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Home Decorating

Curtain Rod Dilemma

15 years ago

My son has just moved into a new house and we've encountered a problem trying to hang curtain rods above his sliding glass doors and windows. There appears to be some sort of hard metal header, (or something non-penetrable), above all the openings. We've tried to drill in several different locations and heights above these openings to install the bracket screws, and everywhere we've drilled, once the sheetrock is penetrated, you can not drill any deeper into the wall. I've never encountered a problem like this before!

Does anyone have any suggestions? These rods need to be placed well above the openings in the dry wall. The way the windows are designed, there's not even space to use interior mounted expandable spring loaded rods, either.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or is there some sort of special, unique adhesive application that I don't know about? We have fifteen pairs of beautiful, (and expensive), drapes and curtains we'd like to use........

HELP!!

Comments (7)

randita
15 years ago
Never heard of that. Usually there's just a wooden header above windows and doors. Did you try masonry bits? The problem is, once you've drilled the hole, then you need to be able to screw into something that will hold.

It's not a plaster wall, is it?
sameboat
15 years ago
How high is the ceiling? Can you hang something from the ceiling?
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shadylady 2u and sallymo, Thanks for your advice on the double rods. So you are saying it will look better to have both the front and back rods be the same finish and style, versus trying to paint the back traverse rod (for the sheers) to match the wall. What if the back traverse rod is the basic metal square style and it is painted to match the wall? I want a large dark stained rod in front for the decorative drapery panels. So would you suggest I also get the same style and color for the sheer rod? I am thinking it should be a thinner version of the front one. Just double checking to make sure I understand! Thanks!
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Here is a mock up of what you have considered. I think you could opt for 2 rods also if you prefer.
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les917
15 years ago
Sounds like maybe steel headers instead of wood?
straitlover
15 years ago
Some of the houses around here are now using metal framing (studs, etc) rather than wood. Don't knwo how they work as far as hanging stuff. Is this a new house???
nanny2a
Original Author
15 years ago
It is a new house, the walls are sheet rock, not plaster, and it has cathedral ceilings in several rooms, so the ceilings are too high to hang rods down from above. It's quite a problem and we still don't have a solution!
Lyban zone 4
15 years ago
If this is a new house, I would speak to the builder and ask what the marerial is behind the sheet rock. Then ask him how to drill thru?
neesie
15 years ago
Yes, speak to the builder or former owner if he bought it from someone or even a neighbor if it looks like the neighborhood was built by the same builder. There has to be some sort of solution. Post back when you find out!

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