What is concrete core drilling?
Core drilling forms circular openings through concrete walls and slabs for pipes, cables, ducts and other building services. The starting point is the finished opening you need: its diameter, position, direction and the thickness of the concrete.
Choosing the right penetration
A pipe size and a required hole size are not always the same. Include any clearance, sleeve or installation detail specified by the designer or service contractor. For several penetrations, a marked-up plan with a hole schedule helps connect each size to its location.
Walls, slabs and access
Tell us whether the opening is through a wall or floor, whether the drilling position is above ground level and what is below or behind it. Photos should show the surrounding workspace as well as the proposed hole. Known reinforcement, post-tensioning and existing services need to be identified for the scope review.
Common project requirements
- Plumbing and drainage penetrations
- Electrical and mechanical service openings
- Wall and slab penetrations
- Multiple openings for staged building works
What to send for a quote
- Hole diameter in millimetres
- Slab or wall thickness, where known
- Number of holes and marked-up locations
- Access, working height and site restrictions
Don’t have every detail yet? Tell us what you know. The team can discuss what else is needed.
What affects pricing
- Number of holes, diameters and concrete thickness.
- Drilling direction, working height, access and time needed to set up.
- Investigation, site restrictions, core handling and mobilisation requirements.
The office reviews these factors before scope and pricing are agreed. A requested date is subject to confirmed availability.
Planning the work
- Confirm the proposed locations and provide available structural or services information before agreeing the drilling scope.
- Discuss access on both sides, core handling, working hours and any water or slurry restrictions.
- Agree which party handles set-out, investigation, approvals, installation and making good around the penetration.
Scope and responsibilities
Drilling the opening is a different scope from installing a pipe, fire-stopping, waterproofing or repairing finishes. Tell the office which of these tasks are required so the quote makes the responsibilities clear.
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