Mounting lights outside metal building

[Dragster Racer]

OK. Simple detail question. I have metal ribbed siding, and the center has a rib running up and down it. I would like to mount a light right at the center but it will be straddling the rib. How do you get this to look good and right?

[Everyday]

I've been wondering the exact same thing. I have a pole barn with metal siding that I want to install outside lights. I haven't seen anything for this yet.

[jcs_in_ky]

There's one on a metal building on my property that is done like that. It was there when we bought the place. It looks like they just took a normal fixture and notched it out for the rib. Then they caulked around it. They didn't do that good of a job cutting it and relied more on the caulking (lots of it). If I had been done neatly it would look better and probably seal better. I need to pull it down one of these days and fix it, just haven't had a chance yet.

[Nealcrenshaw]

Need some pics!

[Steve in Mi]

Originally Posted by Dragster Racer

OK. Simple detail question. I have metal ribbed siding, and the center has a rib running up and down it. I would like to mount a light right at the center but it will be straddling the rib. How do you get this to look good and right?

You could use a 6" X 6" (or whatever size will accommodate the light base) piece of wood and saw a matching rib relief down the center to straddle the center rib.

Rap in aluminum or paint to suit.

[Dragster Racer]

Thanks guys. That helps!

[Nutty 5.0]

I ended up going to HD, and they have these little vinyl/plastic sections that are about 9" LxW. They have different styles to mount either flat or angle cut for vinyl siding so they will sit flush. I found one that was flush and placed it between some of the ribbing. Or you can just make the notches yourself to fit the ribs. Really looks nice and finshed. Did this outside the mandoor for a light and the opposite side over the doors facing the alley with a flood light.