UPVC is a popular material because it’s sturdy, easy to work with, made of quality material, and cost-effective. Since it’s often used to frame doors and windows, it isn’t always a flat, unobtrusive shape. Most of the time, the UPVC framework resembles crown molding and creates a unique challenge with mounting devices such as the Ring Doorbell.

The typical Ring Doorbell kit comes with a handful of T6 screws, a level, a screwdriver with a T6 tip, a mounting bracket, adhesive, and a drill bit for 1.70mm screws. If you’re planning on mounting the doorbell to UPVC, however, you’ll find that the provided kit is probably useless—aside from the drill bit.

Before Installing Your Ring Doorbell on a UPVC Frame

There are currently six different Ring Doorbells, and you should know their dimensions before installing, whether wired or wireless; this will help you determine which device/mounting method is best:

  • Ring Video Doorbell (2020) / 5 x 2.44 x 0.91 inchesRing Video Doorbell Pro / 4.5 x 1.84 x 0.8 inchesRing Video Doorbell Pro 2 / 4.92 x 4.13 x 2.28 inchesRing Video Doorbell 3 / 5.06 x 2.44 x 1.06 inchesRing Video Doorbell 3 Plus / 5.06 x 2.44 x 1.06 inchesRing Peephole Cam / 4.41 x 2.26 x 3.53 inches

How to Fit Ring Doorbell to UPVC Frames

The following are a few mounting methods you can use to attach your device securely to your UPVC framework.

Use Self-Tapping Screws

Self-tapping screws are designed for when you are working with material that you can only access from one side. They work great for any version of the Ring Doorbell, including the Peephole. There are two types of self-tapping screws, thread-forming and thread-cutting. Drilling a pilot hole is necessary for thread-forming screws since they have a flat tip. However, it’s probably best to drill pilot holes for either, just to make your job easier.

If you’re mounting the Ring Doorbell to a flat, UPVC surface—and it’s a wireless model—simply place your base plate in the desired location and mark out your base plate holes. If you’re using thread-cutting screws, go ahead and drive the baseplate in, or drill your pilot holes, whichever you prefer.

It’s a good idea to place your Ring Doorbell roughly four feet off the ground. While this is a little low, this position takes full advantage of the camera lens, allowing a full-body capture of anyone who approaches your door.

The Ring Peephole Cam is perfect for mounting with self-tapping screws. You’ll only have to deal with a flat surface, and wedge or corner mounts won’t be an option.

Using Self-Tapping Screws with Wired Ring Doorbell

If you have a wired version of the Ring Doorbell, the same steps apply, with the addition of wiring your device in once you’ve removed your existing doorbell. Always be sure to shut the breaker switch off when attempting to wire a Ring Doorbell.

Use Wedge and Corner Mounts

Depending on the desired location, or the shape of your UPVC frame, consider using the wedge and corner mounts to properly position your Ring Doorbell.

If your front door is inset from the exterior wall, or your UPVC frame is wedge-shaped, a wedge or corner mount will help offset those angles, giving you a clear view of anyone who approaches.

You install these base plates the same as you would mount the standard baseplate, then wire or secure a wireless Ring Doorbell to it. Traditional doorbells are small and unremarkable. Ring Doorbells are much larger and flat. If you have an angled frame, a single or double corner mount will present the doorbell in a forward-facing position.

Use Adhesive on the Base Plate

When using adhesive to mount the base plate, be sure to thoroughly clean the UPVC surface before applying. Also, avoid installing during inclement weather or when humidity is heavy.

When placing the adhesive tape, be sure to hold it firmly in place for several seconds before releasing and peeling off the other side. Repeat the process when mounting the base plate. Once installed, the no-drill mount adhesive is waterproof.

Use Silicone on the Base Plate

You can also use silicone to mount your baseplate but, never use silicone on the Ring device itself, as the heat generated by the device needs an outlet. Place the base plate in the desired location and run a thin bead of silicone around the edges. Once dry, you can mount your Ring Doorbell.

Final Thoughts

There are several ways to fit a Ring Doorbell into UPVC frames. You can drill pilot holes for self-tapping screws, purchase adhesive base plates, use silicone, or buy wedge and corner kits. With several different Ring Doorbell generations—including Ring Peephole—your approach to mounting it may be different.

Just because UPVC is cost-effective doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality frame or door. When it comes to mounting a Ring Doorbell, it’s easier to work with than brick, concrete, and sometimes even wood surfaces.