Drilling into RSJ/I-Beam - risks (structural, asbestos, etc)

[Sc67]

Hi all

I have started drilling into the wall above our French doors downstairs to try and fit a curtain pole, and appear to have hit an I-Beam/RSJ. No idea when it was installed - the house is early 1900s, so any time after then.

At this juncture, I’m wondering what the risks are of me carrying on trying to drill through. Could there be implications for the structural integrity of the beam?

Also, a thought occurred to me that presumably RSJs are normally clad in drywall before they are plastered over. Was asbestos insulating board sometimes used for this?

Just hoping to get an idea of whether it’s more sensible to stop now and find an alternative means of mounting the pole.

Thanks

 

[geraldthehamster]

Drilling a small hole into a steel beam won't compromise it.

 

[foxhole]

No drilling required , use these.

TechFast Heavy Duty Self Drilling Torx Roof Screw

If you're joining timber to heavy section steel, these TechFast roofing screws will give you a strong and secure fix.The screws are fitted with breakaway wings to protect the thread from engaging timber while drilling through. The wings ream a hole, then break off when they come into contact...

www.toolstation.com

 

[Sc67]

Thanks both, that’s very helpful. Would you be concerned about what the beam is clad in, or is it pretty unlikely something like AIB would have been used to clad a concealed domestic RSJ? Not sure how I’d get at it to test it!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I wouldn't be perturbed by anything that it was clad in.