How to Hang a Thermometer on Vinyl Siding

Special hooks let you hang thermometers without damage.

Hanging an outdoor thermometer allows homeowners to keep up to date on the weather and serves as part of the outdoor decorating scheme. While hanging a thermometer on wood or masonry includes simply drilling a hole, vinyl siding presents more of a challenge. However, special hooks securely hold the thermometer to the wall without causing damage to the home’s exterior. When hanging the thermometer, it’s also important to consider the best location for accurate temperature monitoring.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Vinyl siding hooks
• 12 gauge stainless-steel wire

Instructions

1. Monitor the home’s exterior for 24 hours prior to installation to identify a location that is not in direct sunlight, which causes inaccurate readings. Then look for an area near the top of a wall under the eaves or under a porch railing that gets good air circulation.

2. Hold the thermometer up to the optimal location and move it around until you find a location that is aesthetically pleasing and that allows you to easily read the dial or digital readout from all areas of the porch or yard. Draw a small pencil mark on the vinyl siding slat to help identify the area later.

3. Pick up a vinyl siding hook and turn it so that that the larger hook faces downward and toward you. The top smaller hook should face toward the side of the home.

4. Hold the hook up to the location you marked with a pencil. Place the smaller hook at the bottom edge of one piece of vinyl siding and wiggle it from side to side as you push up. Once the hook slides under the siding slat by 1/4 to 1/2 inch, you will feel it click into place. Tug downward gently to ensure the hook is secure.

5. Look at the back of the thermometer to locate the hanging loop or wire. Slide it over the larger bottom hook to mount it to the vinyl siding. You may need to attach a piece of 12 gauge stainless-steel wire to the back of the thermometer if the holes are not large enough to fit over the hook.

Tips & Warnings

• Most vinyl siding hooks can hold up to 12 pounds of weight without bending or sliding out of the home’s exterior.

• When purchasing vinyl siding hooks, ensure they consist of stainless steel to prevent rust stains from developing on the siding.

References

• Wind and Weather: Need Help With a Weather Instrument
• New Retirement Communities: The Safe and Easy Way to Hang Things on Your Vinyl Siding
• Siding Hook: Exterior Decorating