How to Attach a Railing to Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a durable, easy-to-clean material commonly used on both new construction and in the renovation of older homes but since it is thin, specialized brackets designed to support additional weight must be used to attach railings to it.
People holding onto railings also put pressure on the siding, so installing them correctly protects your house and investment.
Things You Will Need
- Pencil
- 6-inch angle brackets
- Utility knife
- Vinyl siding snips
- Wood or masonry screws
- Silicone caulk
- Caulking gun
- Screwdriver
Tip
If your home is brick under the vinyl siding, drill a guide hole into the wall with a masonry bit and insert a wall anchor before screwing the bracket into the wall. The same brackets and process can also be used to attach flower boxes and other decorative items to your vinyl siding.
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Measure and mark the spot where the bottom of the railing will attach to the vinyl siding with a pencil.
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Cut a rectangle in the vinyl siding long enough for the angle bracket to fit through with vinyl siding snips; the cutout needs to be slightly longer than 6 inches and as wide as the bracket to allow the bracket to fit through easily.
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Pop the cut piece of vinyl siding free by pulling on it gently. Pull up gently on the piece of siding that contains the bottom of the cut-out rectangle to lift it up enough for you to slip the bracket up and behind it and pull it through the slit. Trim the slit and bend the vinyl as needed to fit around the bracket snugly. Push the bottom of the loosened piece of siding back into place.
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Screw the bracket into the house using wood screws or masonry screws, whichever corresponds to the wall material under your siding.
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Caulk around the bracket it to fill any gaps and prevent moisture from collecting underneath the vinyl. Insert a tube of silicone caulk into the caulking gun and squeeze the trigger to fill the space left between the bracket and the vinyl. Use your finger to smooth the ridge of caulk if necessary.
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Secure the railing to the bracket with screws or anchor pins, whichever is appropriate per the manufacturer's instructions.
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Repeat Steps 1 through 6 as necessary at each point where the railing needs to attach to the siding.
The Drip Cap
- Vinyl siding is a durable, easy-to-clean material commonly used on both new construction and in the renovation of older homes but since it is thin, specialized brackets designed to support additional weight must be used to attach railings to it.
- Pop the cut piece of vinyl siding free by pulling on it gently.
- Insert a tube of silicone caulk into the caulking gun and squeeze the trigger to fill the space left between the bracket and the vinyl.
References
Writer Bio
Patti Richards has been a writer since 1990. She writes children’s books and articles on parenting, women's health and education. Her credits include San Diego Family Magazine, Metro Parent Magazine, Boys' Quest Magazine and many others. Richards has a Bachelor of Science in English/secondary education from Welch College.
Photo Credits
- valley view porch image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
- valley view porch image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
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