Why can caulking louver weep holes cause water to back up inside?
2nd YearYELLOW · Check FirstBuried Weep Holes
Short answer
Weep holes are there to drain water. Remove sealant from drainage paths and reseal only where the louver/detail allows.
Field answer
Storm louvers expect some water to enter the blade/drainage system. The weep holes give that water a way back outside. If the bottom sill is buried in sealant, water can back up and overflow indoors.
Inspect the sill track, weep channels, and bottom sealant bead. Cut out anything blocking drainage, clean the track, and reseal according to the manufacturer/wall detail without closing the weeps.
What to check first
- Locate the factory weep holes or sill drainage channels.
- Check whether silicone or paint has buried them.
- Look for standing water in the louver frame.
- Remove blockage without damaging the frame finish.
- Verify water can drain before the exterior is accepted.
Do not do this
Do not run a solid bead across louver drainage weeps.
Why it matters
Blocked weeps can turn a drainable louver into an internal water reservoir.
Ask foreman
The louver sill at [location] has sealant blocking the weep holes. I checked the drain path and water cannot escape. Do you want me to strip the bottom bead and reopen the weeps?
Related Field Rescue route
Final direction belongs to the foreman, approved drawings/specs, manufacturer instructions, pressure/material schedule, employer policy, and AHJ/code requirements.