Curtain rail - diy novice

iviv

Hey guys! I'm a representation of all that's wrong with young people these days. Moved into a flat which was fine except for single glazed windows which had blinds attached to them. The landlord finally replaced the windows with nice double glazed ones, but I'm left without any privacy. So I need to finally gain some diy skills!

The building itself is a converted office block, and the two windows are 1200 wide by 1500 high. My main problem is that I have no idea what lintel will be installed over the window. So, to avoid hitting some ridiculously designed lintel, would it be possible to instead get a length of wood and stick that firmly to the wall with something like no more nails, then attach the curtain rail to that? Also, I don't actually have a drill yet, but have been told that the £15 argos value wired electric drill will be enough for what I need it for, after which it will likely be back in the box for another year or so.

ontrack

Yes you can fit a strip of wood and then the curtain track, I would recommend drilling and plugging the wood unless you are sure that you have a clean solid base for the glue to stick to. If its wallpapered you only have the strength of the wallpaper adhesive and if its painted its the strength of the paint/ plaster bond.
Worst that can happen is you have the curtains down on your head!!

martinsurrey

is this a rented flat?

if so I would ask the land lord what to do, if not, the wood idea is a sutable, if ugly, method.

ed110220

I'd tap the wall above the window to get an idea of its construction. If it's a converted office block it's likely to be some sort of drywall construction which will make things easier. Does it feel like masonry (brick, concrete etc) or hollow (plasterboard on timber or other framework)?

I would only glue wood to the wall if it's impractical to drill because of a concrete lintel or some other obstruction like steel structure.

The other option is that many curtain tracks can be fitted to the ceiling. That is what I did to fit floor-to-ceiling curtains, which I think look much better than ending just above the window but 20cm short of the ceiling in my case.

iviv

martinsurrey wrote: »

is this a rented flat?

if so I would ask the land lord what to do, if not, the wood idea is a sutable, if ugly, method.

It is rented. The letting agent refused to install a curtain rail when they fitted the windows, but said I was allowed to install one.

I will try tapping the wall when I get home, see if I can tell anything from it.

martinsurrey

iviv wrote: »

It is rented. The letting agent refused to install a curtain rail when they fitted the windows, but said I was allowed to install one.

I will try tapping the wall when I get home, see if I can tell anything from it.

Letting agents are NOT the LL, who you have the contract with.

Before you do anything, get a SIGNED letter (not email) from the land lord (not the letting agent) with EXACTLY what you are allowed to do, and that he accepts all liability after installation.

penguingirl

iviv wrote: »

Hey guys! I'm a representation of all that's wrong with young people these days. Moved into a flat which was fine except for single glazed windows which had blinds attached to them. The landlord finally replaced the windows with nice double glazed ones, but I'm left without any privacy. So I need to finally gain some diy skills!

Not specific to your query, but my parents bought by bf the Collins DIY manual for Christmas after we'd moved in together as we had needed help hanging a mirror and a toilet roll holder. 5 years later we have our own home and have plumbed in a shower, fitted a bathroom, tiled, fitted a kitchen and done basic electrics (changed light fittings etc) all self-taught using that book, youtube and the internet so our generation aren't beyond hope! Everyone has to start learning somewhere

iviv

martinsurrey wrote: »

Letting agents are NOT the LL, who you have the contract with.

Before you do anything, get a SIGNED letter (not email) from the land lord (not the letting agent) with EXACTLY what you are allowed to do, and that he accepts all liability after installation.

Any documents I have from the landlord all show the letting agency address. I will have another word with them based on this post though!

penguingirl

iviv wrote: »

Any documents I have from the landlord all show the letting agency address. I will have another word with them based on this post though!

Your tenancy should include a UK address for your LL for the purpose of giving notice

-taff

you can no nail some abtten to the top of the window, no idea how long it will hold though, they are suaully screwed/rawl plugged intot he wall. You can drill a test hole first, use a small masonry bit, piranha wedge headed oens are good, ad see what you find. If it works out, you can make it bigger with your next hole, or if it's no good, you can fill it in and paint over it.

iviv

I'll check when I get home, but I'm pretty certain it just gives the address of the letting agent.