A weep screed is a piece of metal flashing fastened to the bottom of the exterior stucco wall. It’s perforated with small holes to wick excess moisture away from the bottom of the walls below the foundation plate line to prevent water damage. How Does Weep Screed
Screed
Screed has three meanings in building construction: 1) a flat board or a purpose-made aluminium tool used to smooth and true materials like concrete, stucco and plaster after it has been placed on a surface or to assist in flattening; 2) a strip of plaster or wood applied to a surface to a…
Why is there a weep screed at the bottom of stucco?
Stucco is designed to absorb water (most hard coat systems, anyways) and then the water evaporates but sometimes there is so much water that it actually will drain off of the stucco and, like everything else, water runs down hill and will end up running down the stucco wall. This is why the weep screed is at the bottom of the stucco.
What is screed in stucco?
Weep screed is a type of flashing installed at the base of an exterior stucco wall. It serves to keep moisture away from the framing of the walls. Typical screed is made from galvanized steel, but can be constructed out of copper to create a tougher, more resistant, flashing.
What is a weep screed?
Weep screed is a special piece of metal flashing that runs along the bottom of walls that wicks moisture out of holes that are located at the bottom of the flashing. It hangs below the lower sill plate to ensure that the water wicks past any material that could become damaged by excessive amounts of water. What Does A Weep Screed Do?
Does Lowes sell weep screed?
HD and Lowes will have three coat stucco weep screed (7/8") but usually only the #7 type and not the "J" type. A stucco supply yard is really the best choice because they will have both styles of weep screed in stock for a three coat and one coat system.
Is stucco weep screed necessary?
The question of when a weep screed is required is actually fairly common. It is highly recommended to use one when placing stucco over wood on a house. This is standard when you have a new construction build. They are code enforced and those codes can vary based on counties and states.
What does weep screed mean?
Weep screed is a formed piece of No. 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal, corrosion-resistant, or it may be aluminum or plastic and is generally installed near the foundation of a home. It has several purposes, including: Allows excess moisture to escape or drain from the area behind the stucco membrane.
Where is weep screed required?
Per Chapter 7 of the International Residential Code (IRC), a continuous weep screed is required to be installed at the bottom of exterior plaster (stucco) walls to allow moisture to escape.
How do you install weep screed on existing stucco?
24:2826:15Stucco Repair Series Part 4 Installing a Stucco Weep Screed Sill ScreedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere is an existing weep screed right there the rusted out one that I matched up to and I justMoreThere is an existing weep screed right there the rusted out one that I matched up to and I just simply put my weep screed following that exact same elevation. Used a level and then carried it across.
Should stucco touch the ground?
When installing stucco, you should ensure that it never touches the ground, or in other words, is below-grade. There needs to be a minimum of two inches of space between the concrete and the stucco for houses that rest on concrete foundations.
How much does a weep screed cost?
7/8" x 10' #7 Foundation Weep Screed at MenardsEveryday Low Price$9.9911% Mail-In Rebate Good Through 6/26/22$1.10
How do you prep a wall for stucco?
When working with an existing masonry or brick wall, you're going to first need to use some fresh mortar to repair any cracks that exist, then wash the wall with a power washer (or use a trisodium phosphate-water mixture and scrub it). The wall should be thoroughly wet before you apply the first coat of stucco.
What is stucco stop?
Casing beads are often referred to by the industry as a plaster stop because it is used to terminate plaster or stucco. Made of galvanized steel. Ideal for use as a plaster stop, screed ground, base screed or as exposed trim around doors and windows. Forms a juncture between a suspended plaster ceiling and the wall.
Does siding require weep screed?
Weep screed is required by the IRC. You can transition to a different material, which is easier on the eye or you can continue with stucco below the weep screed.
How do you bend a weep screed?
Bend the outer flange down a little bit so you can slide it under the existing piece of weep. The back flange of the new piece will go over the existing piece. Slide until the new piece of weep screed is overlapping 1″. You can always take a little more out of the notch to get a better overlap if you want to.
How do you Restucco a house?
Steps for Repairing StuccoStep 1: Break Off Loose Stucco. Photo by Reena Bammi. ... Step 2: Chip Away At The Edges. Photo by Reena Bammi. ... Step 3: Cover The Exposed Lath. Photo by Reena Bammi. ... Step 4: Add Mesh. Photo by Reena Bammi. ... Step 5: Mix The Stucco. ... Step 6: Sling It. ... Step 7: Scratch It. ... Step 8: Apply Second Coat.More items...
What do weep holes do?
The Masonry Design Manual describes weep holes as, 'Openings placed in mortar joints of facing materials at the level of flashing, to permit the escape of moisture, or openings in retaining walls to permit water to escape. '
How a Weep Screed Works
Your weep screed works in two ways. First, it is installed to allow the stucco something to adhere to. So, when adding the stucco, the weep screed acts as a grabbing material so that the stucco stays on the wall. Secondly, it is installed to reduce moisture issues from behind the stucco. Moisture can build up and needs a place to go.
Never Block a Weep Screed
It is important to understand that blocking the weep screed will cause a massive moisture issue within your stucco walls. You might think it pipes are leaking in the walls when it is actually moisture building up.
Do You Really Need a Weep Screed
Installing a weep screed under your stucco is highly recommended and in many cases a local code requirement. When installing it you must follow the proper overlap and clearance codes if you expect to get project completion approval. The general opinion is that it is highly effective and a very useful tool in stucco application.
When a Weep Screed is Required
The question of when a weep screed is required is actually fairly common. It is highly recommended to use one when placing stucco over wood on a house. This is standard when you have a new construction build. They are code enforced and those codes can vary based on counties and states.
Where to Buy a Weep Screed
Believe it or not, you can buy a weep screed at Home Depot or Lowes. However, it is highly possible that the one that you would like to have is not in their inventory. Typically, you will find one that is a 7/8 type and not the “J” type. If you want to get the proper type, you should go to a stucco supply yard for the best choices.
Maintenance of Other Areas
Weep Hole – You might think the name weep screed sounds funny, but there is also a weep hole. A weep hole is in brick and some windows to let the moisture out. If it is not there, water can back up in the home. We all know that water backing up into the home can cause mold and other problems so always make sure the holes are open.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional if the weep screed is either not installed properly on your stucco home, or if it is missing or blocked. Also, if you have any questions about installation or are experiencing any leaking of water in the home. If this is something you don’t want to put in yourself, calling a professional is the way to go.
Why do you need a weep screed on stucco?
The weep screed is vital to stucco installation because it allows moisture to escape the stucco.
Why is stucco weep screed important?
The stucco weep screed is one of the most important parts of stucco installation in order to avoid any instances of water damage near the foundation of your home. The weep screed should be installed along with the new stucco on the exterior of your home.
How does weep screed work?
The weep screed, typically installed at the foundation sill line or about six inches above the grade, is a place where excess moisture can drain out of the exterior. It will contain drainage holes for the moisture to “weep” out of , so that it does not damage the wall. The weep holes should be directly below ...
What is the phone number to call for stucco repair?
If so, it’s time you call Ai Restoration to schedule an appointment for stucco repair. Call the office at 215-794-6858 to schedule your stucco consultation with our trusted team today. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Can stucco be damaged by weep screed?
Moisture damage is likely to occur in an stucco home with no weep screed installed. It can also be a problem if the stucco is improperly installed or something is blocking the weep screed. Why? Since the weep screed is not present or blocked, the moisture won’t be able to leave the area where the stucco is installed.
Can weep screed be retroactive?
The mold, if not discovered soon enough, could penetrate the exterior walls and wind up inside your home. It can be a challenge to deal with a missing or improperly installed weep screed. These systems cannot be installed retroactively, so it’s important that you consult with a reputable contractor with stucco experience. ...
Why is there a weep screed on stucco?
As mentioned earlier, the weep screed allows moisture to escape from behind the stucco walls. The same problems that occur when it is missing can occur if it is blocked. If there is something getting in the way of of the moisture’s path (i.e. stucco extends below grade or concrete is installed in front of weep screed) there will likely be moisture ...
What is a weep screed?
A weep screed is a piece of metal trim found at the bottom of the stucco wall. It should be used in every stucco installation and it serves two very important purposes: 1. holding the stucco in place during installation, and. 2. allowing moisture to drain from the bottom of the walls. Without it, moisture has no exit path from behind the stucco.
Why does stucco rot?
2. allowing moisture to drain from the bottom of the walls. Without it, moisture has no exit path from behind the stucco. Water could then collect behind the wall and cause the growth of mold and mildew. This leads to rot and stains–eventually on the interior of the home!
Can stucco be installed without a weep screed?
And no stucco system is complete without a weep screed, the material that allows water to drain out of the wall above the foundation.
Do stucco homes need weep screeds?
If you have purchased a home that has stucco, or are looking to buy a stucco home, you should ensure a weep screed is properly installed. If it is not installed properly, is missing, or winds up getting buried or blocked, it’s time to call the professionals.
What is weep screed?
Definition of weep screed: A stucco wall weep screed is a component specified by stucco wall system manufacturers to assure that any water that penetrates the wall coating, such as at leaks around the mounts for exterior lighting or at windows or doors will be drained safely to the building exterior.
What are screeds in a roof?
The screeds are intended to provide relief for the exit of rain water which might possibly intrude into a building at or near the roof, at vent pipes which pierce the roof, at a chimney, at or around windows or doors, or at other possible locations about a structure. ...
What causes water to get stuck in stucco?
Common mistakes that can lead to water trapped within the stucco wall system include. the omission of the weep screed entirely. anything that causes blockage of the weep screed drain bottom edge opening such as obstruction by backfill, decking, or paving.
Does weep screed need to be installed?
On a project on which weep screed has not been installed where required by the Uniform Building Code or by project drawings prepared by the architect, the following remedial procedure is recommended.
Can weep screed be installed behind plaster?
The reason for that possible limitation is that the weep screed, as well as the building paper weather-barrier installed behind plaster on the adjacent wall, must adequately overlap the top of the vertical segment of the waterproof deck membrane a safe distance.
Does stucco sit on concrete?
In these areas, the stucco sits on concrete (and if the grading is appropriate) -perhaps it doesn't matter. The third picture is on the side and it sits in a swamp of a lawn. The drainage is atrocious and sitting water is up against that stucco every time it rains.
Is weep screed required on concrete?
The weep screed is required or specified by stucco system manufacturers such as DryVit for wood framed structures. It may not be needed at all on a solid concrete wall structure. Where the weep screed is required it should follow the stucco system manufacturer's specifications.
What Is Weep Screed?
A weep screed is a piece of metal flashing fastened to the bottom of the exterior stucco wall.
How Does Weep Screed Work?
A weep screed is more than a hilariously named piece of building material with a bend and lots of holes to allow water to drain through. It’s an invaluable part of the stucco application process.
The Functions of Weep Screed
A weep screed has one primary function. To allow moisture to flow through the bottom of a stucco wall to prevent water damage to the building structure.
Weep
The “weep” function of weep screed basically means to drain excess moisture. Exterior walls and windows often have a small weep hole built into them to allow water drainage. The small holes that run along the bottom edge of a weep screed function the same way.
Screed
The stucco or plaster is applied to wire-mesh metal lath on water-resistant building paper in either two or three coats. The weep screed functions to “screed,” or to create a level surface.
Weep Screed for Moisture Control
Water buildup along the back of the stucco membrane can cause numerous problems. Your stucco could bubble and crack. Mold could grow, or water could leak into the walls of your home.
Is a Weep Screed Necessary
While you’ll likely find conflicting answers to this question, a weep screed is an important part of any stucco application.
Why are weep screeds needed?
Weep screeds are necessary. Weep screeds are required by code. Weep screeds are needed to discharge trapped moisture in exterior plaster systems. Just because buildings do not always rot in dry climates like California, does not mean it is proper or correct to omit weeps.
Does stucco need weep screed?
Stucco does not need weep screed. Had a conversation with a guy today that had been in the stucco business for 30 years. Said weep screed is not needed and is a waste. NO one around here does it and its still done improperly acording to astm standards.
