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.

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.