Hi PBennett,
pbennett1 wrote:Are weep holes over windows and doors, in brick veneer, always required?
Yes.
Weep holes are always required wherever there is a through the wall flashing, and there is ... should be ... a through the wall flashing there and at the first course of all brick above those flashings.
In the case where the brick sets on a brick ledge and there is no through the wall flashing (flashing not required there) the weep holes are still required.
The weep holes are required as the brick and the mortar are know *not to* keep water out, water will, and does, go through the brick veneer. That water then runs down the back side of the brick (which is why it is critical to properly cut off the excess mortar when the brick is laid and remove it from the air space cavity) to the bottom of the brick veneer wall. With the brick on a brick ledge, the moisture goes down to the brick ledge and water drains out through the weep holes. With the brick on a through the wall flashing, the moisture goes down to the flashing the brick is setting on and drains out through the weep holes.
From the 2006 IRC.(underlining is mine)
- R703.7.6 Weepholes. Weepholes shall be provided in the outside wythe of masonry walls at a maximum spacing of 33 inches (838 mm) on center.Weepholes shall not be less than 3/16 inch (5 mm) in diameter.
Weepholes shall be located immediately above the flashing.
See attached drawings from the ICC 2006 IRC.