8 Ways To Hang Holiday Decor on Stucco Siding
Updated: Oct. 23, 2023
As Christmas approaches, it's time to put up the lights and decorations. Here are some tips for doing it right if your house has stucco siding.
Hang Things with Stucco Screws
Stucco screws are similar to concrete screws. They’re harder than wood screws with deeper, coarser threads. They come in various lengths, but one-and-a-half inches is long enough for hanging most items on stucco siding.
You can drive the screws directly into stucco. But it’s hard work and you risk cracks, so it’s best to make a pilot hole with a power drill and masonry bit. Choose a bit with a slightly smaller diameter than the screw shank and operate the drill on low speed to prevent overheating. Use a Phillips or star-head bit, depending on the screw.
Install and Re-Use Stucco Anchors
Stucco anchors are the same familiar plastic conical anchors you use to secure things to drywall. They actually work better with stucco, because it’s harder than drywall and holds the anchors more securely.
Anchors work well because you can leave them in place for next year when you take down the decorations and remove the screws. Just remember to put a dab of silicone caulk on the opening to keep water out. You can drive a new screw straight through the caulk.
To install an anchor, drill a pilot hole with a masonry bit the same diameter as the widest pat of the anchor shank. Then tap it in with a hammer. Once installed, you can drive in any type of screw that fits.
Glue It with Hot-Melt
Hot-melt glue comes in cylindrical sticks. To apply it, you need a corded or battery-powered glue gun. Both are inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware store.
Hot-melt glue is perfect for hanging lights and relatively lightweight objects like foam candy canes and small wreaths. Simply hold the object in place against the stucco, squeeze a little glue onto the siding and embed the object in the glue. Hold it in place until the glue hardens, which takes about 10 seconds.
One advantage of hot-melt glue: It isn’t permanent. Once the Christmas season ends, use a hairdryer or heat gun to soften it and scrape it off.
Stick on Adhesive Strips or Hooks
Adhesive strips and hooks don’t stick to textured surfaces, but often work on smooth stucco. Both come with adhesive pads that bond instantly, and have enough strength to hold wreaths and other lightweight decorations.
Be aware smooth stucco’s grainy surface may not hold the adhesive well. If so, spread a little contact cement on the wall and the adhesive pad, wait a minute for it to film over, then press pad firmly against the wall.
If you use contact cement, you may need a paint scraper to remove it when the time comes. Rub off residue from the wall with acetone or lacquer thinner and a rag.
Use Drywall Wire Hangers
Wire hangers are semicircular and normally used to hang things from drywall. They don’t look strong, but each can support 100 to 150 pounds. That’s because their shape allows one end to anchor against the back of the wall
When you use wire hangers with drywall, simply poke one end through the wall. Stucco is too hard for that, so you’ll probably need to drill a small hole with a masonry bit. For the hook to work, the hole must go all the way through the stucco and lath into the wall cavity. When you remove the hook, don’t forget to seal the hole with caulk to keep out moisture.
Secure Lights With Clips
Plastic or metal Christmas light clips make it easy to hang your string lights. Different types are available, but all work more of less the same way. One end features a tab you secure to the siding, and the other end holds the light.
Some clips come with screws, but you don’t need them. Secure the clips to stucco with hot-melt glue. If you need extra strength, try construction adhesive. It’s harder to remove but perfect if you want to leave the clips in place to use year after year.
Drive Nails Into Wood Trim
Never drive nails directly into stucco. There’s a good chance it will crack, and the nails probably won’t hold. However, you can drive nails into wood trim on the corners of the walls and in the roof overhang.
Stretch string between the nails and hang whatever you want, making sure to choose string strong enough to support the weight.
Secure Things With Stucco Tape
You’ll find lots of recommendations online to hang things with double-sided or duct tape. But neither adheres well to stucco siding and probably won’t hold for long in the hot sun or wet conditions. However, stucco duct tape will hold for the entire holiday season and beyond.
Stucco duct tape is UV-resistant and waterproof. It’s engineered to conform to a stucco surface, even a textured one. Best of all, it comes right off when the season ends and doesn’t leave residue.
Originally Published: October 12, 2023
