Can I drill into a vinyl window frame to hang blinds?

Question

I want to hang blinds on the center window in a three-window window seat.  There's no wall on either side of the window - just the other window frames.  The top of the window frame is flush with the ceiling so the only other option is to hang the blinds from the ceiling which seems less than optimal.

Nip Tuck Remodeling · Answer

Do you have a picture you can upload?  I would not encourage you to drill into anything that is actually considered a component of the window as it will likely void your warranty.  A picture is worth a thousand words.

3po3 · Answer

Agreed. There are blinds that mount to the ceiling, and that could look good if that's your choice.

Andrew S · Answer

Well there's no warranty so that's not a problem.  Let me know if this pic works.  Thanks!

3po3 · Answer

That does help. I was having trouble picturing what we were talking about. I think you want to avoid drilling into the vinyl frame. Those frames are not really solid. I'm not sure they can support the weight of the blinds. Also, you will be allowing some unnecessary heat transfer and wasting energy. As an alternative, you might look into something like this: http://theultimateinstall.com/index.html Otherwise, I think you are right that the ceiling is maybe your only other option, but this is done regularly and should look fine. I used to work in Pleasanton at the ANG Newspaper office out by the BART station. Love the old downtown area in Pleasanton. Great little town. Cheers.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

You must be careful when doing this.  Many manufactures of windows utilize that area for spring balances and any drilling or screws may interfere with the operation of the window.  Although I doubt the window pictured has this kind of balance system, you need to check where the balance is located and be sure not to drill into that area.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Another option would be to apply a piece of 'trim' to the face of these surfaces that the blinds can be attached to. A simple strip of MDF that is epoxied along the top ( to the window frame and ceiling) could be painted white to blend in...then the blinds mounted with regular screws to that.

3po3 · Answer

KMS, you're brilliant. I didn't think of that.

Andrew S · Answer

Thanks for all of the feedback!  Re the trim/epoxy trick. How thick would the trim need to be?  Is it the kind of thing that will need to be redone every year or so to keep the bond strong?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Andrew...a basic piece of MDF is about a 5/8' thick and would be plenty.  Its a little hard for me to tell from the pic but it kind of looks like there is a bumped out 'strip' of dry wall along the very top...is that so?   This new 'trim' could be rabbeted to fit over that if it is kind of thin...or have the new trim but up to it.  When the trim is installed allow it to cure properly before the blinds are hung.  Instead of epoxy some heavy duty construction adhesive could also be used.....a polyurathane type

Andrew S · Answer

THanks a lot KMS.  I am realized right above the sheetrock above the window there's a piece of wood.  I am thinking that attaching the brackets to this wood might be the best option.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

that my provide the answer...most blinds are not that heavy where they need attachments that you can swing from...

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

What? You do not swing from your blinds in the windows.   You must be getting old!  Or your parties are not like they once were my friend..

Andrew S · Answer

I guarantee at some point one of my kids will be swinging from them.  Thanks to everyone for the help!

Budget Blinds of the Western Triangle · Answer

We do not recommend doing that. It could void your warranty with your windows..

Andrew S · Answer

Thanks.  As I said above there is no warranty so not a big deal.  In case anyone is interested I hung the middle blind from the ceiling and it works fine.  They forgot to send the extension brackets for the side windows so I am waiting for those to finish the job.  I'll post a photo when done.

Thanks again for all of your advice on this.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

cool...I'm looking forward to the pics

Michelle L. Thornton · Answer

This is all such great advice. We were told a million different things on hanging blinds on a vinyl window frame, but we got much better advice here. It really all depends on the blind bolts (http://www.abrafast.com/http/www.abrafast.com/blindbolts.aspx) that you are using.

B.Yerga · Answer

we inserted a wood beam at the top insde of the vinyl then attached the blinds to it. The beam was made smoth on both sides and cut to fit tightly into the window without nails or causing damage to the vinyl. one inch pine worked well

B.Yerga · Answer

For taller and /or wider windows we added glue that adheres to vinyl on top of the wood beam(MDF 3/4'also good). A good idea for all windows but we only started this with the bigger windows. Various glues at Home Depot. Avoid the least expensive ones

B.Yerga · Answer

We wished we had started adding the glue for all windows to enhance the grip. But our faux wood blinds not very heavy.

Loa31220104 · Answer

Ok. I just watched YouTube video about windows and the things to look out for when buying especially if you want to install inside mounted blinds. That’s all fine and dandy if you did the buying of the windows. But if you just moved into a house where they just replaced the windows for resale and they are vinyl replacement windows then what do you do. I can’t buy all new windows. They were just replaced. Please please give me a solution to being able to mount inside on these windows

Can I drill into a vinyl window frame to hang blinds?

Suggested Project Book

Forget Your Traditional Christmas Tree, These Are Even Better

Other

More

Can I drill into a vinyl window frame to hang blinds?

Suggested Project Book