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Weep Holes

skipharper

Registered User
Joined
Dec 23, 2009
Messages
242
Location
Louisa County, Va.
Are weep holes required for a foundation wall that extends 2' above grade for a detached garage when their is an air space between the block wall and the brick veneer? From that point up is stick framed with siding.
 
Two issues:

Weep holes to drain the water between the brick and the backing wall regardless of what the backing wall is constructed. Reference 2009 IBC Section 1405.3.3.

Weep holes in the foundation wall itself would only be a requirement if the structural design of the wall is dependant on them to reduce the pressures behind the wall.
 
the WRB isn't required over concrete or masonry walls (properly flashed).. nothing says weepholes are not required (IRC R703)
 
Even if the wall were weather-proof, protection (drainage) from condensation would need to be supplied. There will be condensation.
 
The condensation would drain to the bottom of the space between the brick and the concrete and eventually ruin the mortar at the bottom courses.
 
Yes, weepholes are required; 2009 IRC, R703.7.6. There is an alternative to the "Air Space" requirement (R703.7.4.2); which is to fill the space with grout or mortar (R703.4.3).

The problem is that the unskilled brick layers don't clean the back side of the bricks and the excess mortar will fall down and fill the weepholes or block them and/or provide pockets for the water to accumulate.

Uncle Bob
 
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