I'm sorry, but I did have to use some AI to help me with this. I tend to both over explain and under provide on the details...
Hopefully the pictures will show up here shortly in this link. I thought I attached them but apparently not.
I'm looking for advice on the best way to properly mount and level exterior light fixtures on vinyl siding given a messy existing setup.
The Situation & Issues:
Existing Sloppy Cutouts: A previous installer coarsely cut directly through the vinyl siding around the light bases rather than using proper siding mounting blocks, filling the gaps behind/around the base with expanding foam or sealant (visible in photos #2 and #3).
Electrical Box Condition: The electrical boxes behind the fixtures are cramped, misaligned, or slightly bent/twisted inside the wall cavity, making standard mounting brackets difficult to sit flush.
Siding Angle / Tilt: Because the fixtures sit directly against the overlapping vinyl lap siding, they tilt back slightly rather than sitting plumb/vertical (photo #1).
Mounting Blocks Don't Line Up: When looking at aftermarket vinyl mounting blocks (built-in siding lap profiles/J-channels), the preset profile contour/cutout does not align vertically with where my electrical box and fixture centered points currently land. Additionally, retrofitting a full surface/recessed mounting block under already installed siding without tearing apart whole courses seems tricky.
My Plan:
I am replacing the two front porch fixtures (photo #1) with new ones. I want to relocate the old fixtures to other spots on the house (including the location with the bag cover in photo #2).
My Questions for the Community:
Retrofit Siding Blocks vs. Wedges: Is it better to cut away more siding and slip a 2-piece retrofit siding mounting block (like an Arlington Siding Box / Surface Mount) behind the lap, or should I use standalone vinyl wedge leveling shims / custom PVC spacer plates on top of the siding?
Dealing with Misaligned Box Heights: If the electrical box sits right on a siding lap joint rather than centered in a flat profile, how do you cleanly bridge or mount a surface block without creating massive weather-sealing gaps?
Box Cleanup: What’s the safest, cleanest way to clean out old expanding foam around tight junction boxes without damaging existing wiring or expanding the siding hole unnecessarily?
Any tips on specific hardware (brands, mounting kit models, or DIY adapter plates) would be greatly appreciated!
(Attached Photos: 1. Front porch setup, 2 & 3. Close-ups of sloppy siding cuts & foam, 4. Ring camera mount for reference)
One note: If anything is added besides the light, color advice would be appreciated as well.