Question regarding Weep Holes
1/3/2020 at 4:10:24 PM
I have made two windows for my basement. One window enlarged and second new window. Both window sizes are 36" x 36".
Based on my understanding, The contractor has cut concrete, put steel lintel above window and put back the bricks but he did not put weep holes above it. So almost 7-8 bricks are without weep holes. Please advise if I need to make an arrangement to put back the weep holes. if so, who can help. I am looking for good contractor who understand it properly and do the needful to avoid any issues in future.
One question: I am noticing water condensation on exterior wall (vinyl sliding) which is above the newly created two windows. Please advise if this is correlated.
The condensation happens in one window (at middle - say first floor of the house) and in second window at top of the exterior wall (second floor ceiling)
1/5/2020 at 11:00:50 AM
The fact is one has nothing to do with the other, weeping holes are put in through out the installation of the brick to allow air movement behind the brick, the fact that he didn't put a weeping hole doesn't matter as the only thing behind the first row of bricks is the steel from the Lintel itself. The water you see above came from the windows is the drip edge on top of the widow forcing water from above to move the water to the side again this is normal. The water you see has always been there, because you have had new windows put in you have probably looked at the side of your house more in the last week than you have in years and I just over thinking it.
1/5/2020 at 1:43:51 PM
The Building Code requires weep holes to be maximum 800 mm apart including lintels above window and door openings. It's difficult to see the spacing from your photo. The condensation could be from a variety of sources. In 2006 new requirements were introduced into the Code and if you Google the question you can find some good presentations illustrating the changes - this is one example: https://www.phbi.ca/upload/documents/bldr-brkfst-prsnt/2006buildingcodeflashingchangeschallenge.pdf
Condensation appearing on the surface of the siding is not necessarily any cause for concern, only if moisture is reaching the underlying wood walls. Vinyl can be easily removed to look for the possible cause - thermal imagery has become affordable and could help for this problem. The source could even be above the upper windows - below the roof overhang. My own new home was extremely carefully detailed regarding building envelope and yet I also have some condensation appearing from behind my Hardi siding occasionally. Best of luck to you.
Ian Derksen
Safety Codes Officer - Building
1/5/2020 at 8:24:29 PM
Thank you very much for your reply!!
Could u please arrange to fix my problem or suggest good contractor who can work on my problem and get it fixed.
1/7/2020 at 12:20:54 PM
I'm in Alberta & don't know anyone in the Cambridge area other than Mike Holmes. Best thing is to try and find a small general contractor, handyman or consultant with experience in building envelope diagnosis and repair. If you just want to try removing a few pieces of siding to check that the underlying structure isn't water damaged a siding contractor or handyman should be able to help.
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