How to Drill into Stucco with a Hammer Drill

Stucco is a very popular exterior building material given its superior durability, versatility, and other desirable benefits. It is made with a mixture of binders (i.e. lime, cement, sand) and water, making it versatile in a variety of applications. Because of how it is applied, stucco can be used to create eye-watching decorative designs and give walls a unique finish.

Stucco becomes a hardened material, so many homeowners wonder if it’s safe to drill into. While it is possible to drill into stucco, doing so without the proper knowledge and tools can lead to several unwanted consequences.

At Garden State Brickface and Siding, we specialize in helping homeowners perform home improvement projects and create the home exterior they’ve always wanted through advanced services. Here, we discuss how to drill into stucco (without creating cracks) and the tools you will need for the job.

Tools Needed

Given the strength and durability of stucco, drilling into it requires proper tools. Failing to use the proper tools can lead to damaged walls that could result in costly repairs if not careful. The tools you should have on hand when drilling into stucco include:

• Hammer drill: Also known as an impact drill, this type of power tool is used for drilling in hard and brittle building materials.
• Masonry drill bit: Designed for fast cutting while drilling in concrete, building materials, stucco, etc., masonry drill bits have a pointed cone shape at the tip for easy penetration.
• Measuring tape: This will help ensure holes are spaced evenly apart and placed exactly where they need to be.
• Pencil: Use one to indicate where you want your hole to be on your wall.

Steps

Many homeowners are hesitant to drill into stucco because of the cracking or crumbling that can occur. However, when doing it right, those problems are less of a concern. The steps to drilling into your stucco effectively are as follows:

Step 1

Before you do any drilling, it’s wise to first measure out the precise location and spot where you need to drill the hole. Do this by using the measuring tape to gauge where you want the hole to be and mark it with the pencil. This step is especially important if you are planning to drill numerous holes to ensure they are spaced out appropriately.

Step 2

Attach the masonry drill bit to the hammer drill. Masonry bits are available in various sizes so you need to select the correct one for your drilling needs. A general rule of thumb is the drill bit should match the size of the hole needed for the task.

Step 3

After properly noting the mark of your hole and attaching the correct masonry drill bit, you are ready to begin drilling. With a firm grasp on the hammer drill, hold it against the wall on which the drilling spot is marked. While gently applying pressure, push the drill towards the wall and pull in the trigger. Drill slowly at first and increase the speed until the hole is created at the needed depth. After reaching this point, pull out the drill and inspect the hole you’ve created.

When drilling, you may notice mesh netting inside the stucco wall. This mesh is a common material in wall construction intended for support and reinforcement. There’s a possibility that the drilling process may have caused imperfections in the stucco material. Thankfully, this can be repaired with the help of an adhesive called caulk. After applying the adhesive solution, keep it as it is for two hours to allow it to dry.

When Not to Drill into Stucco

In most cases, stucco is safe to drill into, although, there are times when it should be avoided. If stucco is already demonstrating cracks and has begun to crumble, drilling can make the problem worse. Before drilling into the stucco, make sure it is completely fixed. Additionally, you should never attempt to drill into stucco when it is not completely dry. If you do, you can cause irreparable damage to the material.

Stucco and Other Home Improvement Services at Garden State Brickface and Siding

At Garden State Brickface and Siding, we take great pride in the strong reputation we’ve earned. With over 70 years of experience, we have built a brand that’s synonymous with high-quality home improvement workmanship, customer satisfaction, and reliability. Serving homeowners across central and northern New Jersey, we offer a wide range of premium services, including stucco installation and repair. We can also help improve the overall aesthetics of your stucco with professional painting and maintenance services.

For more information about our advanced offerings or the financing we have available, contact us today at Garden State Brickface and Siding.