How to Drill Into Stucco

Stucco is made with a mixture of binders(lime, cement, sand) and water. It becomes hard and develops into a durable material. Used for construction of decorative coatings on walls, sculptures, and other creative architecture. Also, it needs very low maintenance and stays the same for many years.

People consider stucco as a coating material used for the outer walls of the building. Stucco is different from plaster. Stucco is a rough texture while the plaster is a smooth texture.

It is used to create decorative designs, texture the wall, and apply to give the walls a unique look with great finish effects.

What is a Stucco?

A mixture of aggregates, water, and a binder to keep everything together is called stucco. Homes in the Northwest and the southern portion of the US frequently have stucco exteriors. Occasionally, stucco is used to produce a distinct visual appeal on a home's interior. After mixing, the stucco is watered down. It takes roughly ninety days for the plaster to fully cure after being applied to the house as wet plaster.

Can I Drill Through Stucco?

The answer is ‘Yes. To drill through the stucco material you need to choose a suitable drill bit. The most ideal bits are carbide tip bits, masonry bits which can be attached with a hammer drill to drill through the Stucco easily. Hammer drills are specially designed bits with fast rotary action and quick drilling. It works great for brittle materials such as cement and concrete.

How To Drill Into Stucco?

To drill a hole in stucco is a challenging and difficult task. Sometimes, in the process of drilling through the stucco wall design, it results in cracking or crumbling in pieces. Unless you follow the right process and recommended steps.

Here are some step-by-step tips explained to get the drilling done effectively. Just follow the process and get better results in drilling through the stucco. 

Requirements To Drill Into Stucco

You will need the following items:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil(For marking the drilling spot)
• Drill bits

4 Easy Step to Drill Into Stucco

Step 1

Measure the precise location and spot where you need to drill the hole. Use tape to measure the distance of the hole from the ground. Use a pencil to mark the exact spot for drilling.

It will assure that the holes are at equal distances from ground level. 

Always keep in mind, while drilling holes choose the correct bit required for the process. It should match the size of the hole needed for the task.

Step 2

Attach the masonry drill bit to the electric drill. Masonry bits are designed for fast cutting while drilling in concrete, building materials, stucco, etc. It is good to drill in brittle materials. They have a pointed cone shape at the tip for easy penetration. There are a variety of masonry drill bits with different sizes available to use for drilling.

Step 3

Now you have marked the spot and are ready to drill with an attached drill bit. Take the drill and hold it against the wall on which the drilling spot is marked. Gently apply the pressure on the drill and push it towards the wall to make the hole. Push the trigger to increase the speed and cutting action to drill the hole through the wall. 

Keep drilling continuously until the hole is created to the needed depth. After reaching the goal you can pull out the drill and check the hole thoroughly. 

Step 4

The drilled hole is visible clearly. Due to the presence of wire mesh inside the stucco wall, there is some possibility that the process may have caused breaking in the stucco material. This can be repaired with the help of a simple process using an adhesive. Clear away any dirt or loose trash near the operated areas.

A thick solution called caulk is used to apply on the surface to fill the cracks. You need to apply it by spreading it on the cracked or crumbling areas like an adhesive. It helps to hold the damaged pieces together. Leave the applied solution, keep it as it is for 2 hours and allow it to dry.

Additional Suggestions and Care

After learning how to drill into stucco, you ought to research how to fix any fractures. There are several reasons why this might happen. Two common causes of stucco cracking are weather and ground displacement.

The next step is to research the drying time of stucco. It is not a good idea to drill holes in the stucco before it has completely dried. Drilling into the stucco before it cures can cause irregularities and further cracking.

Finally, you should hire a qualified contractor if you observe that your stucco extends below the grade of your house. The stucco installation was not done correctly by the person who did it. Furthermore, you want this resolved before it further deteriorates your house.

What Are The Different Drill Bits You Can Use?

While many drill bits are excellent for drilling into stucco, the one thing you should always keep in mind when choosing a masonry bit is to search for ones with diamond or carbide coatings. You should find this information directly on the packaging or website where you purchase your drill bits.

• SMALL BITS - Any bit that is ⅜" or less is considered a little bit. In any hardware store or online, they are the most often used and accessible parts.
• BIGGER BITS - Usually used to describe any drill bit that is ½" or bigger. Remember that an SDS connection is necessary for these pieces. Although the SDS bits are designed to be used with rotary hammer drills, you may purchase adapters to make them compatible with your regular drill if needed. 
• HOLE SAW BITS—Once more, look for the bits marked as diamond or carbide-coated on the package.

If you want to extend the life of your masonry drill bits and improve their performance, use a rotary hammer drill and even mist the bit with water while drilling. This will keep it cool and in good working order, particularly if you intend to drill a large number of holes quickly.

When Should I Contact An Expert?

Hiring a professional is a terrific option when working with stucco. On the other hand, drilling a hole in your stucco is a straightforward do-it-yourself activity. Additionally, give your local house inspection team a call if you're unsure if the stucco is suitable for drilling. After examining the outside of your house, they can authorize drilling.

Conclusion

The drilling into the Stucco needs the right tools. The above steps would be helpful for your DIY drilling task. Now you can complete your DIY projects related to stucco drilling at home. These tips will help you to improve your interior and exterior decorative wall arts.