Brick/Block Query...

[Netto]

Hello...

Been AGES since my last post...nearly forgot my details!!

Anyhow, we've just moved into a new build and erm...I'm confused about something!

I have noticed a number of small hexagonal shaped plastic insert all around the exterior of the house. I They are hollow in the middle and appear roughly every 2 feet, on the brick course above the damp proof membrane, and on the course incorporating external door and window lintels.

What the hell are they!? My first thought was something to do with an injected DPM, but this is a new build and shouldn't need one? Now I'm thinking they're breathers to allow the internal blockwork mortar, and plastering to dry steadilly??

Help!

 

[tawelfryn]

Sounds like weepvents, they are there over horizontal damp trays to let any water that might accumulte there out

 

[Netto]

Sounds like weepvents, they are there over horizontal damp trays to let any water that might accumulte there out

Cheers bud, think you're right...They've gone overkill on them though, as they are present throughout the entire course, not just over the lintels/trays! Mind you the house is quite exposed...

Must be technology moving forward, my old man just used to poke a screwdriver in the mortar after laying the brick to create weep vents!

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Sounds like weepvents, they are there over horizontal damp trays to let any water that might accumulte there out

Cheers bud, think you're right...They've gone overkill on them though, as they are present throughout the entire course, not just over the lintels/trays! Mind you the house is quite exposed...

Must be technology moving forward, my old man just used to poke a screwdriver in the mortar after laying the brick to create weep vents!

Rightly or wrongly they've been a stipulation by building control for years especially on non-rendered skins. Every 900 centres above a stepped dpc which is theoretically over all openings and at floor levels.

 

[shark85]

Hi there

i have been a bricklayer/general builder for 27 years has anyone ever seen water coming out of these "weep holes",

i never have !

 

[cowboyontheloose]

Hi there

i have been a bricklayer/general builder for 27 years has anyone ever seen water coming out of these "weep holes",

i never have !

yes i have seen them work, a few times actualy, I often throw remains of wifes flask of coffee in the cavity by lunch time

 

[noseall]

Hi there

i have been a bricklayer/general builder for 27 years has anyone ever seen water coming out of these "weep holes",

i never have !

Nada. Non. Never. Nil. Nope. Negative.

 

[stuart45]

I think that you can safely say that these weepholes at floor level are allowing water out. Its a very exposed SW flank but without the weepholes the stains might not have been be too bad.

 

[noseall]

I think that you can safely say that these weepholes at floor level are allowing water out. Its a very exposed SW flank but without the weepholes the stains might not have been be too bad.

That's not weeping, that is where a lift of bricks has been exposed to rain.

A lift lower down has been through the same thing.

You can clearly see the changes in scaffold lifts. The labourer did a lousy job of mixing the bricks.

 

[fastneattrowel]

I think that you can safely say that these weepholes at floor level are allowing water out. Its a very exposed SW flank but without the weepholes the stains might not have been be too bad.

That's not weeping, that is where a lift of bricks has been exposed to rain.

A lift lower down has been through the same thing.

You can clearly see the changes in scaffold lifts. The labourer did a lousy job of mixing the bricks.

spot on nosey, again lol

 

[fastneattrowel]

I think that you can safely say that these weepholes at floor level are allowing water out. Its a very exposed SW flank but without the weepholes the stains might not have been be too bad.

give up stuart your out of your depth

 

[stuart45]

noseall,
Its definately coming out of the weepholes. Its a timber framed building with trays over the cavity barriers at floor levels. It started weeping about a year after being built.

 

[cowboyontheloose]

noseall,
Its definately coming out of the weepholes. Its a timber framed building with trays over the cavity barriers at floor levels. It started weeping about a year after being built.

look stuart why dont you look at it with a telescope,maybe you can see the runs closely,there only there where the scaffold pudlaks have been, weep holes arent every other brick you know jesus if noseall says your wrong you are wrong get use to it right about the hoddy ,he could had mixed the bricks better

 

[fastneattrowel]

noseall,
Its definately coming out of the weepholes. Its a timber framed building with trays over the cavity barriers at floor levels. It started weeping about a year after being built.

look stuart why dont you look at it with a telescope,maybe you can see the runs closely,there only there where the scaffold pudlaks have been, weep holes arent every other brick you know jesus if noseall says your wrong you are wrong get use to it right about the hoddy ,he could had mixed the bricks better

hmmm wonder of stuart gets his info from alice in wonderland

 

[noseall]

noseall,
Its definately coming out of the weepholes. Its a timber framed building with trays over the cavity barriers at floor levels. It started weeping about a year after being built.

It does coincide with both floor levels. But there is a proliferation of efflorescence quite widespread over the lower floor level. The majority of the longer streaks does coincide with what looks like every fourth brick or vent though.

Intriguing.