A home improvement project with plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems requires concrete coring, a precise technique for creating holes in walls, floors, and other structures. Many Australian homeowners wonder how long core drilling concrete takes.

As trusted Brisbane core hole drilling specialists with over twenty years of valuable industry experience, we’ve discovered no specific answer to this question. The duration depends on several factors this blog will discuss.

Creating a concrete hole usually takes ten minutes to an hour. The speed hinges on the hole’s diameter, concrete thickness, and equipment quality. Technicians can finish smaller holes on lightweight concrete slabs in five to fifteen minutes. On the other hand, expansive holes on heavier, bigger slabs take longer.

You may wonder how long concrete coring takes, so we’re here to help. We will explain several factors to empower clients and DIY experts with valuable knowledge for this undertaking, allowing them to plan and execute their home improvement projects.

What Is Concrete Coring?

Concrete coring uses specific equipment to withdraw a cylindrical piece or core from a cement-based structure. Conventional concrete drilling uses rotary hammers and core drills to extract the core. Conversely, concrete coring uses diamond-tipped bits that produce clean and accurate openings without cracking or compromising the surrounding area.

Several projects require concrete coring, including the following:

• New plumbing or electrical line installation
• HVAC system or venting installation
• Creating utility lines for irrigation or drainage
• Making structural modifications for remodelling projects

Factors Affecting Concrete Coring Duration

Concrete coring duration depends on several factors, including:

• Concrete thickness: Thicker concrete extends the duration of concrete coring. For instance, contractors will finish coring through a 10 cm slab much faster than a 20 cm structure.
• Hole diameter: Expansive holes take more time to core. Technicians can finish coring a 5 cm hole in minutes, while a 20 cm hole can take at least half an hour.
• Concrete reinforcement: Coring takes longer in concrete structures with rebars or metal reinforcements because the equipment must cut through them. Hitting rebars requires replacing the bits or other methods, which may delay the project.
• Concrete state or maturity: Mature concrete that has solidified or undergone environmental wear and tear can be more challenging to core.
• DIY vs. professional experience: Homeowners who do DIY coring may take longer to finish the task and make more mistakes than an accomplished, highly skilled professional with extensive experience. Depending on the other factors mentioned, contractors have specialised equipment and expertise to finish coring in minutes. We strongly recommend hiring a trusted concrete coring technician for complicated, large-scale projects.
• Site preparation: Concrete coring prep work includes creating drill spots, eliminating hindrances, and preparing equipment. Contractors must take extra precautions when working in confined spaces, which can extend the task by ten to thirty minutes.
  Safety inspections and preventive measures: Technicians must inspect underground gas or electricity lines, which may require collaboration with utility companies and extend the project timeline. This strategy ensures the safety of everyone involved, giving them peace of mind and reassurance.
• Sanitation and waste management: Concrete coring generates debris, which requires sanitation to maintain site safety and cleanliness. Workers disposing of dust, slurry, and other debris can add ten to twenty minutes per core.

Concrete Coring Techniques And Equipment

Concrete coring techniques and equipment affect the project duration in several ways:

• Handheld vs. mounted coring equipment: Technicians use handheld coring machines for smaller holes and small-scale projects. However, it may take them longer to finish the task. Depending on the project’s requirements and complexity, mounted coring equipment can significantly expedite the process.
• Diamond-tipped blades: Most concrete coring equipment have diamond-tipped blades that help bore through resilient concrete surfaces and structures. Contractors also use water cooling systems to prevent overheating and minimise dust, speeding up the process and enhancing workplace health and safety.
• DIY vs. professional equipment: Homeowners doing a DIY project use simple equipment that bores through concrete longer than its advanced counterparts. Experienced contractors use advanced, state-of-the art machines that core faster and more accurately, ensuring your project timeline stays on track.

Precise Time Estimates

Precise time estimates for various concrete coring depend on the hole’s diameter. The hole’s size gives homeowners an idea of the estimated project timeline.

• Small holes: Cables or small pipes with shallow depths run through small holes measuring 3 to 5 cm. These tasks usually take five to fifteen minutes to complete.
• Medium holes: Utility lines or vents require medium-sized holes measuring 8 to 15 cm. Contractors usually take fifteen to thirty minutes to bore through these holes.
• Large holes: Structural enhancements or major installations require at least thirty minutes to complete. Larger-scale projects with deep holes take much longer.

Remember that these durations hinge on critical factors, including concrete thickness, hole diameter, concrete reinforcement, cement-based structure maturity, and DIY vs. professional experience.

Trusted, highly experienced professionals know the tricks of the trade and can complete complex, large-scale concrete coring projects faster than inexperienced DIY homeowners. For this reason, contact a reputable contractor with extensive experience in your area so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your project is in capable hands.

Should You Take The DIY Route or Hire A Professional?

Homeowners who can operate simple concrete coring equipment may feel compelled to rent machinery and do the task themselves. However, consider these factors if you’re in this situation:

• Complexity: Concrete coring is more complicated than boring through drywall. The former task requires precise machinery and methods to avoid compromising surrounding structures.
• Safety: Concrete coring equipment can be risky, especially when handling reinforced concrete. Workers risk silica dust exposure, electric shock, rebar kickback, tool-related injuries, debris, and structural damage. Hiring an experienced professional minimises these risks and ensures timely project completion.
• Time and effort: Highly skilled contractors with advanced equipment can finish concrete coring projects faster than inexperienced DIY homeowners.

Although some homeowners can accomplish simple concrete scoring tasks, entrusting large-scale, risky undertakings to trusted contractors is a cost-effective strategy that saves time, minimises errors, and guarantees a successful project.

Conclusion

Concrete coring duration depends on several factors, including thickness, hole diameter, and reinforcement of cement-based structures. Technicians can finish small holes required for minor projects in less time than those required for large-scale endeavours. Complicated projects also require advanced equipment and expertise to achieve the desired results.

As Brisbane’s trusted concrete coring experts, we’re here to help. If you’re planning a home improvement project requiring this service, contact us to discuss your requirements today. Our staff can schedule an on-site inspection and create an upfront, personalised quotation for your needs and budget.