Poorly Pointed Weep Holes
Author
Ian Murray
Date Published
The Common Snag Affecting New Builds in the UK
When you look closely at the brickwork on a new build home. You will often notice small openings at the base of the wall or above windows. These are called weep holes, and they allow moisture inside the cavity wall to escape. They are a simple but essential part of a property’s drainage system.
At Home Snagging UK, we inspect hundreds of new build properties every year. Poorly pointed weep holes are one of the most common issues we record in our snagging reports. Although they may seem minor, blocked or incorrectly finished weep holes can lead to damp, staining and long-term damage.
Why Weep Holes Matter
Moisture naturally enters the cavity behind your external brickwork. Without working weep holes, that moisture becomes trapped. Over time this causes damp patches, peeling paint, mould and even structural deterioration.
A correctly installed weep hole should be open, unobstructed and clearly visible. When they are blocked by mortar or pointed over completely, they can no longer function.
Why Poorly Pointed Weep Holes Are So Common
Many new build homes are completed under strict deadlines. Small details like weep holes can be rushed or overlooked. We often see:
- Weep holes filled with mortar
- Weep holes that have been pointed over entirely
- Vents installed too close together or too far apart
- Weep holes missing above windows and doors
- Decorative brickwork hiding the openings
These small defects are often invisible to the untrained eye. However, they can lead to long-term damp problems that are expensive to fix if ignored. A home snagging report from a professional snagger can help to identify these issues.
How Poorly Pointed Weep Holes Affect Your Home
Without working weep holes, water cannot escape the cavity. This causes moisture to seep into internal walls. You may notice damp marks, bubbling plaster or a musty smell around affected areas.
Left untreated, this can escalate into more serious problems such as mould growth or even structural issues. For a brand-new home, this is something every buyer wants to avoid.
How Snagging Reports Identify Weep Hole Issues
At Home Snagging UK, our professional inspections are designed to find these issues early. Our snagging reports include:
- Photographs of each defect
- Clear explanations of the problem
- The exact location of every affected weep hole
- Recommendations for the builder to correct the issue
We provide both Pre-Completion and Post-Completion Snagging Inspections, giving homeowners confidence that their property has been finished correctly. We check every part of your brickwork, ensuring the weep holes are open, clean and positioned properly.
Why Choose Home Snagging UK
We are independent specialists with years of experience in new build homes. Our role is to protect you from avoidable defects. Poorly pointed weep holes may be small, but they can create big problems. A thorough snagging report form our team of experts gives you the evidence you need. Ensuring any issues identified can be raised and corrected under your warranty.
Sam Reavill
Nov 25, 2025
Would highly recommend. Keith was fantastic, approachable and clearly does a thorough job of the inspection. In-depth report with clear photos, good advice from Keith on how to approach the house builder with the minima snags we had as lost where cosmetic. Julie very quick to email, book in and...
Freddie Diver
Nov 2, 2025
Julie has been absolutely incredible, at first me and my partner was sceptical about having someone come and snag our new build but it was money well spent. Julie was very approachable and pleasant throughout her time, and highlighted a number of issues throughout our property which needed rectifying. Overall would...
Liam
Nov 4, 2025
Julie was really responsive and came back to any question really quickly. Keith was knowledgeable and talked through findings. The report was produced and sent on the same day. The service has been excellent and i'd recommend to anyone....
Claire Wood
Sep 26, 2025
Julie is highly professional, and completed a thorough inspection of our new build home. Her report was detailed and very clear, and was prepared by the day after her visit. Julie is very knowledgeable but also presents information in a way which is easy to understand. I’m extremely glad I...
Татьяна Иванова
Jul 23, 2025
Julie was absolutely brilliant throughout the whole process. She arrived exactly on time, was extremely attentive and professional during the inspection, and made sure to check every detail in the house thoroughly. She responds to emails very quickly, which made communication smooth and easy. The report arrived the next day and...
FAQs
What does a poorly pointed weep hole look like?
It may be covered with mortar, blocked with debris or barely visible in the brickwork. Any obstruction that stops airflow or drainage is a defect.
Can I unblock a weep hole myself?
We do not recommend it. Removing pointing or mortar incorrectly can damage brickwork. Your developer should repair this as part of your snagging list.
Are poorly pointed weep holes covered by my warranty?
Yes. Builders are responsible for ensuring all weep holes are installed correctly and free from obstruction.
Will this cause damp inside my house?
It can. Trapped moisture inside the cavity often leads to internal damp issues if the problem is not resolved.
How do your snagging reports help?
Our reports highlight the defect with clear photographs and descriptions. Builders respond far faster when presented with professional evidence.
Protect Your New Build Home
Poorly pointed weep holes are a common but avoidable issue. With a detailed snagging report from Home Snagging UK. You can make sure your property is protected from damp and long-term moisture problems this Winter.
If you are buying a new build or have recently moved in, now is the perfect time to book your inspection.