MTI's Weep Screed is Designed to Drain
- Designed to accommodate the full depth of the rainscreen drainage plane (drainage mat) system
- Large 1” holes with frequent placement for maximum weeping & ventilation
- Can be used with MTI’s Weep Screed Deflector to protect against termites and move water away from the foundation
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?
What is a continuous weep screed in stucco?
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. Why is a Weep Screed Necessary?
Do weep screeds keep walls dry?
Plus, there is no potential for ventilation, which is shown to have a significant impact on keeping walls dry. MTI manufactures one of the few rainscreen-compatible weep screeds that actually weeps. Designed to accommodate the full depth of the rainscreen drainage plane (drainage mat) system
Do you need a weep screed for cinder blocks?
Concrete and cinder block (cmu) walls do not require a weep screed either, since they are a cement based material and can handle water with no problems. This would also include foundations, which sometimes do have a coat of stucco applied to them.

Is a 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 is the purpose of weep screed?
The screed serves as a vent so that the moisture can escape the stucco wall finish just above the foundation.” It terminates the bottom of a cementitious-based thin veneer rainscreen & should allow liquid moisture that drains down the back side of a thin veneer rainscreen to freely exit the thin veneer.
Does all stucco need weep screed?
Weep screeds are generally only used on walls constructed with wood framing, and are not required on stucco-coated masonry structures or when adhered stone is installed over masonry.
What is metal weep screed?
A weep screed is a construction building material used along the foundation of an exterior stucco wall. The weep screed serves as a vent for the moisture to drain from the stucco wall finish just above the foundation.
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 9/11/22$1.10
How do you install a weep screed?
3:3126:15Stucco Repair Series Part 4 Installing a Stucco Weep Screed Sill ScreedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver that approximately two inches somewhere between one and two inches overlap. Then we're going toMoreOver that approximately two inches somewhere between one and two inches overlap. Then we're going to come across here making sure we maintain that one inch distance.
Where is weep screed required?
Weep screeds are common and code required (IBC Section 2512) for cement plaster over framed walls. Typically they should be set at or below the foundation plate line to allow moisture to exit or “weep” out and to prevent ground moisture from wicking up.
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.
Do you need a weep screed with wood siding?
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.
Does stone veneer need a weep screed?
If you're dealing with masonry, as opposed to frame, construction building codes don't require a WRB or weep screed. Nevertheless, most stone veneer manufacturers and building inspectors will still require the faux stone you install to meet the same clearance requirements.
What happens if window weep holes are blocked?
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.
Do you need a weep screed with wood siding?
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.
What happens if window weep holes are blocked?
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.
Does stone veneer need a weep screed?
If you're dealing with masonry, as opposed to frame, construction building codes don't require a WRB or weep screed. Nevertheless, most stone veneer manufacturers and building inspectors will still require the faux stone you install to meet the same clearance requirements.
How Does Weep Screed Work?
Weep screed is really just a flashing that has a bend at the bottom edge and holes that run along the bottom. The back side is around 3 1/2" and is mounted to the wall, just like rolled flashing or "L" flashing would be mounted to the wall.
Where Can I Buy Weep Screed?
I have seen weep screed sold at Home Depot and Lowes but the availability and options are not always a "sure thing". HD and Lowes will have three coat stucco weep screed (7/8") but usually only the #7 type and not the "J" type.
What Is Stucco 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.
When Is Weep Screed Not Required?
Weep screed is usually required for all buildings that have wood framing construction, especially if it is a new build.
How far down does a weep screed go?
That is why the bottom of the weep screed hangs down below the sill plate about 1 1/2". Any water that does weep out of the holes in the bottom will hit the concrete foundation, which is much more resilient to water than wood.
Why is there a weep screed on 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.
Do you need a weep screed on a concrete wall?
Concrete and cinder block (cmu) walls do not require a weep screed either, since they are a cement based material and can handle water with no problems. This would also include foundations, which sometimes do have a coat of stucco applied to them.
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:
What to do if stucco is not installed properly?
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. Call the trusted team from Ai Restoration at 215-794-6858 to schedule a consultation.
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 ...
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.
Can a contractor block a weep screed?
If you are having a patio slab installed at your home, make sure the contractor understands not to block the weep screed. Make sure the slab is angled in a way that prevents water damage.
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.
What Makes A Good Weep Screed?
According to wiseGeek.com, “A weep screed is a type of building material used along the base of an exterior stucco wall. The screed serves as a vent so that the moisture can escape the stucco wall finish just above the foundation.” It terminates the bottom of a cementitious-based thin veneer rainscreen & should allow liquid moisture that drains down the back side of a thin veneer rainscreen to freely exit the thin veneer.
Do weep screeds have holes?
Most weep screeds feature small, infrequent holes - not for weeping - for attachment. The drainage mechanism on these products is shrinkage of the cementitious materials away from the weep screed.
Who makes rainscreen screeds?
MTI manufactures one of the few rainscreen-compatible weep screeds that actually weeps.
What is weep screed?
The weep screed used shall be of a type that allows trapped water to drain to the exterior meaning it should have drain holes in them. The moisture barrier installed on the wall behind the plaster (stucco) shall lap over the flange part of the screed that is attached to the wall.
Why do weep screeds need to be installed?
This is why a weep screed is required. It provides a way to release the moisture that gets through the exterior plaster (stucco). Without a weep screed installed, moisture that gets behind the wall covering will want to find a way to get out and most likely it can go through the interior of the building causing leaks and possibly damaging ...
When is weep screed required?
April 14, 2021. 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.
Where do I Install the Weep Screed?
Section R703.7.2.1 of the 2018 International Residential Code requires the weep scre ed with weep holes to be a minimum 0.019 inch thick (No. 26 galvanized sheet gage), corrosion-resistant, or plastic.
What is DS15-78-25WX?
The DS15-78-25WX is a combination Drip Screed with Casing Bead and Control Joint for use in stucco plane transitions. Install on frame construction for use in stucco plane transitions.
What is a FHA 7?
The FHA-7 is for hard-coat stucco, thin-veneer stone, and 1-coat stucco over foam applications. Installed at the juncture of the sill and the exterior concrete foundation, it allows trapped moisture or water to drain to the exterior of the building.
What is a J-weep high back?
J-Weep High-Back Plaster Stop is a J-shaped, square-nosed trim manufactured from 26-gauge galvanized steel. The 1-3/8" ground is designed for use with 1" of foam, lath, and a one-coat, 3/8" proprietary stucco system.
