A.22 Weep vent placement

You may call these accessories in a masonry wall “weep holes,” “weep vents,” or even simply “weeps.” But let’s start by understanding exactly what these innocent-looking devices are designed to do for your wall.

We like weep devices in masonry that are able to serve double duty as a weeping mechanism AND a ventilation mechanism. Both functions play an important part in relieving the wall of moisture. This is why the masonry industry favors the term “weep vent.”

Placed at the bottom of a cavity (e.g. over a foundation, over a window lintel, or over a shelf angle), weep vents allow bulk water to exit the wall.

Placed at the top of a cavity (e.g. below a shelf angle or below a masonry wall cap), weep vents allow convection of air within the cavity and facilitate evaporation of any moisture that may be trapped in the wall.

Rope wicks, therefore, are discouraged, due to their inability to ventilate and their dubious efficacy as a moisture relieving mechanism relative to a full-height weep vent inserted into the head joint between masonry units.

Watch this short video clip to learn more.

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