Bunnings Weep Holes and Termite Protection: Review of Weepa & Weepguard – Ensuring Structural Integrity and Pest Prevention

Weep holes, small openings in the foundation of buildings, play an essential role in ensuring proper drainage and preventing moisture build-up in walls. However, they can also become entry points for unwanted pests, particularly termites, if not properly protected. This article explores the role of weep holes in construction, their significance in moisture control, and the importance of protecting these openings from termites.

Weepa weep hole protectors – Info from above photo is reproduced below:

Cavity brick walls need weep holes for drainage and ventilation but these openings allow access for pests and bushfire embers. Weepa weep hole protectors stop pests and bushfire embers entering your home.

Protector WEEP HOLE SCREEN

Easy to install stainless steel Protector prevents mice, bees, European wasps, cockroaches, spiders, snakes and many more pests entering your home through weep holes.

The stainless steel Weepa Protector is also compliant with all Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) for Australian Standard AS3959:2018

weepa.com.au/products/protector-weep-hole-screens/

TERMITE Protector WEEP HOLE SCREEN

Lisa our technician had a fair bit of trouble installing the stainless steel weep hole protector at first.  After modifying it by bending it more it was easier to install.

See next video:

These definitely need some effort and technique to fit squarely into the weep holes.

Our next attempt finally gets there!

I worked out that you need to get the applicator to line up with the hole and to push in the top, followed by the bottom in order to get the protection strip inserted effectively.

It isn’t by any means easy and requires a lot of determination and brute strength to get it in properly.

The applicator has two sides for different sized holes, a 30mm side and a 20mm side as shown below:

Next up I reviewed the stainless steel weep hole protection suited for extra vermin protection and is suitable for areas prone to bushfires.

*Tip: Use both the Weepa Protector and Weepa Termite Protector for maximum protection from pests and bushfires.

Patented protection for your home. Termite Protector is bifenthrin infused to deter termite entry through weep holes for up to 2 years.

Choose which Weepa Protector is best for you from the table below.

* Use both the Weepa Protector and Weepa Termite Protector for maximum protection from pests and bushfires. weepa.com.au/retrofitting-existing-weep-holes/

Are you building a new home or extension?

Weepa also has a range of weep hole formers (Weepas) that can be installed during construction to stop invading pests and make your weep holes bushfire compliant.

Ask your Bunnings Team Member to arrange a special order for your chosen Weepa product.

Find out how to choose the correct Weepa to use during construction at weepa.com.au/products/choosing-the-correct-weepa/

Weepa
Perfect weepholes every time!

Maybe not every time! This version with the tradename of “Weepguard” was still difficult to install at first blush and needed to pushed into the hole with some force.  On the positive side it took less time to install than the others previously reviewed and came in a range of colours.

Understanding Weep Holes

A weep hole is a gap or opening in the exterior of a wall, typically near the foundation, designed to allow water trapped inside the wall cavity to escape. These gaps are often found in brick veneer and masonry walls, where water infiltration can lead to serious structural damage if not managed properly.

In addition to promoting the safe exit of water, weep holes allow air circulation, reducing the risk of mould, mildew, and other forms of moisture-related damage. These features are critical for preventing the accumulation of moisture that could weaken the integrity of the building, especially in regions with high humidity or frequent rainfall.

The Role of Weep Holes in Moisture Control

Moisture control is one of the most critical aspects of building design. Over time, trapped water in walls can lead to serious issues such as:

• Deterioration of Building Materials: Wood, metal, and even concrete can degrade when exposed to prolonged moisture.
• Mould and Mildew Growth: Excess moisture can create an environment conducive to the growth of mould and mildew, which not only damage materials but also pose serious health risks.
• Rust and Corrosion: Metal components in the structure, such as steel reinforcements or fasteners, are susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture.
• Fungal Decay: Wood, which is often used in framing and other parts of a structure, can rot when it absorbs moisture over time.

Weep holes, by allowing water to escape, reduce the risk of these issues. They are often located just above the foundation or at the base of brick or masonry veneer walls, allowing water to drain and preventing moisture from accumulating in the wall cavity.

Termites and Their Threat to Buildings

Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can invade a home or building. They feed on cellulose, a material found in wood, and can cause extensive damage to the structure of a building. Termites can enter a building through even the smallest cracks and gaps, including those around weep holes.

There are various species of termites, but the most common types that affect buildings are subterranean termites, drywood termites, and dampwood termites. Subterranean termites are the most widespread and pose the greatest risk to buildings because they live in colonies underground and can enter homes through the soil.

Termites thrive in environments with high moisture levels, which makes weep holes an attractive entry point. When water accumulates around a building’s foundation or in the wall cavity, termites are drawn to the moisture-rich environment. Without proper protection, weep holes become easy access points for these pests.

The Importance of Protecting Weep Holes from Termites

Weep holes, while essential for moisture control, can become a significant vulnerability if not properly protected. Termites are highly skilled at detecting areas where water is present and may use weep holes as pathways to enter a building and begin infesting wood framing, flooring, and other structural components.

The absence of adequate termite protection around weep holes can result in:

1. Termite Infestation: Termites may enter the building unnoticed through weep holes, leading to a gradual yet severe infestation.
2. Structural Damage: Termites feed on wooden structural elements, including beams, studs, and flooring, causing weakening and potentially dangerous structural damage.
3. Increased Repair Costs: Treating a termite infestation can be expensive and often requires extensive repairs to damaged structural elements.
4. Health Risks: Termite damage may also create environments conducive to mould growth, which poses health risks to building occupants.

Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate termite protection measures when designing and constructing weep holes.

Methods for Protecting Weep Holes from Termites

Several strategies can help prevent termites from entering through weep holes. These methods focus on creating barriers and using materials that deter termite activity while still allowing for moisture drainage. Some of the most common and effective termite protection techniques for weep holes include:

1. Mesh Screens and Barriers

A mesh screen is one of the most popular solutions for protecting weep holes. The screen is made from a fine metal or plastic mesh that fits over the weep hole to prevent termites from entering. These screens allow for water to drain out of the wall while blocking the entry of pests.

In addition to providing a physical barrier against termites, the mesh can help keep out other debris such as leaves, dirt, and insects, which could also obstruct the weep hole’s functionality.

2. Termite-Resistant Materials

Using termite-resistant materials around weep holes can be an effective preventive measure. For example, building materials such as pressure-treated wood, steel, or cementitious products are less attractive to termites and more resistant to infestation.

Incorporating these materials in the construction of the building’s exterior can reduce the likelihood of termite damage even if pests manage to breach the weep holes.

3. Chemical Barriers

Termiticides are chemicals designed to kill or repel termites. Applying a chemical barrier around the foundation and weep holes is another effective way to prevent termite entry. These chemicals can be applied during construction or as part of routine pest control maintenance.

One common method is to treat the soil around the foundation with a liquid termiticide, creating a barrier that termites cannot cross. Additionally, termite bait systems can be installed in conjunction with weep hole protection to provide ongoing monitoring and prevention.

4. Sealants

While it’s crucial to maintain proper moisture drainage, using sealants around weep holes can reduce the risk of termite entry.

In Sydney, two notable termite protection sealant brands that safeguard structures against termite infestations are: 

• GREENZONE® Termite Sealant: This sealant is designed for application in expansion joints, gaps, and cracks within buildings, effectively preventing termite entry. It pairs well with GREENZONE® Termite Paint and Primer for comprehensive protection.

• TERM-seal™ Sealant Active: A highly engineered, acrylic polymer-based liquid that cures to form a seamless, flexible, termite-resistant, and waterproof membrane. It’s suitable for use in joints, cracks, and various construction applications, providing a durable barrier against termites.

Specially formulated sealants can be applied around the perimeter of weep holes to fill any gaps while still allowing water to flow through. These sealants can prevent termites from squeezing through tiny openings that may otherwise go unnoticed.

5. Gravel or Crushed Rock Drainage

In some cases, the addition of gravel or crushed rock around the foundation may be recommended to promote drainage and reduce moisture accumulation. When weep holes are surrounded by gravel, termites may find it more difficult to penetrate the barrier and access the foundation.

This is how Granitgard works:These materials also help to disperse water more efficiently, ensuring that moisture doesn’t pool around the foundation and attract termites.

Weep holes are a critical component in building construction, playing a vital role in moisture control and structural integrity. However, if left unprotected, they can become an entry point for termites, leading to significant damage to the structure. By implementing effective termite protection strategies—such as mesh screens, termite-resistant materials, chemical barriers, sealants, and gravel drainage systems—builders can safeguard the property from pest infestation while maintaining the weep hole’s essential function. Properly protecting weep holes not only helps preserve the integrity of the building but also protects the health and safety of its occupants.