What are Weep holes?
Definition of Weep holes in Construction
A weep hole is exactly as the name implies. This is a hole in masonry, retaining walls, or any vertical surface that will retain water behind it. The purpose of the weep hole is to drain the backside of any vertical surface to ensure that water does not accumulate on the back side. Weep holes are especially important in the performance of any masonry wall or veneer. It is essential that the water be allowed to weep out of the back of any structure to reduce the amount of lateral hydrostatic pressure on the back of the masonry surface. Weep holes must be kept open and there are various materials that have been developed to ensure that these holes are maintained open. Such items as fiberglass mesh and screening is used to keep debris from accumulating and blocking the weep holes.