DIY Builds
Photo by cassidy muir Pexels Logo Photo: cassidy muir

Can you screw directly into uPVC?

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.

What's the difference between a barn and a shed?
What's the difference between a barn and a shed?

The Difference Between Barns and Sheds Barns are primarily used for housing farm animals like horses, sheep, pigs, and livestock. They are also...

Read More »
How do you lay a base for a shed with paving slabs?
How do you lay a base for a shed with paving slabs?

How to build a paving slab shed base Measure and mark out the site for your patio base. Get digging – 10cm plus 2.5 cm for your slab mortar, plus...

Read More »

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

How do I start a woodworking business on Etsy?
How do I start a woodworking business on Etsy?

8 Steps to Start Selling Woodworking Items on Etsy STEP 1: Determine What to Sell. ... STEP 2: Plan for Packing Items. ... STEP 3: Batch Out Your...

Read More »
Is upcycling furniture profitable?
Is upcycling furniture profitable?

If you're good with your hands then upcycling old furniture can be a fun and profitable hobby. Think about it – every charity shop, house clearance...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

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.

How long does a wood shed last?
How long does a wood shed last?

between 20 and 25 years A wood shed is almost as durable as a vinyl shed and can last between 20 and 25 years. Aug 29, 2022

Read More »
How to make cheap room heater?
How to make cheap room heater?

How to Make a Stoneware Heater Put 3-4 candles on a tray and light them up. Position two bricks on either side of the tray and two behind the tray....

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the cheapest form of electric heat?
What is the cheapest form of electric heat?

Halogen heaters Generally speaking, Halogen heaters are one of the most inexpensive types of electric heater. They average around 1200W in terms of...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
Can you insulate a shed yourself?
Can you insulate a shed yourself?

It's not hard to insulate a shed and it's definitely a job you can do yourself. We've got the details you need to get the work done. Jun 26, 2022

Read More »