Weep Vents In New Builds
Author
Ian Murray
Date Published
What Are Weep Vents and Why They Matter in New Builds
When you look closely at a new build home, you might notice small slots or plastic inserts along the brickwork. These are usually found above windows and at the base of the walls. These are called weep vents, and while they may seem minor, they play a vital role in keeping your home dry and protected from dampness.
At Home Snagging UK, we often find issues with weep vents during our inspections. Missing, blocked or poorly fitted vents are among the most common defects found in new build properties. Here’s why they matter and how a professional snagging inspection can help.
What Weep Vents Do
Weep vents are designed to let moisture escape from behind your brickwork. During rain, water can penetrate the outer bricks and collect in the cavity wall. The vents provide an outlet for that trapped moisture. They prevent it from soaking into your internal walls and causing damp or mould to grow.
Without working weep vents, water can accumulate inside the wall cavity. Over time, this leads to discolouration, peeling paint, and even structural damage.
Why Weep Vents Are Often a Problem in New Builds
New build homes are often completed under tight schedules, and small but important details like weep vents can be overlooked. We frequently see:
- Vents missing altogether
- Blocked vents filled with mortar or insulation
- Vents fitted at the wrong height or unevenly spaced
- Poorly installed vents without proper insect guards
These might seem like small issues, but they can create long-term damp problems and lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.
How Our Snagging Inspections Identify Weep Vent Issues
At Home Snagging UK, our Pre-Completion and Post-Completion Snagging Inspections are designed to find exactly these types of hidden problems before they cause damage.
- A Pre-Completion Snagging Inspection allows you to highlight defects before you move in, ensuring the developer fixes them under warranty.
- A Post-Completion Snagging Inspection checks your property once you’ve settled in, identifying any defects that have appeared since handover.
We use professional tools, moisture detection equipment, and experienced inspectors to check every part of your property — including weep vent placement, spacing and condition.
By identifying missing or blocked weep vents early, you can prevent damp and protect your home’s structure.
Why Choose Home Snagging UK
We’re independent, experienced and fully focused on helping homeowners get the quality they’ve paid for. Our team inspects hundreds of new build homes every year. We know exactly what to look for. From weep vents to insulation gaps and everything in between.
If you’re buying a new build or recently moved into one, booking a professional snagging inspection could save you significant time, stress, and money.
Claire
Nov 30, 2025
Amazing service. I really wish I’d hired this company on exchange of contract. I’ve lived in my house since April 2024 and therefore project managed my house since April 2024 with a magnitude of issues quite frankly it’s been a nightmare. I’ve had scaffolding erected 3 times because the roof...
Hydraman5
Dec 11, 2025
Fantastic service from Keith and Julie. They were able to squeeze me in at short notice and still provided the report the same day—just in time for my developer’s cut-off date. Keith arrived right on time at 8am, was incredibly knowledgeable, and identified around 70 snags I never would have...
Greg Cave
Dec 12, 2025
Julie responded almost immediately to my initial enquiry and offered to visit our house within a week of that time. She produced a thorough and easy to understand report which arrived with me the day after her visit. The majority of the snags Julie identified were issues we probably would...
Keith Cordice
Dec 4, 2025
Home Snagging – Simply the Best IMHO Julie was a star—super quick to reply and her service was spot-on. I had the full report in my hands by close of play the same day. Now that’s what I call service! Then came Keith, our professional snagger. Honestly, the moment he introduced himself...
Bipin Raj
Dec 11, 2025
Great value and efficient service by Home Snagging UK. I compared a lot of prices and found theirs to be the most valuable. I received the report on the same day. Surveyor Keith did an amazing job looking at every nook and cranny for snags and has highlighted them well....
FAQs
What are weep vents made of?
Most weep vents are made from durable plastic and designed to allow airflow while stopping insects from entering the wall cavity.
How many weep vents should my property have?
There should be weep vents every 450mm above openings and at the base of cavity walls. Missing or unevenly spaced vents can cause moisture build-up.
Can I fix missing weep vents myself?
We don’t recommend DIY fixes. Installing new vents requires removing brickwork and ensuring proper cavity drainage. It’s best to have the issue recorded in a snagging report and repaired professionally.
Do all homes need weep vents?
Yes, all cavity wall constructions should include weep vents to prevent moisture problems. Even rendered homes typically have them hidden within the structure.
Protect Your New Build with a Professional Snagging Inspection
If you’re unsure whether your new home’s weep vents are fitted correctly, we can help. Book a Pre-Completion or Post-Completion Snagging Inspection with Home Snagging UK to identify potential defects before they turn into serious problems.
Contact us today to arrange your inspection and make sure your new home performs as it should.