What are Weep Holes?

HOA structures are faced with water intrusion from time to time. Water intrusion is categorized as roof, wall, and foundation. Weep holes can be found in foundations and walls. Wall weep holes are were the majority of issues arise with HOA structures.

Weep holes are holes placed in exterior walls of a structure which allow water to vent to the outside, ensuring that moisture cannot accumulate behind the walls. In addition weep holes allow air to circulated, which makes the area inside the walls less likely to breed mold. This air circulation will discourage wood rot which causes structural damage of the structure. Weep holes are used on brick, block, stone, and stucco homes, which can be prone to moisture damage.

Weep holes are installed during the initial construction process when the courses of masonry over the foundation are being put down. The weep holes are placed above grade, usually between 3 to 5 inches. This holes are made by leaving open cracks unfilled with masonry cement. Some masons use tubes surrounded by mortar. Holes hole can be covered with netting or other restrictive products to limit pests from gaining access to the inside of the wall. Weep holes, as the name implies, weep water when it accumulates inside the wall, thus allowing the water a way out of the wall.

Problems with weep holes come up when they become clogged and do not function properly. Malfunctions can be the result a number of reasons, but most common is landscaping material being place in front of these holes restricting their effectiveness.

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