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Ok,I admit it:I just don’t get it.Yes,I have searched the archives.Everyone talks about weeps in different situations without explaining the principle behind their use.
I’m sure that there must be a reason for their existence,can someone take two minutes to let me in on the secret?
No such thing as a stupid question(I hope)
jh
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Weep holes are little holes to allow water to drain away. Perfect example is the little notches at the bottom edge of a storm window frame. THese are there so that if/when water gets between the window and storm, it can "weep" out. Of course, many other guys don't know what weep holes are and caulk over them.
You'll also find weep holes in the bottom side of vinyl replacement windows.
Weep tiles is a new one to me. Perhaps you mean drain tile?
Pete
*Pete,I guess I should have been a little more specific:I was asking about weep holes(I think some others call them weep tiles)in foundations and retaining walls.My latest client is an architect,and he has drawn a short retaining wall for his project and he noted "weep holes" 24" oc near the bottom of the wall.The holes are pvc tubes,pitched slightly to the open side of the wall.I assume they are to let water escape from the drain tile area-but why would you want to?Also saw this detail on a commercial project that I just bid on.I would like to understand the purpose for them.jh
*Oh, those weep holes!!They are to release water from behind retaining walls to minimize the risk of excess water causing soft and shifting soil which will affect the wall and also in some climates reduce the chance of excess water freezing behind the exposed wall and pushing it out.Pete
*Now that kinda makes sense to me...OK,now...On a short(3-4')retaining wall with a liner,gravel,and drain tile;wouldn't the excess water be transported away by the perf pipe,doing the same job as the weep holes?In other words,is this an either/or must they both be used?jh
*Jim,A bit more explanation --- Weep holes will relieve the water pressure from behind the wall, while also aerating the moisture which doesn't flow. If the wall is not filled and reinforced vertically, the moisture will penetrate and tend to lift any paint or facing such as plaster, in addition to pushing the wall over. The freezing of trapped water, of course, is destructive. Drain tiles, in conjunction with weeps, will insure a successful instalation.prp
*James,If the only outlet for the drain tile is the weep tiles then ya got to have em. Drain tile behind a retaining wall is seldom, if ever, tied into a primary drain system (sanitary or storm).Pete
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Ok,I admit it:I just don't get it.Yes,I have searched the archives.Everyone talks about weeps in different situations without explaining the principle behind their use.
I'm sure that there must be a reason for their existence,can someone take two minutes to let me in on the secret?
No such thing as a stupid question(I hope)
jh