light-fixture
I have some simple motion activated battery powered lights that I bought at Costco a while ago. I want to install them outside the house in the front and back. The device comes with a small plastic mount that should go with screws into the wall.
Is there a way to "glue" the device's plastic back to the wall, if the wall is stucco or wood panels? I don't need it to last there forever. If it will hold one year, I don't mind if it falls and I need to clean the surface and glue it again.
In the US, a ceiling lighting fixture generally is mounted to an electrical box. The box is usually firmly mounted to a joist or other structural support.
Most fixtures have screw holes that align with the standard spacing on the fixture box.
In some cases, where boxes need to be suported between strucutral members, they use metal braces that reach to structural members. The box then attaches to the support bar.
A circular fixture is usually light enough to be supported by the screws into a well mounted ceiling fixture box. If you are replacing the box, a fan type box has extra strength and long screws to support the weight of a fan.
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They are also available with extra strong braces that fit between framing members.
If the fixture is too large to be supported by the fixture box alone, you can use conventional attachment mechanisms to support the fixture in the ceiling. Screwing into framing members (e.g., joists) is preferred, but toggle bolts or other expanding drywall anchors can be used.
I would avoid plastic anchors because they are the weakest of the options, especially when the weight of the unit pulls perpendicular to the surface rather than parallel to it. See a discussion of anchors here.
Do you have a picture of the cover? It seems very likely that all your problem simply relate to an overheating. Is there a chance for a better air flow (thermal ventilation)?
Best Answer
I would not recommend gluing it. If it comes off (wind, animal), it is going to likely pull the stucco off with it in which case you have a big problem and possibly costly repair.
I would just use the screws since it is easier to fill two small holes then fix a large patch of stucco. Make sure to use screws long enough to penetrate the solid material behind it; at least 1 1/2" wood screws.