How To Attach A Door Awning To Vinyl Siding

Do you want to add an awning to your door but don't know how to go about it because of vinyl siding? You've landed on the right page. We've researched the proper method for this DIY home improvement project and we're happy to share what we learned.

Here's what to do to attach a door awning to vinyl siding:

1. Buy the right awning size for your door.
2. Assemble the panel board and attachment bars.
3. Check the material underneath the vinyl siding and locate the studs where you will mount your awning.
4. Mark the spots for drilling.
5. Pre-drill holes on the studs and mounting blocks using the appropriate drill bit.
6. Install the brackets on both sides.
7. Screw the awning panel in place.
8. Caulk the edges.

Keep on reading to get more tips on how to install a door awning on vinyl siding. We'll also tell you how you can protect your awning from wind damage. Let's get down to business.

Can you mount an awning on vinyl siding?

Not all doors have awnings, but it is good to have one in your home. An awning protects your door from the elements - heat from the sun, rain, wind, and dust. This way, your door will stay vibrant-looking and last longer.

A door awning also protects you, your family, and guests from the same elements as you wait by the door until you get inside the house or while waiting for your ride.

Usually, awnings are mounted on the wall and extended outwards to offer shade and protection. They have a fixed frame design on the top of the door so that they stay in place all the time.

There are awning kits available in the market, making this home improvement project DIY-friendly. As long as you have basic carpentry skills, you can get it done.

Check out this door awning on Amazon.

First, you have to ensure that your wall can support the awning's weight. Depending on its size and material, an awning would weigh around 0.8 lbs/sq ft. Most walls can provide proper support to a door awning's weight unless you have vinyl siding.

Vinyl, although known for its beauty, is not exactly the most durable siding material out there. Vinyl cladding is mostly for aesthetic purposes only. It is not expected to support any weight.

If you do try to hang something heavy onto it, the vinyl material will be pulled down and damaged and it will lose its aesthetic value. It also doesn't offer a flat surface for mounting which makes the awning installation even more challenging.

But it doesn't mean that you can't install a door awning when you have vinyl siding. We're here to teach you how you can make it happen without compromising the quality of your awning installation and the look of your house's exterior.

Installing an Awning on Vinyl Siding

Tools and Materials Needed:

• zip tool
• stud finder
• mounting blocks (check the size you need depending on the studs)
• power drill
• wood or masonry drill bit (depending on the stud material beneath the vinyl siding)
• awning kit
• rubber hammer
• spirit level
• caulk
• ladder

Click this link for this stud finder on Amazon.

Procedure:

1. Measure your door so you know the size of the door awning that you need to purchase. It is recommended that the awning extends 6" from each side of the door and should have a projection or overhang of 12".

1. Once you've purchased the right size, check the awning kit if it is complete. The contents are indicated in the packaging. It should contain the materials needed for installation including the hardware.
2. Go through the manufacturer's installation instructions.
3. Assemble the panel board and bars as instructed. Use a rubber hammer to accomplish this task.
4. Measure from the top of the door frame to the recommended height of the awning.
5. Take off a portion of the vinyl siding to see the sheathing behind it. Use a zip tool to remove it. Start from the seams to make the job easier.
6. Determine what material the sheathing is made of to know the right drill bit to use. There's a drill bit specifically for wood and masonry so make sure you use the appropriate one.
7. Use a stud finder to locate where the studs are. The studs will offer solid support to your awning. Make sure also there aren't any vents, pipes, or electrical wiring running through that part of the wall.
8. Once you've found the studs, put a mark on the spots where you need to drill.
9. Fasten the right drill bit on your power drill and start drilling pilot holes through the marked areas.
10. Get your mounting blocks and copy the exact placement of the pre-drilled holes. The blocks will help stabilize the awning especially since the vinyl surface isn't flat.
11. Put the mounting blocks where you will place the brackets.
12. Install the bracket on one side. Put the screws in place. Make sure you drill right up to the stud.
13. Do the same when installing the other bracket on the other side.
14. Position the awning on the brackets. Make sure it is plumb and level. It's best to have an extra pair of hands to help you with this task.
15. Fasten the awning onto the brackets with the use of the screws or bolts provided in the kit. Make sure that the awning is secure and that the hardware is installed properly so that it won't wiggle around.
16. Caulk the side where the awning meets the wall to protect it from water.

There you go! That's how you install a door awning when you have vinyl siding. You just add a few steps to prepare and protect the wall for mounting the awning.

Some Reminders:

• Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Timing is also important. Schedule your home improvement project on a warm sunny day. It is harder to remove or drill on vinyl when the temperature is cold.
• If you're also planning to paint this portion of your house, do the paint job first before installing your door awning. This will save you the hassle of having to remove and install the awning again.

How do I keep my awning from blowing away?

The problem with awnings is that they are susceptible to wind pressure. Since they are protruding from the wall and are just supported on the edges, continuous winds cause constant pressure on the awning.

This is especially true if you have a temporary awning in place, if the unit is made of plastic or light materials, or if the awning isn't installed properly.

This will result in squeaking noises, faster wear and tear, and damage to the awning. Good thing, there are some things you can do to protect your awning and help make it last longer.

• Make sure the awning is properly installed. Check if the screws and bolts are tight.
• Conduct regular maintenance of your awning. Clean it regularly to wash off dirt and dust that can get inside the screws and attachments. Look out for loose screws, rusty components, and damaged parts. Replace if needed.
• Create a windbreak around your awning. You can put a fence or hedge to shield it from gusts of wind.
• You can add support to your awning through the use of wind poles. These will keep your awning in place when there are heavy winds.
• For those using fabric panels, check if there are rips, damage, or any signs of wear and tear that can weaken the material. Consult with your supplier if they can do repairs or if you need to get a replacement.
• Consider getting a retractable awning made from quality materials. This way, you can pull it back when it is not in use or when the weather is bad.

Find these awning poles on Amazon.

These are just some of the recommendations so that you can protect your awning from wind damage.

Final Thoughts

Installing a door awning on vinyl siding requires a few extra steps to ensure that you're mounting the unit on the sturdy studs underneath rather than on the flimsy vinyl material. By doing these, you can secure your door awning in its place.

Feel free to visit the following links for some related reading:

How To Build A Garage Door Awning

Do Awning Windows Open All The Way?