A major question many homeowners with stucco siding will pose at one point is: can you drill into stucco? Due to the concrete-like texture of the siding, it seems that drilling into stucco can be difficult, or dangerous since stucco homeowners know to be wary of cracks and chips that may allow water to seep below the surface. The Phoenix stucco contractors at Titan Stucco are breaking down drilling into your stucco siding: how to do it, and what precautions you should take.
Types of Stucco
There are two main types of stucco that a home may be sided with, and each type differs in makeup, meaning they have different thicknesses, firmness, and porosity.Traditional Stucco
Traditional hard stucco siding is a cement-based substance, made from Portland cement, lime, water and sand. The cement-base makes traditional stucco extremely firm, but it is also a more porous substance than synthetic stucco.Synthetic Stucco
Synthetic stucco is typically used to cover a foam insulation system. This synthetic material is made using foam, synthetic stucco formula, fiberglass mesh and a top coat which seals it. The fiberglass included in the makeup of the synthetic stucco system makes this stucco thinner and generally less firm than traditional stucco. It is also less porous than traditional stucco due to the top coat or sealant.Can You Drill Through Both Types of Stucco?
You can drill into traditional stucco, following proper techniques which we detailed below, but for synthetic stucco it is generally recommended to avoid drilling until you contact the stucco manufacturer. Drilling without contacting the manufacturer could void any warranty you have on the stucco siding, causing any issues in the future not to be covered by the warranty policy. Once you have spoken with the manufacturer, the synthetic stucco can be drilled into, following proper techniques.What Kind of Drill Can You Use?
The type of drill you can use to drill into stucco depends on the depth of the hole and the bit you are trying to form. For smaller bits, a standard drill will be able to get the job done. For drill bits that are on the larger size or hole saw bits, it is recommended to use a hammer drill or rotary hammer. These more powerful types of drills will help minimize time spent on drilling. The hammer effect of a hammer drill or rotary hammer works especially well with the firm, traditional hard stucco siding.What Drill Bits Can You Use?
You will generally want to stick with a carbide or diamond coated drill bit for drilling into your stucco siding. Your local hardware store can help point you in the direction of these drill bits available at the store. There are different sizes available for these carbide or diamond coated drill bits, which can serve different purposes.Small Bits
A small drill bit is used for making a smaller, more shallow hole. A smaller bit is usually classified as anything that is ⅜” or less in diameter. As mentioned above, these small bits can work just fine to drill into your stucco siding with a standard drill.Large Bits
A large bit is typically anything bigger than ⅜” in diameter. Large bits that are ½” in diameter or larger will typically require an SDS type of connection to drill, since they are designed to be used with a rotary hammer instead of a standard drill.Hole Saw Bits
There are different types of carbide or diamond coated hole saw bits available. Using the hole saw bits with a hammer drill will be able to get the job done when drilling into your stucco. If you find that your hammer drill is heating up when trying to make multiple holes with the same bit, you can use water in conjunction with the bit to cool it down throughout the process.What Precautions Should You Take When Drilling Into Stucco?
Drilling into stucco is not necessarily a dangerous feat, but it is worth noting a few precautions you should consider before getting to work:- Location: Where you are drilling matters, especially when you consider that most stucco homes have electrical wires located inside the wall. The cement-base of stucco allows for no visibility when drilling, so taking it very slow when drilling will allow you to note if there are any wires or obstacles you may be drilling into, and stop if anything is noticed.
- Sealing the Hole: Once a hole is drilled into your stucco, you will need to seal the perimeter of the hole. After the hole has served its purpose (piping, ducts, etc.) ensure that you use proper caulking techniques to seal the perimeter to prevent moisture from seeping below the surface through any open areas that the hole caused.
