Dry Lining & Curtains

[Anonymous]

Hi. Just a quick question about installing curtains into plasterboard.

Our nan has just moved into a new disabled flat and the whole place is dry lined (hollow walls).

She has two 3.6m wide windows which need curtains and poles / tracks.

Also just to complicate things she would prefer one of the long windows to have venetian blinds.

I've been to B&Q and checked out the fixings but my question would be how strong is the actual dry lining itself.

I'm sure I could use the correct fixings to keep the non lined curtains held up, but what worries me is if the actual plasterboard itself falls down.

[Christian McArdle]

There's usually a lintel above the window opening. Have you investigated this? You may find you actually need something more suited to reinforced concrete. (i.e. SDS drill, decent 6 or 7mm SDS twist bit and some rawl plugs).

Christian.

[Owain]

Not very.

Bear in mind there might be a considerable snatch load if nan stumbles after one too many gins and grabs the curtains to steady herself.

For the curtains, put up a good batten above the reveal (if you can, far enough above so you don't hit a lintel). For the blinds, it might be easier to use brackets that fit to the window frame (especially if timber) rather than screwing into the soffit of the reveal.

Owain

[The Medway Handyman]

It's unlikely that the exterior walls are hollow, more likely the dreaded dot & dab dry lining. If you tap the walls & listen you can hear where the dabs of plasterboard adhesive are. You can fix into the block behind.

[Slick]

How about sanding / painting a length of 2x1 and fastening it to the uprights behind the plasterboard? If you prod around to find them, they will be hidden by the wood anyway?

cheers SlicK

[Dave Fawthrop]

|> Our nan has just moved into a new disabled flat and the whole place is dry |> lined (hollow walls). |>

|> She has two 3.6m wide windows which need curtains and poles / tracks. |>

|> Also just to complicate things she would prefer one of the long windows to |> have venetian blinds. |>

|> I've been to B&Q and checked out the fixings but my question would be how |> strong is the actual dry lining itself. |>

|> I'm sure I could use the correct fixings to keep the non lined curtains |> held up, but what worries me is if the actual plasterboard itself falls |> down. | | |How about sanding / painting a length of 2x1 and fastening it to the |uprights behind the plasterboard? |If you prod around to find them, they will be hidden by the wood anyway?

I tap the surface to find where the supports for the plasterboard might be then drill holes with a 1mm drill to find the exact position, then put a bigger hole to support whatever I am fixing to the wall. 1mm holes disappear very satisfactorily without redecoration and disappear completely after a coat of paint.

[Chris Bacon]

It could be glued on, instead/as well - a good idea, Mn. Slick.

Yes, no, maybe. Is it a question, or a statement?

[Chris Bacon]

Use a bradawl.