When you have uPVC double glazing installed in your home, you may want to dress your new windows with curtains, blinds, or netting for privacy. However, you may ask yourself if it is OK to drill into the frames to dress your windows?
There are many advantages to choosing uPVC double glazing; not last is that the windows provide excellent insulation and are a very cost-effective choice compared to wooden or aluminium framed glazing options.
uPVC stands for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride. It is most commonly used in double glazing as it is known for its high quality, good performance and low maintenance costs. Installing uPVC double glazing is a sound choice that will give you years of good service, but will drilling into the frames cause any issues?
Drilling holes in your uPVC window frames
The simple answer to whether you can drill holes in your uPVC window or door frames is yes. You can hang curtains or install window blinds that need to be fixed to your window frames using screw fittings.
However, it would help if you were careful when drilling holes in the frames so as not to cause any damage to the structural integrity of your window frames.
For safety and accuracy, you should create a small pilot hole in the frame. Most uPVC profiles are 60 to 70mm, so using a 40mm screw should prevent it from going through the frame and out the other side. Create a pilot hole 1mm smaller than the screw size you intend to use, so the screw gets a good purchase in the frame.
Use the correct screw type
For uPVC window frames, the screw that experts recommend using is a self-tapping style screw. Self-tapping screws are designed for caving into the hole they create and are tightened into.
Be careful to use screws that are shorter than your uPVC window frame depth. This will prevent any damage to the other side of the frame.
Steel reinforced windows
uPVC window frames will contain steel reinforcements inside them. The steel reinforcements help to make your windows stronger and sturdier. They give the uPVC frames a lot of structural integrity and longevity.
When installing window dressings, you can carefully drill through the steel frames if necessary. Still, care must be taken not to compromise on these frames’ quality and structural integrity.
Before you drill into your window frames, it may be worth considering alternative options for hanging curtains or installing blinds that don’t involve damaging your window frames.
Your double glazing window installer will be aware of the internal structure of your chosen brand of windows and will be able to advise on the suitability of window dressing and the positioning of drill holes so as not to compromise the structural integrity of your window frames.
Use the right drill bit
Fitting blinds or curtains to your uPVC window frames can seem daunting, but it is relatively simple as long as you have the right tools.
You will need an electric drill with a 3mm drill bit, a tape measure, a spirit level, and a pencil to mark on the UPVC frame, the fixtures and fittings for your blinds or curtains.
Drilling into a reinforced steel uPVC window frame is not the same as drilling a hole in a wooden window frame. Don’t try to use a drill bit for wood, or you will get nowhere fast!
You will need a high-speed steel metal drill bit for your electric drill. Start by drilling a small pilot hole first. Check that the drill bit size you use is a little smaller than the screws you will be using to install your window dressings.
Follow these tips and the installation guide that is supplied with your curtains or blinds, and you will be able to dress your windows to suit your needs.
