Do you really need weep holes?

Do you really need weep holes?

It may seem like a piece of shoddy bricklaying because the gaps are so close to the ground. But rest assured, they are an important part of the structure. These gaps are called weep holes and they are placed there on purpose. Weep holes were considered the best way to get rid of this water and moisture.

Can you add weep holes to existing brick?

Thanks. Yes, you can add flashing and weepholes after the fact. However, the brick must be removed and flashing added. In Houston, we see them just going back and drilling holes above the lintels or breaking out some mortar between brick above the brick ledge.

Can weep holes be added?

Adding weep holes may actually make the water leakage problem worse. Typically, missing weep holes are not the primary cause of water leakage problems. There must also be a problem with the flashing system. When weep holes are added, water will not only leave the wall faster, but it will also enter the wall faster.

How often do you need weep holes?

Varying according to local codes, typically these 3/8” openings are spaced apart every 24″or 32″ along the bottom of the wall. These openings are equivalent to a tiny sized welcome mat and open door. They are large enough to allow mice, roaches and other pests to enter the structure of the house.

Can snakes get into your house through weep holes?

Rats, mice and lizards will get in the house thru weep holes, and snakes can go ANYWHERE they can go. Usually they will end up in the attic.

Do all brick walls need weep holes?

Bricks Don’t Have Eyes Masonry is porous. Moisture can penetrate the surface and at siding junctions. Bricks can’t cry. Therefore, brick veneer walls require weep holes to permit moisture to escape from behind the veneer and to allow gaps between the brick veneer and the exterior sheathing to dry.

Can weep holes cause leaks?

At the bottom of the wall, openings (called weep holes) are constructed in the brick mortar joints. Moisture barriers and flashing that are improperly installed, missing, or have been torn and damaged during construction, can have gaps and holes, which could lead to water leaks into the house.

How do you keep pests out of weep holes?

Corrugated plastics and steel wool pieces are also used to deter pests. While this may work short term, it is not a permanent solution. Corrugated plastic leaves spaces large enough for small insects, like termites, or determined insects, like roaches, to pass through the weep.

Can snakes come up through shower drains?

Since bathroom plumbing is usually connected through ventilation pipes on the roof, snakes can slither their way through the ventilation system and, soon, into your john.

Do concrete block walls need weep holes?

In concrete block or hollow masonry foundation walls, weep holes are drilled along the bottom of the wall to provide an exit path for water trapped within the wall. They are generally used in conjunction with a drainage channel or drain tiles placed around the perimeter of the floor.

Can a house flood through weep holes?

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. Standing water in contact with brick walls (or other veneers) will inevitably enter the structure and plugging weep holes will not improve the situation.

How do you fix a blocked weep hole?

To make sure the weep holes are working properly, spray the outside of the window with a garden hose – a steady stream of clean water should exit from the holes. If it doesn’t, use a wire hanger or compressed air to force the blockage out. Re-test with fresh water to ensure they’re completely cleaned.