Table of Contents:
- What are Weep Holes and Why are They Important?
- The Risks of Unprotected Weep Holes: Pest Entry
- The Risks of Unprotected Weep Holes: Termite Entry
- The Risks of Unprotected Weep Holes: Bushfire Ember Entry
- Statutory Requirements for Weep Holes/Choosing the correct Weepa
- FAQ

Weep holes are gaps in external brick walls that serve two purposes: ventilation and drainage. They allow moisture to escape from internal wall cavities, preventing damage and reducing the risk of Leaky Building Syndrome. 

Without ventilation, mildew, dry rot and damp reduce the life of the internal wall studs and other building materials within the cavity. Inadequate ventilation is the main cause of "Leaky Building Syndrome".

Drainage - Water that enters the cavity due to capillary action, condensation, damage, or accidental flooding needs to escape somewhere. In tropical and sub-tropical areas of Australia it is not unusual to see water flowing from the weep holes in walls on the prevailing side of well constructed brick houses after a storm.

But what happens when these weep holes are unprotected?

What kinds of pests can enter through weep holes? Rodents, insects, and snakes can all gain access to your home through these small gaps. This can lead to costly damage, health risks, and unwanted critters in your home.

According to the National Pest Management Association, rodents can cause significant property damage. Weep holes that are left unprotected in brick walls provide access to the wall cavity for rodents and insects. Bees and wasps love creating nests in cavities. Field mice make a track through the weep holes looking for warmth. Snakes, cockroaches and spiders find refuge, and food, in the cavity. Down lights, extractor fans and holes for plumbing or electronics become the internal entry point for these unwelcome visitors. 

In desperation many occupants resort to blocking weepholes in brick walls with any number of materials such as silicon sealants, rolled up paper, plastic, scourer pads, steel wool. Even some manufactured weep hole covers, guards and barriers have been designed with holes too small to allow adequate ventilation. These methods obstruct air-flow to the cavity and can cause Leaky Building Syndrome which can be difficult and very costly to fix later.

So, how can you prevent pest entry through weep holes? The solution is simple: install a Protector Weep Hole Screen. This screen keeps pests out while maintaining airflow and ventilation. If you're building you can have perfect vermin free weepholes from the start by using the construction products. 

Benefits of Weep Hole Screens summary:

• Prevent pest entry
• Maintain airflow and ventilation
• Easy to install
• Durable and long-lasting

View the full Weepa weep hole protection range here.

What are the statutory requirements for weep holes in Australia?
The Australian Standard AS 3700-2018 requires weep holes for masonry structures, while AS 3959-2018 stipulates ember protection requirements for construction in bushfire-prone areas.

The NCC (National Construction Code) (2022) provides direction relating to weephole requirements such as size, spacing and location of weepholes for drainage and ventilation in the construction of masonry buildings.  It is important to note that requirements can change depending on the specific characteristics of each building.  For example, requirements can differ between different building classifications, bushfire-prone areas etc.

AS3959:2018 - Australian Standard for construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas
This standard is important because it shows you how to work out which BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) applies to your project.  

Once this is established, it defines the particular requirements you will need to meet for your weepholes for that BAL level, for example, what metal material the weep hole needs to be screened with and the aperture size of the screen. 

All products in the table below, when correctly installed, according to Specifiers' plans and approved by a Building Certifier, can be used to meet these requirements. For further information on compliance, visit https://weepa.com.au/compliance/ or talk to your builder/certifier.

Weep holes are an essential feature in modern building design, providing ventilation and drainage for external brick walls. However, if left unprotected, weep holes can become an entry point for pests, termites, and bushfire embers. Weep hole screens are designed to prevent pest entry, termite damage, and bushfire ember ignition. Made from durable materials, these screens are easy to install and maintain, providing long-lasting protection for your home.

Q: What are weep holes?

A: Weep holes are gaps in external brick walls that serve two purposes: ventilation and drainage.

Q: Why are weep holes important?

A: Weep holes are important as they allow moisture to escape from internal wall cavities, preventing damage and reducing the risk of Leaky Building Syndrome.

Q: What kinds of pests can enter through weep holes?

A: Pests like rodents, insects, and snakes can all gain access to your home through weep holes.

Q: How can I prevent pest entry through weep holes?

A: Install a Protector Weep Hole Screen to keep pests out while maintaining airflow and ventilation.

Q: What's the risk of termites entering through weep holes?

A: Termites can cause significant damage to your home's structure, leading to costly repairs.

Q: How can I prevent termite entry through weep holes?

A: Install a Termite Protector Weep Hole Screen to deter termites from entering weep holes for up to 2 years.

Q: What's the risk of bushfire embers entering through weep holes?

A: Bushfire embers entering weep holes can ignite internal combustible materials, causing devastating damage.

Q: How can I prevent bushfire ember entry through weep holes?

A: Install Bushfire Compliant Products that meet Australian Standards for ember protection.

Q: What are the statutory requirements for weep holes in Australia?

A: The Australian Standard AS 3700-2018 requires weep holes for masonry structures, while AS 3959-2018 stipulates ember protection requirements for construction in bushfire-prone areas.

Q: How often should I inspect my weep holes?

A: Regularly inspect your weep holes to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning properly.

Q: Can I install weep hole screens myself?

A: Yes, weep hole screens can be installed DIY, but it's recommended to hire a professional for complex installations.