Installation Problem with High Rise Condos

Q: We are trying to install a window treatment and when trying to put in the mounting brackets, the screw is hitting metal. We live in a high rise condo and have had this issue before. Is there any screws you can use on metal? -Rise, Milwaukee

A: Hi Rise, Yes there are screws that you can use to install your window treatments into metal. What you will need to do is go to the hardware store and get some self-tapping screws. The screws are designed to go right into metal without needing to predrill any holes. If you are unsure of what to look for at the hardware store, ask them for "self-tapping screws" or "tech screws. They will know what you are looking for.

Depending on where you are installing the window treatements, the self-tapping screws might not work. In some high rise condos, they build them using cold rolled steel plates. If you are trying to install the window treatments into this, nothing will work. You will not be able to put a screw in it. Instead, you are going to need to install the shades into the metal frame around the window. That is your only option. The self-tapping screws will drill into the metal window frame.