 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| Does the Pest Stoppa come in other colours besides black? |  |
No. In the development phase we trialled a number of colours expecting cream to the the favourite. We thought it would blend in with most mortars.
However, black was overwhelmingly prefered for its ability to disappear into the shadow of the weep hole.
|
| My house is already built. Can I retrofit your weephole formers? | |
Our range of weephole formers is designed for inclusion by the bricklayer during construction. If weepholes are extremely clean and regular it may be possible to shorten the body and retrofit.
If vermin proofing only is required the Pest Stoppa is designed for retrofitting and is easily installed by the homeowner.
|
| The solid plasterer has rendered over the weepholes in my house. Does this matter? | |
Yes. Without weepholes your home is at risk of Leaky Building Syndrome. You should get professional advice without delay about how to re create the weep holes.
|
| Will mice eat through Pest Stoppas? | |
We would expect that if you were to install the Pest Stoppa without first eliminating the mice from the cavity and the ceiling, and if the only source of water was outside, then the mice would attempt to eat their way out and may succeed. This problem could be made worse if one were to block the weephole and then bait with the normal anticoagulants. These baits make the mice seek water which is why most leave the house before dying. Of course it is not unusual for mice to die in the house but this may be because they are getting their water inside the house and have bred inside the cavity.
It has been our experience that mice will not eat their way into a mouse free house through a protected weephole.
An important function of a weep hole is to allow air flow to aid drying and prevent rot and fungus growth, so it is necessary to have maximum air flow while blocking the mice. The Pest Stoppa was our solution to these two opposing problems.
|
| Why do I need weep holes? | |
Weepholes serve two important purposes.
1. Ventilation of the internal wall cavity - Without ventilation, mildew, dry rot and damp reduce the life of the internal wall studs and other building materials within the cavity. Inadequate ventilation is the main cause of "Leaky House Syndrome".
2. Drainage - Water that enters the cavity due to capillary action, condensation, damage, or accidental flooding needs to escape somewhere. In tropical and sub-tropical areas of Australia it is not unusual to see water flowing from the weep holes on the prevailing side of well constructed houses after a 'gully raker' or monsoonal storm.
|
| How many weepholes do I need? | |
Typically weepholes are included in the external leaves of cavity walls in the course directly above damp proof courses, flashing and cavity fill, and at the bottom of the infill cavity at spaces not to exceeding 1200mm.
However, your architect or building designer will specify weepholes according to the needs of your particular project. We recommend that when designing for damper climates and air-conditioned buildings closer spacing for greater airflow to dry cavities should be considered.
|
| How does the High Performance Bushfire Weepa survive in a bushfire? | |
The patented grate is designed so that under extreme heat from bush fires it does not melt but chars and retains its structural integrity. The stainless steel mesh is retained in situ protecting the cavity from fire brands and sparks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
