Weep holes serve a real purpose. They allow water to exit the drain plane behind the brick veneer. Active water seepage from a weep hole may indicate a more significant problem, and the area should be closely inspected. Below are a few photos of the brick veneer seeping or leaking water from a weep hole, along the window lintel, and even through the mortar joints. In my opinion, this is a serious moisture issue that needs correction. The source of the water intrusion can be visually attributed to gutter or roof drainage deficiencies from above. However, sources can vary. A qualified commercial inspector will be able to identify these types of visible cladding performance issues and make appropriate recommendations.
Not a good sign at all. There is a problem with flashing issues somewhere on the facade for sure.
Here is a good one. This is at the base of a built-up slab wall along a sidewalk. Is water seeping from behind or being wicked from a puddle? An additional point of interest is that there is a large gap between the stairs and the sidewall.
From my desk it looks like seepage is causing the puddles.
That actually helps the brick dry quicker to the outside. Water from the elements have a clear shot down. That water is coming from behind the brick, God knows where.
Here are a few anomalies that are contributed to building envelope issues. Of course, fenestration, roof, roof drainage, cladding, and flashing all have to be considered. (and even refrigerant lines )
Brian, is that a flat roof?
Yes sir, in the areas I have depicted here, it is flat. The building has several flat roof systems- rolled granular asphalt or mineral, ballast EPDM, and tar & gravel (BRU). It is all problematic.
It must be. I would suspect the roof edge, and flashing.
Right! Your intuition and experience are showing. There is a whole case study here on the interconnections of these systems from roof covering, drainage, slope, gutters, flashing etc. and its impact on systems below such as cladding, fenestration, structure and finishes. Here is a quick screen shot from my report, I bet you can see the issues a mile away. (sorry for the poor quality of this image)
Good pictures, Ray, and good example of failures of the building envelope.
Just different locations on different buildings, but same principal.
Marcel, Ray and I worked this project together. He added some great pics for context. Water was attacking this building.
So your pictures the same building as Ray’s pictures.
If it is, no wonder water is coming out of the weep holes. LOL
Happy writing on that one. Do you have a book yet? lol
Yes, he is adding to the story. Same building, same inspection.
Oh yeah, and @bhull1 dropped in. He was camera-shy, but I have evidence.
(Of course, he is on the roof! )
And thanks for the cool drone shot, Bert.
Were you guys inspecting all those buildings? That’s quite a good size project.
Yes, Ray and I inspected that building. Bert came in and offered a hand one afternoon. These projects can take a couple/three days, depending on the scope. It has 60 HVAC units, 7 electrical rooms, 12 water heaters and lots of roof leaks, lol. Building ages ranged from the 1950s to the 90s. It has undergone additions and renovations several times.
They already did!