How to hang roller blinds on plastic windows with drilling

The choice of roller blinds is almost limitless. Having chosen the appropriate color, size, and transparency, you have to decide how the structure will be fixed. This choice determines how comfortable it will be to use the curtains and how long they can be used.

The article describes various installation methods: on plastic and wooden window frames, on the wall, on the ceiling. Each method has its own characteristics. We hope the information in this article will help you find a roller blind that will work properly and be pleasing to the eye for many years.

Types of fastening of roller blinds

The roller blind can be held on a special mount or on adhesive tape. Can be fixed:

• on the window profile;
• to the slope inside the window opening;
• above the window opening on the wall;
• to the ceiling.

The choice depends on the size of the canvas, the characteristics of the room, and personal preferences.

It is preferable to hang massive rolls on special fastenings that are held on with self-tapping screws. Small, lightweight structures will be held on without any problems with special adhesive tape or double-sided tape. As a rule, a package with a finished roller blind contains 2 different mounting kits, and the buyer chooses at his own discretion. When ordering according to individual sizes, you can choose fasteners according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

It is advisable to screw large massive rollers to the ceiling. When mounted on ceilings, deformation of structures is less likely due to the rational distribution of the load (the center of gravity will be under the screws, and not to the side of them). A niche can be provided for ceiling mounting.

Attaching it to a slope will help to visually hide the size of a large roller. When deciding to fix the roller blind on the slope, make sure that the material of the slope can withstand the load. For example, on plastered and puttied slopes there will be no problems with fixation. Slopes made of sandwich panels will not be held by self-tapping screws.

A small window, especially without a window sill, will look stylish with a curtain attached to the wall above the window opening.

Light and compact rolls can be fixed on the window frame. This solution will allow you to make the most efficient use of the window sill surface.

IMPORTANT! When choosing a fastener, make sure that the windows open and close smoothly.

When using roller blinds with curtains and drapes at the same time, it is important to provide sufficient space for all window decor elements.

Guides for roller blinds significantly extend their service life. They provide movement without displacement or deformation.

How does the type of curtains affect the installation process?

The table briefly summarizes the installation features of the main types of roller blinds.

The fastening method must be chosen before purchasing a roller blind.

Each type of curtain is characterized by its own specifics, which should be taken into account when making the final choice of the appropriate option.

Mounting on plastic windows

For plastic windows, it is preferable to mount without using self-tapping screws, since later, when deciding to remove the decor, it will be problematic to disguise the holes.

If for some reason you decide to install the structure on plastic windows using self-tapping screws, our recommendations are detailed in the next section on mounting to wooden windows. The only peculiarity is that before screwing the screws into the plastic frame, it is better to drill holes in it with a drill.

Without drilling into a plastic profile, roller blinds can be fixed using spring brackets or plates, which are fixed with a special adhesive tape or double-sided tape.

Each curtain model may have individual features, which will be reflected in the accompanying instructions. Perhaps the most significant difference will be the choice of fastening depending on whether the window sash opens. Spring brackets are used for opening sashes, and plates for blind sashes. However, the principle of fastening without drilling is the same for all canvases and is as follows:

1. We prepare all the components for curtains and a pencil, and if there is no special adhesive tape included, double-sided tape.
2. The fastening elements and the surface of the profile on which the roll will be attached must be thoroughly washed, degreased with alcohol and dried.
3. We glue pieces of tape onto the fasteners, leaving a protective film on the side that will be in contact with the window profile.
4. We assemble the roller blind design completely.
5. We fix it on the window with our hands, without gluing it to the tape.
6. Mark the boundaries of the fastenings (brackets or plates) with a pencil.
7. We remove the structure from the window, disconnect the roller with the canvas.
8. Remove the protective film from the fasteners and firmly press the fasteners into the marked place.
9. We put the chain mechanism on the gear.
10. We fix the roller in the holders.
11. We check whether the mechanism works properly: open and close the curtain.

With spring bracket

Installation can only be carried out on an opening sash.

Another significant advantage of this method of fastening is the ability to use a roller blind with a spring mechanism.

The installation algorithm is as follows:

1. Assemble the curtain and attach it to the frame, marking the attachment points.
2. At the marked points on the frame, hang the bracket.
3. Secure the side covers of the bracket.
4. Place the roller with the fabric in the mount, making sure that the curtain is positioned correctly and moves without problems in both directions.
5. To make it heavier, install clamps and a lower position limiter.

Mounting on wooden windows

For wooden windows, it is preferable to fasten roller blinds with self-tapping screws. They provide high structural strength. If you refuse them, there will be no sticky marks left after the self-tapping screws, which require a lot of effort to remove.

Holes in wood can be filled easily and without leaving a trace. If you decide to install roller blinds on wooden windows using double-sided tape, you can read our recommendations in the previous section.

Self-tapping installation principle:

1. We lay out all the components for the curtains on a flat surface, and make sure that the kit includes screws. If not, we get ours. You will also need a drill and a pencil.
2. We assemble by connecting the roller with the fasteners.
3. We attach the structure to the window profile, without screwing anything, and fix it with our hands.
4. Mark the holes with a pencil. They should coincide with the holes, that is, you mark them as if using a stencil.
5. We remove the structure from the window.
6. We disconnect the fasteners, apply them to the marked place, and fasten them with self-tapping screws.
7. We put the lifting mechanism on the gear.
8. We fix the roller in the holders.
9. We make sure that everything is working properly: we lower and raise the curtain.

Differences from other species

Roller blinds (fabric roller shutters) can be classified as blinds for the home, since they have a similar fastening system and control mechanism. However, this decor does not have lamellas; instead, a single fabric surface is used.

In addition, the method of controlling the canvas is different: the slats rise, tightly compressing each other, and in roller blinds the material is wound onto a shaft and a neat roll is obtained (hence, in fact, the name).

Roller shutters combine the positive qualities of all options:

• due to the variety of colors and materials, they will fit well into any interior;
• they can be combined with traditional curtains;
• provide protection from the sun and prying eyes;
• the treatment of the fabric gives it a dirt-repellent effect, and therefore the products do not require special care.

If you decide to give up fabric curtains and are wondering what to choose: roller blinds or better blinds, then don’t hesitate - take the former. They are more practical to maintain and look more advantageous, while blinds add a certain touch of office style.

Before you go shopping, watch a video that talks about mistakes when choosing roller shutters.

Wall mounts

Roller blinds are attached to the wall only with self-tapping screws.

• We prepare all the parts of the curtain, self-tapping screws with dowels, a pencil, a level, a hammer drill (perhaps a drill will be enough).
• We assemble the structure.
• We attach it to the wall.
• Mark the locations of the holes. It is advisable to use a level. While installation on a window frame occurs almost along the edge of the frame, and it itself can be considered a level, on the wall it is recommended to align the roll and mark it according to the level.
• We drill holes according to the size of the screws. It is highly likely that you will have to use a hammer drill, especially in a multi-story building. As a rule, windows are located in load-bearing walls. They often contain metal fittings. The likelihood of hitting the fittings with a drill increases significantly if you drill a hole directly above the window where the lintel is located. An ordinary drill will not cope with this task.
• We hammer the dowels into the holes.
• We screw the fasteners onto the self-tapping screws.
• We put the chain mechanism on the gear.
• We hang the roller in the fastener.
• We check the operation of the mechanism, lower and raise the roller blind.

Step-by-step installation instructions

The procedure for attaching curtains to a window sash is described in detail in the instructions included with the product. It considers the option of installing it on a sash, although other methods of fastening are not fundamentally different. The only difference can be considered the use of a hammer drill for making sockets for dowels in the ceiling or side slopes of the window. Therefore, the procedure is almost the same and does not require separate consideration.

Tools and materials

To install roller blinds you need to prepare:

Tape measure or ruler

Pencil

Building level

Scissors or utility knife

Electric drill with a set of drills

Phillips screwdriver and self-tapping screws 15-20 mm long

Only the most basic materials and tools are listed. Additional accessories may be needed during operation.

Marking

The correct installation and normal operation of the curtain mechanism depends on the accuracy of the markings. Therefore, it is necessary to treat this procedure with the utmost care.

It is necessary to assemble the product and measure the distance between the axes of the mounting holes on the brackets.

Then you need to measure the window sash. It should be 1 cm wider than the curtain. This is the optimal size - if the curtain is wider, the screws will come out of the plastic profile, and if it is narrower, it will not be possible to completely close the double-glazed window, light will penetrate through the cracks on the sides.

If the dimensions do not match, you can adjust the width of the curtain (cut it) or buy a new model.

Markings are made in width and height. It is necessary to ensure a gap between the roll and the upper part of the slope of at least 5 cm. In addition, it is necessary to control the markings with a building level to avoid distortion of the curtain.

Installation

The installation process occurs in stages. First, drill holes for self-tapping screws (use a drill with a diameter of 3 mm). After this, one bracket is attached. A shaft is installed in it, and a drive gear with a chain is installed at its other end.

Then put on the second bracket and mark the placement points for the holes for the screws. It is not recommended to immediately drill them during the initial marking - mistakes are possible, which can only be avoided by sequential installation of first one and then the other bracket.

When the curtain is installed, protective caps are placed on the ends of the shaft and the functionality of the structure is checked.

Fastening without drilling

The method of decorating a window with roller blinds without drilling involves the use of adhesive tape. This mount is suitable for windows with plastic frames. In rare cases, the roll can be fixed to the upper slope of the window. To do this, the slope must be made of PVC.

IMPORTANT! Attaching to a PVC slope poses some problems:

• the slope may not be perfectly smooth, and a deviation from the level of even a couple of millimeters causes the entire roll to skew, which can cause damage to the edges; deformation of the slope can also occur as a result of installing a structure on it;
• the quantity and quality of adhesive tape must correspond to the weight; If you make the wrong choice, the structure may fall.

Double-sided tape can hold a roller blind on a wooden window, but this is not rational. For wooden structures, a self-tapping screw connection would be more suitable.

Fastening to plastic frames is described in detail above in the 3rd section of our article; to wooden ones - in the 4th.

Problem five – they were embarrassed to use “level”

I never cease to be sincerely surprised how often people neglect the building level during installation. If you are sorry to spend just a minute using a level to set the mounting points of the holders exactly horizontally, be prepared for serious disappointment.

Even I, a cat who didn’t study geometry at school, understand that violating the straight angle leads to skew of the shaft and roll. A deviation of a couple of degrees is not critical, but if the displacement is significant, the system will stop working correctly. The owner of the product will both hear and see this. Firstly, the shifted parts of the lifting mechanism will not touch correctly, producing a loud, unpleasant noise.

Secondly, when lifting, the canvas moves strictly vertically. But due to the displacement of the shaft, the roll will begin to wind unevenly, sliding towards the holder. As a result, the interior will be replenished with a sloppy, crooked curtain that catches the eye of everyone entering the room. And if the fabric “floats” to the drum control unit, then as it is wound, the drum will “snatch” it - and so on every time the curtain is raised. Every time you have to manually correct the “bitten” curtain, which will quickly be ruined. And this sad story begins with the fact that someone was too lazy to attach an ordinary slatted level to the wall...

Attaching roller blinds to the ceiling

Roller blinds are attached to the ceiling with self-tapping screws, similar to the wall:

1. We prepare all the structural elements, screws and dowels, a pencil, a hammer drill.
2. We assemble the curtain.
3. We attach it to the ceiling.
4. Mark the holes with a pencil.
5. We drill them out.
6. We hammer dowels into them.
7. We fix the fasteners in the holes with self-tapping screws.
8. We put the chain mechanism on the gear.
9. We fix the roller in the holders.
10. Let's check how the mechanism works.

IMPORTANT! It is possible to fix curtains on the ceiling only if it has sufficient strength (for example, concrete or wood). If the room has a suspended ceiling, it is advisable to choose a different installation method or wait for repairs and change the ceiling.

Self-tapping screws

To do this you will need the following tools:

• drill;
• screwdriver;
• building level;
• screwdriver.

You will have to use a lot of construction tools.
Installation instructions look like this:

1. Determine the location of the fasteners. To do this, double-sided tape is glued to the back of the structure and applied to the frame in the position in which the curtain will be fixed. All mounted elements are assembled with tape.
2. Install the guides and secure the ends of the threads.
3. Using a drill, drill holes and screw screws into them.
4. Mount the roller roller, place the roll of fabric in the grooves and press until it clicks.
5. Install tensioners. To do this, use a level to mark the place where they will be located on the frame. Secure the ends of the fishing line, drill holes by inserting self-tapping screws.
6. Check how the design works.

Follow the window measurement instructions.

Common installation errors

Despite the simplicity of the design, typical errors occur during installation. Let's describe them so you can avoid them.

• When choosing, it is important to remember that the width of the fabric is a separate characteristic, and the total width of the curtain is the distance from the edge of one connection to the edge of the second.
• Having chosen the installation position of the roll, lower the curtain and twist the window handles in all directions, open and close the windows. Very often, after installation, it turns out that the canvas interferes with the functionality of window handles or frames.
• When choosing the installation position, it is necessary to take into account the full length of the canvas so that its top does not end up being raised unreasonably high, while the bottom does not cover the window and allows light to pass through unhindered.
• When using adhesive tape, it is important to thoroughly wash and degrease the surfaces. Neglecting this rule significantly reduces the strength of the structure. She can fall at the most unexpected moment.

Fabric selection

Fabrics for roller blinds can be divided into four groups according to material density:

• The first group is light translucent fabrics. They do not provide significant darkening, but play more of a decorative function. These fabrics should be used when it is necessary to achieve a slight darkening effect and use the product only as an element of window decoration. Translucent fabrics are produced mainly with patterns.

• The second group is dense fabrics that provide significant darkness in the room. They can be either patterned or plain. They should be used in moderate sun. They have both a decorative and sun protection function.

• The third group is very dense fabrics. The products are best used in very strong sun, for example, if you have a south-facing window or a large window. In addition to their sun protection function, they are also used as a decorative window design element. These fabrics come in patterned and plain colors.

• The fourth group is blackout fabrics, or complete blackout. They come with a pattern and plain ones. When a roller blind made of this fabric is lowered, even in the middle of the day when the sun is shining, your room will be completely dark.