If there is a flashing with no weep holes that course may become constantly wet and create problems for the exposed brick. weep holes allow water buildup to escape to the external, some also help to aerate the cavity. In some cases weep holes allow floodwater to enter the cavity.
Without weep holes, water has only one place to go – inside your home's walls, leading to mold, rot, and unpleasant, expensive structural issues.
Why are there no weep holes? The reasons vary, but the house's builder forgot to include them, or the homeowners didn't want them. Sometimes homeowners don't want weep holes because they retract from the house's appeal – think smoothly rendered brick houses.
Brick weep holes are a critical component of any brick home and are incredibly important to maintaining its structural integrity and health. If you're a homeowner who's never heard of brick weeps before, or you're not sure about what exactly they do, read on for a detailed guide about them and their importance.
Yes, Australian building codes mandate weep holes in masonry to ensure proper drainage and ventilation, safeguarding structural integrity and preventing moisture-related issues in buildings.
The purpose of weep holes is to provide an outlet for water to drain and escape a building or structure. They can also assist in the ventilation of cavity spaces and relieve hydrostatic pressure from barriers such as retaining walls.
Weepholes shall be provided in the outside wythe of masonry walls at a maximum spacing of 33 inches (838 mm) on center. Weepholes shall be not less than 3/16 inch (5 mm) in diameter. Weepholes shall be located immediately above the flashing.
As an alternative to weep holes, most new construction will connect the drainage zone to a perforated drainage pipe located behind the base of the wall outfalling to a manhole.
“Not all properties have weep vents, especially old houses as they were built without cavities and weep vents and cavities have become popular over the last few decades as the building industry has evolved and we have become aware of moisture-related issues and building science improved,“ shares David.
No, many windows don't have weep holes. They're not usually found in wooden window structures. But you can expect to find weep holes in many vinyl windows and aluminum models and any window type that slides or rests in an outer frame that has a bottom track.
The only windows that will not have weep holes are wood windows that use solid framing and are devoid of the chambers found in other window types.
Weep hole drainage is essential for the healthy functioning of masonry wall systems in your home. Without it, water can accumulate within a cavity wall and create damage that can be both costly to repair and dangerous to the health of the home's inhabitants.
It is difficult to add weep holes after the walls are constructed. If the weep holes are drilled, they will typically puncture the flashing. This is true even if a special guide is placed on the drill. If the hole does not go all the way through the mortar then it will be ineffective.
Problems With Weepholes
If weep holes are left unprotected in brick walls they provide access to the wall cavity for rodents and insects. Swarming bees and European Wasps love creating nests in cavities.
While they can provide an entry point for pests, covering weep holes in brick walls is a definite no-no due to the damage this can cause to a building's structure. Instead, high quality screens and covers can be used to keep vermin out whilst maintaining the utility of these very important openings.
Do I Need To Plug Weep Holes During a Flood? No. Unless your home is a submarine the exterior materials along with doors and windows are not watertight and will succumb to the flood waters.
Weep vents are usually required where there is a cavity between two walls such as in brick veneer or double brick constructions. They are typically installed at the base of the wall above the flashing. Building codes or regulations will state their spacing and required locations.
Weep holes are often located at the bottom of brick exterior walls. They look like vertical gaps in the mortar joints between bricks. Because brick masonry is porous, water may penetrate the surface and get behind the wall.
It's important to remember that static vents serve a purpose, especially in older homes. They provide ventilation to indoor spaces, help regulate indoor temperatures and prevent the build-up of excess moisture in wall cavities and rooms which can lead to mould outbreaks and damage to building materials.
Where flashings are incorporated in the masonry, weepholes shall be provided in the masonry course immediately above the flashing, at centres not exceeding 1200 mm. Meaning that weeps holes are required in more places than just around the ground floor slab of a house.
Blocking your window weep holes predisposes the window structure to water damage, rust, and corrosion ultimately reducing your window's lifespan.
Start by marking the wall where the weep holes will be drilled, usually around 60 inches from end to end and 6 inches from the ground. Drilling the Holes: Using a power drill with a half-inch carbide drill bit, drill holes at the marked spots, about two inches deep. The diameter of the holes should be around 25mm.
This research demonstrated that even under truly extraordinary conditions water rarely enters the weephole and even if it does it cannot be blown high enough up in the cavity to create internal damp problems. To understand why, it's important to look at the details of a correctly constructed cavity wall.
Functionality: Whether tile insert drains contain weep holes depends on the specific design and intended use.
The Importance of Weep Holes for Retaining Walls
Water drainage: The primary function of weep holes in retaining walls is to facilitate efficient water drainage.