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How do you tell which frame openings are meant to drain?
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On replacement windows, some exterior slots or small openings are there to let water drain, but I wouldn’t want to mistake another opening for a weep hole and poke something into it or seal it by accident. How do people identify the intended drainage paths on different frame styles?
If an opening looks blocked, is gentle rinsing or brushing generally appropriate, or does the window maker’s guidance matter first? And after rain, what signs of water still collecting in the frame would suggest the drainage path needs attention beyond simple debris removal?
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A useful clue is whether the exterior slot lines up with a drainage channel or outlet in the sill, but frame designs vary, so appearance alone isn’t enough to identify its purpose. I’d follow the window maker’s cleaning guidance before brushing or rinsing, and avoid probing or sealing an opening just because it looks like a drain. Water briefly running out after rain is different from water staying pooled in the frame; persistent pooling is a stronger sign that the drainage path may need attention.
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