Attaching things to uPVC fascia.

paulcam

I want to run a strip of waterproof RGB LEDs along my garage eves to add effect lighting to the garden.  There is space under the guttering.
While I could drill a pilot hole and use small self tappers, I thought I would ask if there is an easier way.  Something that won't damage the fascia but that is easy.
Would silicon sealant or hot glue be strong enough outdoors used as a glue to hold LED strips, thinking it could be peeled off later??

knightstyle

LED strips come with double sided tape so just clean the PVC with white spirit and stick the LEDs on.
Hot glue and silicone will work but with all these sticking it on may leave marks when removed.
Perhaps stick it onto a piece of plastic strip and hang this from the guttering if you do not want to stick or drill.

neilmcl

Just use some of those Command hook & loop hanging strips.

grumbler

I don't think either hot glue nor silicone will leave any marks, but I don't see how silicone can be used that takes that long to set.

Instead of drilling and screws I'd just use the traditional nails used for UPVC facia. Unfortunately, SF sell them only in hundreds - https://www.screwfix.com/c/screws-nails-fixings/upvc-nails/cat840042

paulcam

Well, I googled a bit more and I ordered some 10mmx10mm 3M adheshive pads.  The kind you use for dash cams or gopros.  I figure one of those every 1 1/2 feet will hold it through most weather.
Fingers crossed.

The 3M backing (normally fake chinese glue) on LED strips is not to be trusted.  I have tried sticking them to PVC pipe in a "helter skelter" style before, but you still have to anchor the ends with cable ties or it just peels off and unravels.
Besides, these are in a silicone tube with no backing tape

paulcam

Mounting on something though is a good suggestion.  I can 3D print clips and stick them up, this should allow the strip to contract and expand with temperature rather than pull it's fixings off.

Myser

paulcam said:

Well, I googled a bit more and I ordered some 10mmx10mm 3M adheshive pads.

Hopefully they are genuine 3M pads otherwise no better than the fake 3M adhesive on the rear of some LED strips!  Are the pads waterproof?

paulcam

Myser said:

paulcam said:

Well, I googled a bit more and I ordered some 10mmx10mm 3M adheshive pads.

Hopefully they are genuine 3M pads otherwise no better than the fake 3M adhesive on the rear of some LED strips!  Are the pads waterproof?

They claim to be, LOL  (I know, I know).