The Unseen Peril of Porous Bricks: Navigating the Weep Hole Conundrum in Roofs
Roofs, just like walls, are more than just a shelter overhead. They're an intricate system designed to protect us from the elements. One of the common materials used in roofing, especially in chimneys and certain architectural structures, is brick. While it lends a timeless aesthetic appeal, there's a functional aspect of brick roofing that often goes overlooked: its porous nature.
Bricks: The Natural Sponges Overhead
Did you know that bricks absorb water much like sponges? It's a fascinating property, reminiscent of watching a paper towel dipped in water draw moisture upwards. But, as with all things in nature, there's a balance. To counteract this absorption, we have 'weep holes' in masonry.
Why Weep Holes Matter
These tiny openings are the unsung heroes of masonry. Their main job? To let out the water after the brick gets saturated. Think of them as the drainage system for bricks, especially after a heavy downpour. However, not all areas of a masonry roof get these weep holes. A prime example is the backside of some chimneys.
Recently, our team addressed the issue of leaky elevator shafts in a building. The common thread? A lack of weep holes. It's essential to clarify that we're not diving into the debate of whether they should or shouldn't have weep holes. The fact is, they don't, and it's a widespread oversight.
The Silent Threat of Saturation
The danger lies dormant. Often, homeowners remain unaware of this lurking issue for years. It takes a specific storm type to expose the problem—a storm characterized by prolonged rain and gusty winds. Once the brick gets fully saturated, the aftermath can be disastrous.
The Solution: Mason Resealer
The good news is that addressing this problem doesn't require an extensive overhaul. Enter the mason resealer—a product designed to combat the porous nature of bricks. Whether you choose to spray or roll it on, or even hire professionals like us to handle it, the outcome remains consistent. Once applied and dried, this resealer ensures that the brick repels water, much like water beads on a freshly waxed car. The bottom line? If you can't let the water back out through weep holes, prevent it from seeping in.
In Conclusion
Bricks, with their porous nature, can be both an architectural charm and a silent threat. As roofing experts, we recommend regular checks for weep holes and considering a mason resealer application to safeguard your roof, especially if weep holes are missing. After all, it's always better to be safe than sorry!
