Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Drilling into Masonry

Sorry if this is a no-brainer but I'm a real beginner DIY-er :D . I was drilling into one of my walls today to install a new curtain rod when the drill bit stopped at about 1 inch and just wouldn't go any further. What could the obstruction be? I am not sure of the exact composition of my home walls, though I do know that they are made of bricks and cement. I am using a 500W Black & Decker hammer drill with masonry bits. Thanks.

bkse7en, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Its possible that you hit the steel support that runs over the window. This is put in to support over windows in brick homes. You may have to move your hole up or down an inch. Good luck.

Thanks for the quick reply! Would it be possible then, to drill into the steel support? (I actually tried that with the proper bit, but it didn't seem to work) :confused:
By the way, I'm drilling about 15cm above and 10cm away from the upper left edge of the window.

It should be possible to drill the steel. I looked at my own windows and the steel plate is only 3" past the edges and 3/8" thick. Good luck.

bkse7en,

Another possibility is that you have hit a tenacious little stone.
I have gone past these by using a small pointed awl in the hole and giving it a sharp rap with a hammer.
Another thing to try is to use a masonary bit that is half the width of the hole to drill through the obstruction.

Make sure it's not a piece of conduit you trying to penetrate!

Another possibility is that you've hit one of the brick ties