What Are Weep Holes?

Water flows next to, and occasionally inside, the boundaries of your home foundation. Damage to the structure can occur when water flow is prolonged and extensive; your Holdrege home begins to shift under its own weight. Or, basement walls may begin flexing inward as they become structurally unsound. We at Yellow Van don’t want your family or home to go through this kind of trauma.

The good news is that not all water seepage is dangerous. Seepage through small cracks in a foundation or cracks or gaps in joints of a concrete basement wall is often non-structural water damage. One example is the use of weep holes in brick veneer homes. Many homeowners do not understand the reasoning for weep holes and fill the holes thinking the bricklayer forgot to mortar those areas. When, in reality, they’re there for a good reason. Let’s learn some more:

Brick veneer means that instead of using a traditional, solid brick, the builder uses a thin facade. In this construction, a gap is left between the brick veneer and the underlying home structure. The underlying structure is covered with a sheathing paper known as “Tyvek” which protects it from moisture. As part of this planned building technique, weep holes are designed to let airflow in and equalize pressure, while allowing water to drain out. 

Bricks are porous and can retain a large volume of water like a large sponge. Weep holes help get rid of this moisture.

It may seem like a piece of shoddy bricklaying but these gaps are an important part of the structure. These gaps are designed on purpose and are called weep holes. Typically about half an inch wide, they may be placed at regular intervals throughout the bottom skirt of the external wall.

Empty gaps are usually located in every 3rd, 4th or 5th mortar joint. When a homeowner fills the weep holes with mortar or any other type of material, it blocks that air flow and drainage between the brick and the structure. Water can then form a microbial mold growth and slowly deteriorate the wood structure. Allowing proper “breathing” of the brick will prevent moisture buildup and further damages to the structure.

Do Weep Holes Really Work?

In old houses, moisture used to be able to easily move through a wall. But with modern construction, weep holes are great spots for water to get in than leave. In reality, weep holes are also places where small mice, insects, and other creatures infiltrate your house

Improved construction technology has developed that modern structures have little use for weep holes, but masons might add them a precaution.

If your basement has water issues, get a second opinion from Yellow Van Restoration. With proper waterproofing and ventilation, your walls should not get wet. Ask the experts for advice about your situation.  

Yellow Van Cleaning and Restoration

Managing water damage on your own can be overwhelming. The factors that go into determining how to clean up damage are complex. Since 1981, Yellow Van Carpet and Restoration technicians have provided environmental services that get people back into clean, healthy homes. 

Reach out to Yellow Van Cleaning & Restoration for water damage restoration services. For immediate assistance, get emergency services  24 hours a day, 7 days a week by contacting us.