Weep hole

Weep hole
See also
Tertiary packaging Stacking height Loose cargo Internal transport system Fair wear and tear Secondary packaging Break bulk cargo Trade waste Mountain tourism

Weep hole and ventilation openings are elements of the brick construction designed to help with drainage and airflow in the brick chamber. Masons Vents bring The advantages of a clean recess with a clean and tidy professional finish.

Ventilation is the process of exchanging air in any space with the intention of improving air quality. For a brick cavity, this means replacing humid air inside the cavity with drier air from outside. 'The Brick Vent' can be used in conjunction with any cladding system that requires a ventilated chamber, including bricks, blocks, stone or plaster finished with masonry veneer.

Types of weep holes

Main types of weep holes are as followed:

• Open head joints

Uneven joints of the head, located at regular intervals at the base of the cavity, are very effective and are the easiest type of weep hole to construct. Since these flushing holes create holes that extend the entire height of the head joint, the cavity would need to be filled with mortar upside down in the base course to render them completely ineffective. In addition, full-siz holes do this by easily checking that the weep holes are open to the cavity.

• Louvered vents

Aluminium or plastic blind openings are sometimes used in conjunction with open head joints to keep insects out of the cavity. Ventilation holes with openings are installed in the head joints, just like a wall constructed. Ventilation openings are available in different colors and are recommended at the top and bottom of the walls with glazed hollow bricks.

• Rope wicks

Cotton cord is also commonly used for weep. Cotton fibres have the effect of wicking moisture away from the cavity to the outside of the building. However, the ability to weep can be significantly weakened by mortar droppings accumulating on moisture at the entire height of the head joint. Holes, which are available in different sizes and colours, are placed in the head joints during the construction of the wall.

Installation

Weed holes are required in the brickwork head joints directly above all built-in flashings. Weep holes can be open head joints, holes formed by oiled nylon rods, plastic or metal pipes, fibrous or winged ropes. Open joints are fitted with ventilation holes or screens to protect against insects and rodents. Weep holes should have a minimum freeeter of 1/4 inch, pipes used for weep holes should have a minimum inside freeeter of 1/4 inch. Weep holes are preferred, as open jont heads covering more than 32 inches in the middle, although within brick walls it is generally recommended that they be placed no more than 24 inches per centimetre. If a rope or rope is used, the material should be at least 16 inches long. Weep holes other than open joints should be no more than 16 inches in the middle.

Wall system drainage is critical to proper operation. Reconstructing two to six inches of grave or damage material directly above the flash will help to ensure proper damage to the wall and effective drainage of water into the weep holes. Drinking material or pea gravel will act as a flushing field in the wall system and help prevent mortar droppings from clogging holes.

Elements of drainage cavity

Five essential elements of drainage cavity:

1. The external moisture content (vertical section of the wall equal to the width of the masonry element) of the masonry provides the first resistance to moisture penetration
2. At least one inch of air space
3. Interior extruded from masonry or other material such as frame wall
4. Flashing at all gaps in the drainage cavity looks like at the base of the foundation and around the openings for such windows.
5. Weep holes at all machining points - recommended 33 inch spacing.

Examples of Weep hole

• Weep Holes in Bricks: Weep holes are small openings in the masonry wall that allow moisture to escape. They are usually found at the bottom of the wall and are typically formed when the mortar is laid between two bricks. The openings can also be created by cutting small holes into the bricks or by using plastic or metal tubes.
• Weep Holes in Roofs: Weep holes are also commonly found in roofing systems to help drain rainwater away from the roof. These openings are usually found in the eaves or at the bottom of the roofline and allow water to escape.
• Weep Holes in Foundations: Weep holes are also used in foundations to help with drainage and ventilation. The holes are typically found at the bottom of the foundation wall and allow moisture to escape. They can also be used to help prevent moisture from collecting in the soil around the foundation.
• Weep Holes in Stucco: Weep holes are sometimes used in stucco walls to help with drainage and ventilation. The holes are usually located at the bottom of the wall and allow moisture to escape. They can also be used to help prevent moisture from accumulating in the stucco and causing damage to the wall.

Advantages of Weep hole

Weep holes are an integral part of brick construction, providing many advantages to the structure. The following are the primary advantages of weep holes:

• They provide a means for water to escape from the wall, helping to prevent water damage and mold growth due to moisture buildup.
• They allow for proper airflow within the brick chamber, which helps to regulate the temperature of the structure and reduce the risk of condensation.
• They can help to provide a more even distribution of weight and pressure on the walls, reducing the risk of cracking and other structural damage.
• They also help to improve the aesthetic appeal of the brickwork, creating a clean, professional finish.

Limitations of Weep hole

Weep holes have some limitations in brick construction. These include:

• The weep holes are usually too small to provide adequate ventilation and drainage.
• Weep holes can be blocked over time by mortar and other debris, which can lead to water build-up and eventually result in structural damage.
• Weep holes can also be blocked by insects or other pests.
• In cold climates, weep holes can allow cold air to enter the house, leading to an uncomfortable interior environment.
• Weep holes can also be a source of noise pollution if they are located close to a busy street.

Other approaches related to Weep hole

A Weep hole is an important element of brick construction that helps with drainage and airflow in the chamber. In addition to a Weep hole, there are other approaches that can help with drainage and airflow. These approaches include:

• Installing a Weep Screen: A Weep Screen is a metal or plastic perimeter that is installed around the Weep hole to prevent pests and other debris from entering the chamber.
• Installing a Ventilation System: Ventilation systems provide an efficient way of controlling the temperature and moisture levels in the chamber. They also help reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
• Installing a Gable End Vent: Gable End Vents are installed at the top of the chamber and provide additional ventilation and airflow.

In summary, Weep holes are an important part of brick construction and can be complemented by other approaches such as Weep Screens, Ventilation Systems, and Gable End Vents. These approaches help to keep the chamber clean, dry, and free of pests and debris, and provide additional ventilation and airflow.

References

• Rumbarger J. (2003), Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction, John Wiley & Sons, Canada, s. 195
• Walter L. (1992), Proper drainage for weep holes, "The Aberdeen Group", s.1
• Weep hole Tutorial, (2019), Masons, s. 1
• Weep No More (2019), s. 1

Author: Anna Syjud