Weep holes are tiny spaces in walls, siding, or windows that help protect your home from structural damage caused by excess moisture. So, you may wonder if vinyl siding contains weep holes. After much research, we gathered some fascinating answers and information.
There are tiny openings or weep holes on the bottom border of a vinyl siding that allows water to drain. Therefore, moisture that accumulates behind your siding can escape through these holes.
Weep holes are essential in countering damages that would otherwise occur if moisture accumulated. Please continue reading to understand these weep holes better. We will discuss how to maintain them and what happens if you ignore the moisture behind your vinyl siding.
Why Are Weep Holes Important In Vinyl Siding?
Like any other house component, it is crucial to incorporate weep holes in your vinyl siding to protect it from water damage.
Most siding materials or brands drill weep holes into the footer. Ideally, the weep holes in vinyl siding reduce the effects of high dew points and excessive moisture accumulation due to rain and snow.
How To Maintain Vinyl Siding Weep Holes
Check the weep holes on your property regularly to ensure they are draining correctly. If you want to keep the weep holes in good working order, follow these guidelines:
- Clear the dirt out of the weep holes in your windows.
- Do not fill the weep holes with caulk, paint, or other sealants to avoid trapping water within the siding, which will eventually leak.
- Keep weep holes clear of vegetation to prevent blockage or their becoming a pest harborage. It will significantly help if you keep plants 18 inches away from weep holes.
- If you wish to cover your vinyl siding's weep holes, it would be best to use covers intended for them. Screens and grated covers for weep holes are available for purchase - they allow water and air to escape while keeping pests out.
Click here to check out this weep hole cover on Amazon.
What To Do If There Are No Weep Holes In Your Home
Most older houses do not have weep holes. There are also some instances where the house's last owner may have wrongly sealed or caulked those weep holes.
So, if you notice no weep holes, it would be best to leave your home as is because if you attempt to drill the weep holes, you might make it easier for pests and moisture to enter your walls.
You can also consult a local home inspector who can help you figure out what to do if you have a moisture problem caused by the lack of weep holes.
What Are The Effects Of Water Behind Vinyl Siding?
Many problems can arise if water gets behind your vinyl siding and there are no weep holes.
A small amount of water or snow getting behind the siding might not cause any damage right away, but if you ignore the leak after noticing it or you take too long to see it, you can expect the following problems to develop:
Mold And Mildew Accumulation
Mold and mildew find an ideal growth medium in the moisture trapped beneath the vinyl siding. The sheathing or entire wall becomes more susceptible to breaking as mold and mildew accumulate.
But mold affects more than just the integrity of your walls; it can also cause serious health issues. You may notice a runny nose, wheezing, itchy and dry eyes, and skin becoming irritable and itchy.
Furthermore, it may worsen the severity of an allergic reaction to mold in those who already have asthma or have intense allergic responses to mold and mildew.
Vinyl Siding Deteriorates At A Faster Rate
Most manufacturers advertise vinyl siding to last between 20 and 30 years. However, many don't last that long, as noticeable wear and tear become the standard after ten years.
A significant decrease in vinyl siding's durability is because of the water accumulating behind it. If you don't promptly fix the water leak, the vinyl siding can take on a discolored look.
The Sheathing Rots
Wall sheathing makes the walls sturdy, provides a level surface where you can attach the siding, and improves insulation capacity.
Suppose water gets behind the siding, and you fail to detect it for an extended period. In that case, it can cause the wall sheathing to rot, leading to significant structural problems, especially if the damaged parts continue to deteriorate.
Encourages Pest Infestation
Ignoring the leaking vinyl siding will eventually lead to a pest infestation because of several of the abovementioned symptoms. Some pests and insects can find moisture or mold accumulation within the vinyl siding suitable for them to thrive.
Since beetles feed on mold, expect them to infest your vinyl siding. Although they won't be able to damage your wall foundations, they can make the space unappealing.
Furthermore, dust mites can also be a problem. The tiny hairs on their bodies can cause problems for people with allergies and asthma if they float around the house.
Creates Fissures On Wall Foundations
Water seeping behind vinyl siding is a typical cause of foundation wall fractures, much to the dread of homeowners. Houses with vertical fissures often leak somewhere. And if you don't fix them immediately, they will worsen and threaten the whole structure.
Even if the fractures don't compromise the house's structural integrity, they can be ugly and expensive to repair.
How To Identify Leakage In Vinyl Siding
One simple way to inspect for leakage in your vinyl siding is to look for dirt-appearing residues indoors. You can easily find it on your windows.
Once you finish the inspection and have detected some residues, it would be best to ask for the help of a professional for a moisture test.
How To Prevent Leakage Behind Vinyl Siding?
Please keep in mind that installing vinyl siding properly the first time is the best and the only effective way to prevent water from seeping behind it in the future. Below are some suggestions when installing siding:
- It would be best to begin working from the base and work your way up.
- Prioritize the installation of accessories and corner divisions.
- When putting up vinyl around windows, it is highly advisable to begin with the under-still trim, followed by the side trim. You must also do the same when installing one around doors.
- Smooth out every nook and cranny of the joints.
- When installing siding in a series, each new strip must cover the top of the one below it.
- It would be best to exert more caution when putting up new siding over existing siding.
Also, observe any applicable local regulations concerning construction in addition to the suggestions mentioned above.
How To Repair Leakage On Vinyl Siding
Experts first determine the source of the leak before choosing the best strategy for repairing the damage. Although there are numerous ways to fix leaks, below are some basic exercises you can do if you have enough knowledge to tackle the tasks.
- Check the vinyl siding carefully around the leaking area
- Use elastomeric caulking to fill the siding area
- Use a siding removal tool to glide black into place dislodged vinyl siding.
It would be best to leave a leakage that has already produced significant damage in the hands of a professional to ensure that no further harm will happen to your vinyl siding. In addition, you may need to purchase some siding sheets to replace the old, deteriorated parts.
Wrapping It All Up
Weep holes are essential for your vinyl sidings. These tiny openings can help prevent moisture, mold, mildew, and pest accumulation inside your vinyl siding or wall sheathing. Preventing these unwanted things means protecting your vinyl siding and home from damage.
We hope you find this post helpful. Also, you can reach out in the comments if you still have additional concerns. We'd love to hear from you! And if you wish to continue reading, check out these posts!
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