RETROFIT WEEP AND METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME

Abstract

A retrofit weep comprises a cylindrical base having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, a first annular groove in an exterior surface of the cylindrical base forming a first retaining feature and a second retaining feature, and an optional O-ring positioned within the first annular groove between the first and second retaining features. The cylindrical base is configured and arranged to extend through an opening in a building and provide drainage through the bore, wherein the O-ring provides a seal between the cylindrical base and the building.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/441,357, filed Jan. 26, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

When buildings deteriorate because of aging, because of damage by water including flooding, or because of inadequate or nonexistent weep systems, the building materials (e.g., exterior and interior walls) can become damaged and contaminated with dirt, debris, and various types of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi (e.g., mold). If materials cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected, or become damaged beyond repair, they are typically replaced. For buildings including brick foundations or veneer, it can be difficult to repair or replace building materials using typical construction procedures. To prevent deterioration after the building materials have been repaired or replaced, retrofit weeps can be installed.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a retrofit weep and method of installing same.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the disclosure and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid in understanding some of the aspects of the invention.

In one embodiment, a retrofit weep comprises a cylindrical base having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, a first annular groove in an exterior surface of the cylindrical base forming a first retaining feature and a second retaining feature, and an O-ring positioned within the first annular groove between the first and second retaining features. The cylindrical base is configured and arranged to extend through an opening in a building and provide drainage through the bore, wherein the O-ring provides a seal between the cylindrical base and the building.

In one embodiment, a method of installing a retrofit weep comprises creating an opening in a building proximate a low point, obtaining a retrofit weep having a cylindrical base with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, applying a bonding agent onto an exterior surface of the retrofit weep to create a coated retrofit weep, and inserting the coated retrofit weep through the opening, the bore in the retrofit weep providing drainage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present disclosure.

Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment retrofit weep constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an installation tool for use in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an optional hammer attachment for use with the installation tool shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the optional hammer attachment shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a weep rod for use in maintaining a weep bore or hole in the retrofit weep, shown in FIG. 1, positioned in a brick structure cavity during installation;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a distal end portion of the weep rod shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the distal end portion of the weep rod shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a first example building structure with which the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1 can be used;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a second example building structure with which the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1 can be used;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a third example building structure with which the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1 can be used;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a first step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a second step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a third step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a fourth step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a fifth step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a sixth step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a seventh step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a eighth step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a ninth step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a tenth step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a magnified portion of the tenth step in installing the retrofit weep shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide a retrofit weep comprising a cylindrical base having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, a first annular groove in an exterior surface of the cylindrical base forming a first retaining feature and a second retaining feature, and an optional O-ring positioned within the first annular groove between the first and second retaining features. The cylindrical base is configured and arranged to extend through an opening in a building and provide drainage through the bore, wherein the O-ring provides a seal between the cylindrical base and the building. A method of installing a retrofit weep comprises creating an opening in a building proximate a low point, obtaining the retrofit weep having a cylindrical base with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, applying a bonding agent onto an exterior surface of the retrofit weep to create a coated retrofit weep, and inserting the coated retrofit weep through the opening, the bore in the retrofit weep providing drainage. Optionally, the O-ring can be used to assist in providing a seal between the cylindrical base and the building.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a retrofit weep 100 includes a cylindrical base 101 through which a bore 102 extends longitudinally. A proximal end 104 includes a head 106. A first annular groove 107 is positioned between the head 106 and a first retaining feature 108, and a second annular groove 109 is positioned between the first retaining feature 108 and a second retaining feature 110. In this embodiment, the head 106 and the first and second retaining features 108 and 110 preferably extend axially outward relative to the base 101. The first and second annular grooves 107 and 109 can be the same diameter, or have a smaller diameter, as the base 101. A distal end 112 preferably includes a chamfer 113. An optional O-ring 114, shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, is configured and arranged to be positioned about the second annular groove 109 between the first and second retaining features 108 and 110. Any suitable O-ring can be used. Preferably, the O-ring 114 is made of a flexible material.

In one example, the base 101 has a length of 4.000 inches, including the head 106 that is approximately 0.375 inch and the chamfer 113 that is approximately 0.050 inch, and a diameter of 0.424 inch, with the head 106 and the first and second retaining features 108 and 110 extending axially outward relative to the base 101 about 0.024 inch. The diameters of the first and second annular grooves 108 and 110 are also 0.424 inch in this example. The bore 102 has a diameter of 0.250 inch. It is recognized that any suitable dimensions can be used to accommodate different applications.

An example installation tool 116 that can be used to install the retrofit weep 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The installation tool 116 includes a weep shaft 117 that is configured and arranged to fit within the bore 102 of the retrofit weep 100. A stop 118 interconnects the weep shaft 117 and a drill shaft 119. The drill shaft 119 is configured and arranged to operatively connect to a drill, such as a hammer drill. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, an optional hammer attachment 121 could be used instead of a drill. Although illustrated as being cylindrical, with a bore 123 extending partially through the base 122, the hammer attachment 121 could be any suitable configuration. The bore 123 is configured and arranged to receive the drill shaft 119, and a hammer, rubber mallet, or other suitable installation device or method can be used to insert the weep 100 into the structure.

Optionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, an installation rod 126 can be used after the retrofit weep 100 is in the desired position to ensure the bore 102 does not get clogged during application of sealing materials. In this example, the installation rod 126 includes a weep rod 127 extending from an eye 129 at its proximal end 128. Preferably, the eye 129 has an opening 130 configured and arranged to receive a tool, such as a shaft of a screwdriver, for rotating and removing the weep rod 127 from the bore 102. Preferably, the distal end 131 is tapered with a first taper 132a and a second taper 132b, similar to a flat head screwdriver. The distal end 131 could be conical shaped or any other suitable shape.

The retrofit weep 100 can be used with a variety of different building structures. Non-exhaustive examples of building structures are illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. In FIG. 11, the building structure 200 includes a foundation 202 with a brick ledge 203. In this example, the foundation is a poured concrete or concrete masonry units (“CMU”) stem wall with a brick ledge. Mortar 206 and bricks 205 are positioned on the brick ledge 203 as known in the art. An interior wall 210 is positioned on the foundation 202 with a space 208 between the interior wall 210 and the brick structure (mortar 206 and bricks 205). A grade 215 is positioned proximate a low point 218 of the brick structure.

In FIG. 12, the building structure 300 includes a foundation 302 with a brick ledge 303. In this example, the foundation is a reinforced slab with a brick ledge on a graded surface. Mortar 306 and bricks 305 are positioned on the brick ledge 303 as known in the art. An interior wall 310 is positioned on the foundation 302 with a space 308 between the interior wall 310 and the brick structure (mortar 306 and bricks 305). A grade 315 is positioned proximate a low point 318 of the brick structure.

In FIG. 13, the building structure 400 includes a brick tie 412 and fastener 413 interconnecting a foundation 402 and a brick structure (mortar 406 and bricks 405). In this example, the foundation is a suspended structural floor. An interior wall 410 is positioned on the foundation 402 with a space 408 between the interior wall 410 and the brick structure (mortar 406 and bricks 405). A low point 418 of the brick structure is proximate a ground surface.

An example installation method of the retrofit weep 100 on a building structure 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 14-23. Installation methods can be similar for other types of building structures. First, as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, if there is any deterioration of structural components and/or debris such as loose mortar, any deteriorated material 220 and/or debris 222 should be removed from the area where the retrofit weep 100 is to be installed. Any structural components should be repaired or replaced (e.g., area 221 in FIG. 15), as needed, preferably not including exterior sheathing. An industrial vacuum and/or a high pressure air compressor can be used, and it is not recommended to use any high impact tools.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the lowest brick bed or head joint proximate the area where the retrofit weep 100 is to be installed is determined. This is above grade and is preferably approximately every 16 inches or two common/adjacent brick lengths. As illustrated in FIG. 18, a bore 224 is drilled in the brick bed or head joint mortar at the low point 218. A masonry drill bit, preferably ⅜ inch, should be long enough to reach the space 208 plus 1 inch. Any drilling debris should be removed. The retrofit weep 100 is ready to be installed.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the retrofit weep 100 is positioned on the weep shaft 117 of the installation tool 116, including any selected O-ring 114, and then a bonding agent 136, such as epoxy or any other suitable sealant, is applied to the outer surface of the retrofit weep 100. In this example, a hammer drill is used but it is recognized that other suitable installation devices or methods can be used. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the bonding agent coated weep is then inserted into the bore 224. Preferably, the exterior end of the weep 100 should be flush with the exterior surface of the bed or head joint of mortar, slightly inset from the exterior surface of the brick, and the interior end of the weep 100 should extend into the space 208 approximately ¼ inch.

Then, the installation tool 116 is removed from the weep 100, and the installation rod 126 is inserted through the bore 102 of the weep 100. Preferably, the installation rod extends into the space 208 approximately 2 inches, if possible. This is illustrated in FIG. 21. A fluid flashing 226 is applied, preferably with a spray wand or a brush, to the foundation 202 and the brick structure (mortar 406 and bricks 405) proximate the weep 100, as illustrated in FIG. 22. An example of a suitable fluid flashing is Dura Seal 400 by Durall Concrete Floor Coatings of Bloomington, MN. The installation rod 126 prevents the fluid flashing 226 from clogging the bore 102. When the fluid flashing 226 has sufficiently cured, the installation rod 126 is removed. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 23, a drainage mat 230, preferably including a drainage skirt 231, and insulation 228 are inserted into the space 208. FIG. 24 is a magnified portion of FIG. 23 to highlight some of these features.

An example drainage mat is the SURE CAVITY™ drainage mat from Masonry Technology, Inc. of Cresco, Iowa. This example includes a high impact polystyrene base, which is preferably corrugated, to which a spun-bond polypropylene fabric is operatively connected. It is recognized that any suitable materials can be used. The fabric extends downward from the base to form a skirt portion. The fabric portion preferably is positioned to face inwardly with the skirt portion positioned along the bottom of the space. The insulation, such as foam in place insulation, is positioned on top of the skirt portion between the drainage mat and the foundation.

Benefits of using foam in place insulation and a drainage mat is that there is less space for water to accumulate, and water is directed downward toward the weep while preventing water to transfer between the foundation and the brick structure. The fluid flashing also provides a moisture resistant material to protect the building materials. Because the fluid flashing does not clog the bore, water is directed toward the weep to drain through the bore.

If an optional O-ring is used, the O-ring helps provide a friction fit without wedging the weep into the brick structure so as to not damage the brick structure. The O-ring, along with the bonding agent, seal the exterior of the weep to the brick structure, thereby assisting in directing any water through the bore. The fluid flashing also assists in directing any water through the bore.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A retrofit weep, comprising:

a cylindrical base having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough;

a first annular groove in an exterior surface of the cylindrical base forming a first retaining feature and a second retaining feature; and

an O-ring positioned within the first annular groove between the first and second retaining features;

wherein the cylindrical base is configured and arranged to extend through an opening in a building and provide drainage through the bore, wherein the O-ring provides a seal between the cylindrical base and the building.

2. The retrofit weep of claim 1, wherein the first and second retaining features are enhanced with raised portions relative to the cylindrical base.

3. The retrofit weep of claim 1, wherein the first annular groove is proximate an end of the cylindrical base.

4. The retrofit weep of claim 1, further comprising a second annular groove between one of the first and second retaining features and an end of the cylindrical base.

5. The retrofit weep of claim 4, wherein the end of the cylindrical base includes a chamfered juncture with the second annular groove.

6. The retrofit weep of claim 1, further comprising a bonding agent interconnecting the cylindrical base and the building.

7. The retrofit weep of claim 6, further comprising a second annular groove between one of the first and second retaining features and an end of the cylindrical base, wherein at least a portion of the bonding agent is positioned within the second annular groove.

8. A method of installing a retrofit weep, comprising:

creating an opening in a building proximate a low point;

obtaining a retrofit weep having a cylindrical base with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough;

applying a bonding agent onto an exterior surface of the retrofit weep to create a coated retrofit weep; and

inserting the coated retrofit weep through the opening, the bore in the retrofit weep providing drainage.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the retrofit weep includes an O-ring about a perimeter of the cylindrical base.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising using an installation tool to insert the coated retrofit weep through the opening.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying a moisture resistant material to an inward facing surface of the building, wherein the moisture resistant coating does not restrict access to the bore.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the moisture resistant material is applied with a brush or a spray wand.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising inserting a rod through the bore prior to applying the moisture resistant material to prevent clogging of the bore with the moisture resistant material.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the building includes a gap between a foundation and a brick portion, further comprising positioning at least one of insulation and a drainage mat in the gap proximate the opening.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the drainage mat includes a drainage skirt, the drainage mat extending vertically along the brick portion and the drainage skirt extending horizontally along a bottom of the gap.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein both the insulation and the drainage mat are positioned in the gap, the drainage mat including a drainage skirt, the drainage mat extending vertically along the brick portion and the drainage skirt extending horizontally along a bottom of the gap, the insulation positioned on top of the drainage skirt between the drainage mat and the foundation.