What is stucco weep scrudden and how is it used?
There are a few components of stucco that have people asking more questions than usual and stucco weep screed is one of those elements that always comes around.
Let's take a look at some of the most popular questions and try to solve them.
Weep screed is a piece of metal flashing that runs along the bottom of the walls to keep out the rain.
To make sure the water doesn't get damaged by excessive amounts of water, it hangs below the lower sill plate.
The purpose of weep screed is to direct any water that gets absorbed into the stucco below the plate line, where the concrete foundation starts.
The bottom of the weep screed hangs down because of that.The concrete foundation is much more resistant to water than wood, and any water that weeps out of the holes in the bottom will hit it.
Weep screed is a flashing that has a bend at the bottom edge and holes in it.The back side is mounted to the wall like rolled flashing or "L" flashing.
Sometimes there is so much water that it will drain off of the stucco and run down the wall, just like everything else.
If there is an absorbent amount of water in the stucco system, the water will run out of the weep holes.
You will get different answers from different people, it's a matter of personal opinion.
The first point I want to make is that it is a required building code for most counties and you will have to comply with those codes if you are getting an inspection done.
All of the correct clearances, overlaps, etc. will have to be installed according to the local codes.
I have worked on many projects that were built before weep screed were mandatory and they have held up just fine, with the stucco running straight to the ground.
My personal opinion is that weep screed is a useful tool in the overall stucco application and it also makes for a nice and clean break between your foundation and your walls.
If you want to match the rest of the house, you need to use weep screed on every stucco project.
You will have to check to see if your local building department will allow that exemption.
This is a common question and the answer is very simple.If the building is a new build, weep is usually required.
It is possible for an older building that did not have weep screed installed to be exempt from having it installed during renovations.
Concrete and cinder block walls are cement based and can handle water without problems.
The availability and options are not always a "sure thing".HD and Lowes only have the "J" type stucco weep screed, which is usually only the #7 type.
The best choice is a stucco supply yard that has both styles of weep screed in stock for a three coat and one coat system.
They have specialty weeps that are made from specialty metals and that come with different sized flanges.
The "J" style is one of the main styles of weep screed.It just comes down to personal preference, they both serve the same purpose and work equally well.
The most common type used on older buildings is the #7 weep screed, which is what you will find at Home Depot and Lowes.I don't know why it's called #7 weep screed, it has a "V" shape to it, but I guess it is called that.
The "J" type of weep screed is less common and can be found at a stucco supply yard.I am assuming that it is called "J" type because it resembles a capital J from the side.
Ryan has been in the construction trades for many years and he feels that there is a huge knowledge gap when it comes to certain trades.I hope the information here is useful.Thank you for stopping by!