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Porch light on vinyl siding

chp | Posted in General Discussion on May 1, 2011 09:06am

Trying to replace a porch light.  Here’s the problem:

Existing porch light, installed by previous homeowner, was installed directly on vinyl siding.  There is no mounting block.  The vinyl siding is installed over wood siding.  There is no electrical box, as far as I can tell.  Just a hole from which the electrical wires extend.  

Trying the same approach isn’t going to work.  The light is bigger than the previous one and the piece that mounts to the wall would cover multiple sections of siding, leaving large gaps.  

In my reading online, I’ve found discussions about J-blocks, Z-blocks, etc.  But am unsure which is right for this application.  

Any advice would be appreciated.  

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Replies

  1. User avater
    mike_guertin | May 01, 2011 09:39pm | #1

    Retrofit vinyl light block - cut in J block or overlay.

    You can use a regular J block, but you'll have to unzip a couple panels, install the J block and then cut and reinstall the panels around it.  This is probably the best solution.  Alternatively you can install a surface-mount block.

    A couple companies make surface mount light blocks for vinyl siding.  Here's one:   http://www.midamericacomponents.com/contractors/products/details.aspx?id=1189&gid=1170&parentid=-1

    You just have to match the surface mount block style to your siding. 

  2. Virginbuild | May 07, 2011 12:00am | #2

    Trying to replace a porch light.

    I had a simular situation. My light fixtures were larger than any jumbo mounting that is on the market. I custom made mine from AZEK planking. I used a shallow pan box set into the Azek blank. If you wish the details let me know and I will revert with details and pictures.

    1. hopesway | Jul 02, 2011 02:57pm | #3

      making your own light block

      Hello Virginbuild,  I'd like to see your design/instructions for building a mounting block as I have a similar problem with the base of my light being too big for the jumbo sized block.  I fell in love with these lights and didn't know that mounting blocks were not made in this size.  Thanks!  Hopesway

      PS The base of my light is 8" x 13 3/8" and is rectangular.

      1. Scooter854 | Sep 08, 2011 05:27pm | #6

        design/instructions for building a mounting block

        Hello:

        I am Scooter854, and I came accross your post about building a mounting block to use for outdoor lighting with vinyl siding. I would appreciate very much if you would be willing to pass along your plans/idea to me to my email? I wish to place two lamps on the front of my mobile home and don't want to botch things up. Thank you for your consideration, my email address is [email protected]

        Sincerely

        Scooter

      2. Scooter854 | Sep 08, 2011 05:28pm | #7

        design/instructions for building a mounting block

        Hello:

        I am Scooter854, and I came accross your post about building a mounting block to use for outdoor lighting with vinyl siding. I would appreciate very much if you would be willing to pass along your plans/idea to me to my email? I wish to place two lamps on the front of my mobile home and don't want to botch things up. Thank you for your consideration, my email address is [email protected]

        Sincerely

        Scooter

  3. Virginbuild | Jul 05, 2011 12:37am | #4

    Home made light mounting for vinyl siding.

    Tomorrow I will put together a material and how to list for an extra large mounting block. It is oo30 now and my nose in on the keyboard. I will try to post a picture or two also.

    1. hopesway | Jul 18, 2011 01:12pm | #5

      Thank-you!

    2. RickLohr | Mar 11, 2012 12:17pm | #8

      I'm so glad I came upon this discussion.  I too have the same issue needing an extra large mounting block.  Could you possibly email me the plans and any pics you might have ([email protected]).  Or, send me a link to where you posted them 7/11?  Thanks so much!

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