1. North Carolina homeowner here.
2. Attached is a picture of my front door canopy. It’s an addition. It was there when we bought the house. You can see the original porch light above the canopy. Sort of head scratcher why the owner didn’t have the contractor install a light on the canopy.
3. Not sure how to proceed. I have no idea how the canopy was constructed and the layout of any internal framing. So I’m reluctant to have a contractor cut into the canopy and then drill into the brick and cut the drywall.
4. I was told by one electrician I would have to have an electrical box put in with any light. Not sure why that is.
5. You can see my wireless SimpliSafe camera mounted off to one side. My fall back plan was to find a light similar to the camera and mount it on the opposite side. Maybe a high voltage LED? So far, I haven’t been able to find anything.
6. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bob
Charlotte, NC
Replies
Install LED lights inside the arched window, so that the window itself lights the porch.
Thanks for the reply
I like this. some strip lights around the edge, with a nice dimmer. Could even spring for the multi color ones and automate holiday decorating.
What does the wall look like on the other side?
If you want a light, and want a nice, clean install, you could start from the inside.
Should be able to get an idea of the framing structure through the drywall by use of a stud finder.
I want to guess there is a header over the curved doorway. This could complicate the install, but not make it impossible.
You (or the contractor you choose) could remove the fixture outside, and see where the wires seem to go from the box which the fixture is mounted to.
You (or contractor) could drill from the inside, through the drywall, header, and brick (might be some kind of sheathing between the header and brick.)
Further drilling from the inside should gain access to the inside of the arch structure. This would mean use of several types of drills, extensions, and jigs to keep the drilling level.
Use of a borescope camera could reveal more about the structure, and if at this point, you decide to quit, you have spent some money, but the drywall surface could be repaired.
If you decide to proceed, wiring could be routed from the box above, along behind the brick, and out your new hole. I guess there is a switch someplace that fed the old light you would want to use for the new one.
Would want to understand the specifics of the header and span to see if a hole is even a good idea.
The brick joints look like there has been some pointing work done (since I notice in the photo, it would be safe to say it was not the best job)
The old light looks like it is not centered on the door, so there may be other framing issues to consider.
You sure you want a light here? Looks like a pretty gas light.
Does your camera have a built in light? you could get one that does.
Thanks for the excellent reply. I'm going to go with the easiest solution that will keep my wife happy.
Have you considered using a solar panel LED light? If your porch gets some direct sunlight it might be a simple, easy solution. The one I have in my car port has a small (about 5") solar panel that is connected to a remote LED light with a very thin, black 15' wire. The light is motion activated and has an adjustable timer. You could mount the solar panel where your old light fixture is and run the wire around your canopy (I don't think you would notice the wire after a day or two) or you could drill a 1/8" hole through the canopy for a direct route. A little caulk and your done.