Weep-Hole Maintenance Tips

Small holes located on the bottom edge of storm-window frames, weep holes are drains for your windows. If they become blocked by debris, paint or caulk and can't serve this vital function, water can seep into the wood of the sill and cause it to rot. To head off costly repairs, follow these maintenance tips:

• Check weep holes at least once a year, before the rainiest season.
  
  
• If they're clogged, open them up with a brush, a screwdriver or a toothpick.
  
  
• Clear away leaves, twigs and dirt that accumulate on the windowsill.

If your storm windows don't have weep holes, you can make some with a drill and a 1/8-inch drill bit. Drill two holes into each window frame and watch the water roll off your sill like it was a duck's back.