Removing Foam Insulation in Weep Holes

Vinyl siding and prefabricated windows often contain small drainage holes on the underside of the framing called weep holes. Weep holes are 1/8-inch in diameter and are designed to prevent moisture accumulation in the wall that can lead to mold or mildew problems or, even worse, hydrostatic pressure leading to collapse of the wall. If your weep holes are clogged with debris or insulation, removal will maintain proper air flow within the walls and allow moisture to slowly drip out of the wall.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Ice pick

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Scrub the weep hole with a toothbrush. The fine bristles will clear what is not permanently lodged into the hole.

   • 2

     Drill the weep hole with a 1/8-inch drill bit to restore it to the original diameter size. Slowly drill up into the hole as high as the drill bit will go, being cognizant to not penetrate the top of the siding.

   • 3

     Put an ice pick into the weep hole and wiggle it in a circular fashion. The drill opened a channel but the ice pick can open more space within the siding to create air flow and space for moisture to find its way to the weep hole.