Retaining Wall

Weep Holes in Retaining Walls: Types, Functions and When its Required

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Weep Holes in Retaining Walls -Types, Functions and When its Required.

It is essential to remove water from Retaining Walls. Otherwise, it will result in providing some serious damage to the wall.

There are many possibilities of water entering inside the structure. To prevent further damage, Weep Holes are created.

These are the small openings that allow water to drain through them.

In this guide, we will discuss everything about Weep Holes along with their types.

We will also discuss the main role of Weep Holes in Retaining Wall Ideas.

What are Weep Holes

What Are Weep Holes

Weep Holes are considered small openings in a rectangular or circular shape that are provided there to escape rainwater from the building and walls. 

It results in reducing the hydrostatic pressure on the structure, which helps in preventing it from structural damage.

Weep Holes are mainly created at the bottom point of any structure because of the principle of gravity. Some of the time, they are also created above the doors and windows.

Types of Weep Holes

There are different types of Weep Holes which are categorized according to a different category:

1. Open Head Joint Weep Holes

Open-Head-Joint-Weep-Holes

The Open Head Joint Weep Holes are created by eliminating mortar from the vertical joint between the bricks. 

They are of the same size as that of the joint spacing. It is considered one of the most common and effective methods to evaporate water from the cavity.

2. Cotton Rope Wicking Weep Holes

The Cotton Rope Wicking Weep Holes are easily created by using a rope of 12-inches. One end of the rope is placed in the joint while the other end is extended to the cavity wall. In this princess, the cotton absorbed the water from the back of the wall, which eventually evaporated on the other side.

3. Tubes Weep Holes

Tubes Weep Holes

The Tubes Weep Holes are also one of the most common types of Weep Holes which are used Worldwide.

They can be easily created with the help of hollow plastic or metal tubes. While creating this, you must make sure that the angle should not be too steep or too flat.

You can also use a layer of gravel which helps prevent the water from dropping.

4. Corrugated Channels

The Corrugated Channels are considered the latest technology in the field of Weep Holes. They can quickly drain all the water. They are mostly installed on the bottom side of the joint.

The Function of Weep Holes In Retaining Wall

The various functions of Weep Holes In Retaining Wall which is given below: 

  • Their main function is to reduce the Hydrostatic pressure from the Retaining Walls.
  • They are mostly used to drain all the rainwater out of the retaining wall and prevents them from damage.
  • They are provided at the bottom side of the wall, which helps in water to drain out from the water lodge.
  • Weep Holes are also responsible for protecting the Retaining walls from dampness.
  • Their main function is to provide ventilation in the Retaining Walls.

Disadvantages of Weep Holes

  • Sometimes, the mortar squeezes and drops down into the weep holes. This will result in partial or sometimes total blockage of Weep Holes.
  • Weep Holes are opening for small insects such as rodents or crickets to enter. They can easily enter your house through ventilation. To overcome this problem, you must install a Baffled Vent which restricts their entrance.

Final Words

The primary function of these Weep Holes is to provide ventilation for the internal cavity walls and prevent them from water damage.

They are provided using a layer of sand and gravel to ensure proper functioning.

There are different types of Weep Holes available; you can choose any of them which best matches your needs.

This is all about this guide about Weep Holes. I hope you found this guide helpful.

If you have any queries or questions regarding this guide, please ask by commenting below. We will be delighted to solve all your queries.

Sandy Jensen
Sandy Jensen is the founder of OrganizeWithSandy and Works with Champalimaud Design where she curates and creates fresh ideas for designing and styling your life.

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