Any tricks for supporting a service mast on a existing vinyl wall.

[mavrck]

I’m looking for some tips on supporting a service mast on a exterior vinyl wall. The utility drawings have requested through bolts and I’m trying to get a idea on how to attack this without cutting drywall or plywood. Thx

 

[James L]

I’m looking for some tips on supporting a service mast on a exterior vinyl wall. The utility drawings have requested through bolts and I’m trying to get a idea on how to attack this without cutting drywall or plywood. Thx

Drill a 1-1/8" hole through the vinyl siding, and cut 3/4" PVC pipe long enough to make standoffs. Then you can use 2-hole straps with 1/4" toggle bolts sleeved with your standoffs. Or use minerallacs with a single toggle bolt.

The toggle bolts only need a 3/4" hole, so your standoffs will still have plent of surface area to rest on.

Could even use a fender washer on both endas of the PVC to have better seating

 

[LarryFine]

I don't think the POCO will accept toggle bolts for a mast. I wouldn't.

 

[tom baker]

Cut vinyl behind mast, install wood blocks 2 locations, paint and caulk
Inside, cut drywall install 2x4 block between studs behind outside blocks. Then drill for U Bolts
Our wholesale houses sell u bolts for service masts.

 

[James L]

I don't think the POCO will accept toggle bolts for a mast. I wouldn't.

He asked how to do it without cutting drywall or plywood. You know of another way to accomplish that without toggle bolts?

I guess another option would be to use those same standoff but make sure he gets the studs and then use lag screws to secure some shallow strut. But no telling where the studs are behind the vinyl siding

 

[Little Bill]

I don't think I would want to secure the mast with U-bolts where the inside support means would be covered. If you ever had to remove the mast, you would have to do more damage inside to get it loose. I would cut the drywall, add blocking, install through bolts with washers. On the outside, I would put strut with the through bolts holding the strut. Then use strut clamps to hold the mast.
This way you could seal up the inside without having to ever disturb it again, and you could remove the mast by removing the strut clamps.

 

[Little Bill]

I wasn't thinking about it when I posted above. The POCOs here aren't concerned with mast support as much as they are the point of attachment. They will allow us several means for the mast, as long as it hits "meat" or something sound to screw into. They require eye bolts with washers & nuts on both sides for the attachment point. that's where the force would be if the lines were torn down from a storm or other causes.
So if we don't penetrate the roof, eye bolts are required, if through the roof, then just secure the mast in a normal way.

 

[mavrck]

Thanks for the ideas ! Give them a try

 

[petersonra]

Dig a hole about 6 ft into the ground next to the foundation put the riser pipe into the hole and feed it up to the roof. Then fill in the 6 ft with concrete. Ain't going anywhere after you attach it to the house with a couple of guy wires.

 

[hillbilly1]

I span unistrut across from stud to stud on top of the low point of the siding, and use a strut strap. If there is styrofoam behind the siding, I use spacers to the studs to keep from crushing the siding.

 

[augie47]

I span unistrut across from stud to stud on top of the low point of the siding, and use a strut strap. If there is styrofoam behind the siding, I use spacers to the studs to keep from crushing the siding.

That's what I see here most often

 

[mavrck]

Thank you

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I span unistrut across from stud to stud on top of the low point of the siding, and use a strut strap. If there is styrofoam behind the siding, I use spacers to the studs to keep from crushing the siding.

That's exactly what I have done. I did one house 40 years ago where they had vinyl siding and did not have any plywood or anything behind it...

Of course they never told me so on the rough in we just stubbed out the wires. It was a drag but fortunately we stubbed out next to studs.

 

[tom baker]

I suggested U-Bolts as that is a common method. Our state electrical code has had this drawing for support of a service mast since mid 60's
Sorry its sideways

 

[tom baker]

there is a second dwg that show installation with unistrut.

 

[LarryFine]

Sorry its sideways

Allow me.