. This is an investment that will pay off every time you hang a picture or attempt to hang anything else indoors or out.
5. Measure the hole. When you have located the stud, pull down on the siding seam carefully until it unlocks. The Vinyl Siding Institute, a trade association dedicated to supporting vinyl siding manufacturers, recommends drilling at least 3/4" into the wood stud or siding. Measure the depth from the siding surface to the stud and add at least 3/4" to determine the depth of the hole. Mark where you will drill the fastener holes, then re-lock the siding seam.
6. Purchase the screws or hangers. Now is the time to purchase the hanger system--screws and anchors-- at your hardware store. Purchase a hanger the same depth as the hole you will drill. Use a hanger that is rated for the weight of what you are hanging. You may need to use two or more anchors to support heavy items.
7. Drill the hole using the same size drill bit as the screw for a tight fit. Protect the hole with a UV-rated clear caulk. A too-wide hole or any mistakes can also be caulked to prevent moisture from entering. Wipe away any excess caulk. Make sure not to "glue" the siding to the house or it may buckle or sag.
Tags: hardware store, vinyl siding, depth hole, hanger that, hook style