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A weep brick also referred to as a weep hole, is a small opening that lets water drain from a building. The weeps are positioned on the object's bottom to allow drainage; these holes must be sufficiently large to withstand surface pressure. In order to lower the hydrostatic load on the wall and prevent moisture damage from freeze/thaw cycles, weeps may also be required for retaining walls in order to allow water to escape from the retained soil.
When this occurs, the weep is typically made of thin-walled rubber, clay, or metal pipes that extend through the wall and into a bed of porous backfill. For water that has seeped into an assembly from below the surface, weeps are frequently set up automatically.
It will be constructed with metal windows and glazed curtain walls to prevent interstate condensation. Earth-retaining structures like retaining walls, underpasses, wing walls, and other below-ground drainage systems have weep holes.
Now that you know what weep holes are, let's dig deeper and understand them in detail.
There is no chance for water to build up behind a wall if a structure is built close to the water table. Weep holes are therefore not necessary. However, weep holes are required when the structure is located below the water table, there is no water plastering, and the additional water pressure acts on the structure that is greater than the saturated pressure or the earth pressure.
Weep holes are usually located at the base of brick exterior walls. They appear to be vertical gaps in the mortar joints between the bricks. Water may seep through the surface and enter the wall's interior because brick masonry is porous. Gravity draws water to the bottom of the wall, just above the foundation, where weep holes allow it to escape. They are located above all windows, doors, and other openings.
Weep holes are also located on window tracks. Depending on the window's age and model, the appearance can vary, but they are typically rectangular black flaps with a horizontal sliver of light shining through the middle. These flaps only allow water to flow out in one direction. They stop water from collecting on the sill and rot from occurring (sort of acting as a waterproofing material).
You can now choose the right kind of weep hole for your building and ensure that it always stays strong and durable.
1. Are weep holes required in basements ?
You should have weep holes in your waterproofing system if your foundation is made of concrete masonry units, also known as CMU blocks, cinder blocks, or concrete blocks. As a result of all this pressure, your foundation may eventually become damaged by water seeping into your basement.
2. Can weep holes be covered ?
Do not, under any circumstances, cover those weep holes. They play a crucial role in the drainage system that prevents water from accumulating behind the brick. This water will seriously rot any untreated lumber it comes in contact with, grow mould, and eventually cause structural issues with your house.
3. What is the purpose of weep holes ?
Weep holes are "openings placed in mortar joints of facing materials at the level of flashing, to permit the escape of moisture, or openings in retaining walls to permit water to escape," according to the Masonry Design Manual.