Can I glue house numbers on house?

Gluing house numbers onto the exterior of your home is a very common practice. It provides a clear marker of your address for mail carriers, delivery drivers, emergency responders, and visitors. However, there are some important factors to consider before gluing numbers onto your home’s exterior. In this article, we will examine if gluing house numbers is allowed, the best practices for doing so, what materials to use, and how to properly attach them for longevity.

Is It Okay to Glue House Numbers on Your House?

Gluing house numbers onto your home’s exterior is generally allowed, with some considerations. Here are a few key points on the rules and regulations:

• Most local ordinances require visible house numbers for emergency services. Gluing numbers is one acceptable method.
• Numbers should be at least 4 inches tall so they are visible from the street. Be sure to check your local requirements.
• Avoid placing numbers too far from the main entrance, where emergency responders may not see them.
• Numbers should be in a contrasting color from the home for visibility. Reflective numbers are ideal.
• Historical home associations may have restrictions on gluing exterior items. Check any regulations for your neighborhood.
• If you are a renter, check with your landlord before gluing anything to the exterior.
• Make sure the glue you use is exterior-grade and won’t damage the home’s siding or paint.

As long as the numbers meet visibility and size requirements, gluing is typically allowed. Just be sure to use the right adhesive and placement.

Best Practices for Attaching House Numbers

When gluing exterior house numbers, following best practices will ensure they adhere properly and look neat. Here are some top tips:

• Clean the surface thoroughly before gluing. Remove any dirt, debris, or flaking paint so the adhesive bonds well.
• Choose high-quality exterior-grade glue like silicone, polyurethane, or exterior-rated epoxy.
• Pick a flat surface on your home’s exterior near the main entrance.
• Hold the numbers in place with firm pressure for 30-60 seconds as the glue sets.
• Use painter’s tape to hold the numbers overnight as the glue fully cures.
• Make sure the numbers are straight and evenly spaced. Use a level for precision.
• If the surface is uneven, insert spacers behind to keep the numbers flat against the wall.
• Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before removing the painter’s tape.

Following these best practices will keep your glued-on house numbers neatly in place for many years.

Choosing the Right Adhesive

The type of adhesive you use is important to get a strong, long-lasting bond. Here are some top options:

Silicone Sealant

– 100% waterproof and weatherproof
– Flexible – won’t become brittle
– Bonds well to many surfaces
– Can pay more for UV-resistant types

Exterior Epoxy

– Extremely strong and durable bond
– More expensive than other adhesives
– Works well on metal, wood, concrete, masonry
– Some formulas take 24+ hours to cure

Exterior-Grade Polyurethane

– Weather resistant and waterproof
– Can be used for uneven surfaces
– Relatively affordable option
– Provides a flexible bond

Construction Adhesive

– Designed for exterior use
– Bonds to most common building materials
– More affordable than epoxies and polyurethanes
– Can dry somewhat brittle over time

No matter which option you choose, be sure the product states it is designed for exterior use. Avoid interior-only glues.

House Number Materials

In addition to glue, the material you choose for the house numbers themselves also matters:

Metal

– Very durable in outdoor elements
– Won’t warp, crack, or fade over time
– Stainless steel or aluminum recommended
– Can feel cold in winter

High-Grade Plastic

– Affordable option
– Resists fading and warping
– Not as durable as metal over decades
– Can become brittle and crack eventually

Ceramic

– Very durable and weather-resistant
– Won’t rust, rot, or warp
– Can chip if hit with heavy impact
– Heavier than other materials

Wood

– Requires weather treatment and repainting over time
– Can warp or rot if untreated
– Provides a classic, rustic look

Metal and plastic are likely the best options for longevity and maintenance. But ceramic and nicely treated wood can also work well.

Where to Place House Numbers

Proper placement of house numbers is key for visibility. Some guidelines on positioning:

– Numbers should be 4-5 feet off the ground
– Place them within 3 feet of your main entrance
– Choose a flat surface like a wall, pillar, or post
– Avoid windows and railings that may obstruct view
– Make sure they can be seen from the street both day and night

Also consider these placement tips:

– If your home is not visible from the road, place a second set of numbers on a post, gate, or mailbox at the foot of the driveway.
– For homes with long driveways, repeat the numbers a few times along the way.
– Put numbers on both sides of a corner lot home so they are visible from both streets.
– Illuminate the numbers at night or select reflective numbers that shine when car headlights hit them.

With good placement in a visible spot near the entrance, your glued-on house numbers will properly welcome visitors and emergency responders.

Prepping the Surface Before Gluing

Proper surface prep is vital for the numbers to adhere correctly. Here are some tips:

• Clean off any dirt, dust, spiderwebs, or grime so the glue bonds tightly.
• Use soap and water if needed, then let the surface dry fully.
• Scrape off any loose paint flakes or old caulk.
• Sand glossy surfaces lightly to help the glue adhere.
• Wipe down vinyl or metal siding with rubbing alcohol to remove oils.
• Fill any cracks or gouges with exterior spackling compound if needed.

Take time to properly prep the surface and your house numbers will stick for many years. Avoid shortcuts here.

How to Remove Old House Numbers

If there are existing house numbers that you need to remove before installing new ones, here are some tips:

• Carefully slice any caulk lines around the edges of the numbers with a utility knife.
• Heat any adhesive behind the numbers with a hairdryer to soften it.
• Slowly peel off the numbers while continually warming the adhesive.
• Scrape off any remaining adhesive residue.
• Use adhesive remover if needed, following product directions.
• Patch and repaint the wall if required to hide any marks left behind.

Work slowly and patiently when removing old numbers to avoid damaging the underlying surface.

Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Numbers

When gluing on new house numbers, sidestep these common mistakes:

• Not thoroughly cleaning the surface first – Skipping this can impede bonding.
• Using indoor glue unsuitable for outdoor use – It will fail quickly outside.
• Not letting adhesive fully cure – Numbers may fall off too soon if rushed.
• Putting numbers too high or low – They must meet height rules for visibility.
• Ignoring spacing and alignment – Eyeballing placement often looks crooked.
• Positioning too far from the entrance – Emergency responders may miss them.
• Putting them somewhere windows or landscaping can obscure view.
• Applying to a surface that’s too cold – Most glues require above 50°F.

Avoiding these common errors will lead to neatly placed, long-lasting exterior house numbers.

How to Make House Numbers More Visible

To ensure your glued-on house numbers are easy to see, consider these visibility tips:

• Choose numbers in a color contrasting the wall color behind them.
• Select reflective or illuminated numbers that shine at night.
• Install a light above or beside the numbers for extra nighttime visibility.
• Paint the house trim around the numbers in a contrasting accent color.
• Outlining the numbers in caulk before gluing can make them pop.
• Add borders or decorative scrollwork around the numbers for emphasis.
• Keep bushes, trees, and decorations cleared away from blocking the line of sight.

With good color contrast, lighting, and strategic design, your glued house numbers will proudly display your home’s address.

Conclusion

Gluing house numbers onto your home’s exterior is typically allowed, provided you use appropriate adhesive and placement. Be sure to clean thoroughly, choose durable materials, use proper installation techniques, and focus on visibility for the numbers to properly mark your home’s address for many years to come. With this guide’s tips in mind, you can confidently glue house numbers on your house.