Brick weep holes

Brick weep holes are small intentional gaps in the mortar joints of brick walls. They serve two crucial functions:

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💧 Why they exist (purpose)

• Drainage: Bricks are porous, so moisture (rain, condensation, spills) seeps into the cavity behind the brick veneer. Weep holes let that water escape instead of accumulating—stopping rot, mold, or structural damage https://polyguard.com/blog/what-is-a-weep-hole.

• Ventilation: Air flows through the cavity via these openings, helping to dry out moisture—important for keeping the wall and any wooden framing healthy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weep_%28architecture%29.

These holes are typically placed at the bottom of the wall (just above flashing) and above windows and doors

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🔎 If some are closed—should you worry?

• Closed weep holes can trap moisture inside the wall, which may lead to:

  • Mold growth

  • Wood rot

  • Spalling or brick deterioration

• Accidentally closed? For instance, caulking or foam filling them might fix pests temporarily but harms ventilation and drainage.

• Pest issues? Yes, weep holes are an entry point for insects or rodents—but the solution isn’t sealing them; it’s installing screens or covers designed to allow airflow while blocking pests .

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✅ What can you do (open vs closed)

Option	Pros	Cons
Keep weep holes open	Maintains drainage and ventilation	May allow pest entry if unprotected
Install screened covers	Keep water moving and airflow while blocking bugs	Slight cost, but durable and recommended
Fully close (e.g. caulk)	Prevents pest entry	Bad idea – blocks essential drainage, leads to structural issues

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🛠️ Practical steps

1. Check weep holes: Ensure the standard spacing (around every 16–24”) at the bottom of walls and above windows/doors hasn’t been blocked.

2. If you notice pests, don’t seal the holes—install weep hole screens or covers. These are available online or at building suppliers.

3. Avoid foam or caulking. They can trap moisture and eventually cause rot, mold, or cracking.

4. Routine inspection: Keep plants, dirt, mulch at least 18″ away to ensure proper function.

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🏁 Summary

• Do not close weep holes completely—they’re essential for keeping moisture out of your wall.

• The best fix is to protect them with screens or covers that block pests but allow drainage and airflow.

• If yours are sealed or missing, open them up or retrofit screened covers to keep your wall healthy.