If you’re a homeowner in Milwaukee, then you know that the weather here can be pretty unpredictable. One day it might be sunny and warm, and the next day it might rain cats and dogs. And if you have a basement, then you know that it can often be the victim of water damage. In fact, according to statistics from The Insurance Information Institute (III), basement flooding is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims in the United States. However, many homes have systems already in place to protect against dangerous basement moisture and flooding. One you may have noticed in your home is a system of holes in your brick or concrete block foundation walls. These are called “weep holes.”
At Zablocki Waterproofing, we know a thing or two about basement waterproofing in Milwaukee. We’ve seen many different types of waterproofing systems in our time and know that weep holes are a common solution to dangerous basement moisture issues. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what weep holes are, how they work, and whether they’re right for your home. We’ll also discuss different types of basement waterproofing methods and how to choose the right one for your needs. So if you’re ready to learn more about foundation weep holes, read on!
What are Weep Holes?
Weep holes are small openings that are drilled or cut into the mortar joints of brick or concrete block foundation walls. They’re usually placed about 12 inches above the ground and spaced evenly along the wall. Weep holes allow water that has entered the wall to drain out, preventing it from accumulating and causing damage.
The purpose of weep holes is to provide drainage for water that has entered the wall. This can happen in a number of ways, but the most common is through hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when the soil around your foundation absorbs water from rain or melting snow. This water-saturated soil puts pressure on your foundation walls, which can cause cracking and leaking. Weep holes relieve this pressure by allowing water to drain out of the wall, preventing it from causing damage.
Where Weep Holes are Found
Weep holes are most commonly seen in homes with brick or concrete block foundations. Types of homes that tend to have weep holes are those built on sloped land. This is because water is more likely to enter the foundation walls on a sloped lot than it is on a level one. Weep holes are also a common supplemental strategy in homes with basement waterproofing systems, such as French drains or sump pumps. This is because these systems can’t always prevent all water from entering the foundation, so weep holes provide a way for any water that does get in to drain out.
Should you Buy a Home with Foundation Weep Holes?
While foundation weep holes can be a sign of a well-built home, they’re not right for everyone. In the Milwaukee area with our large amount of snowmelt and rainfall, weep holes alone may not be enough to protect your home from water damage. In these cases, it’s best to choose a different type of basement waterproofing system.
There are a few different types of basement waterproofing systems to choose from, and the right one for your home depends on a number of factors. These include the type of foundation you have, and how susceptible your basement is to water damage. Some common types of basement waterproofing systems are French drains, sump pumps, and exterior waterproofing membranes.
To determine which basement waterproofing system is right for your home, it’s best to consult with a professional. They can assess your basement and foundation to determine which system will work best for your needs.
Zablocki Waterproofing — Your Milwaukee Basement & Foundation Experts
At Zablocki Waterproofing, we’re experts in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and more. We’ve been helping homeowners in Milwaukee protect their homes from water damage for decades. If you’re in need of basement waterproofing or foundation repair, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the best solution for your home.
