What’s a weeping screed?

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A weeping screed is a type of building material used along the base of a stucco exterior wall. Made with Portland cement, sand, and water, stucco is a naturally porous material that serves as a popular finishing option for homes and commercial buildings. Without a screed in place, water that is absorbed through a stucco wall would become trapped within the structure, causing potential rot and mold problems. The screed acts as a vent so that moisture can escape from the stucco wall finish just above the foundation. These devices are generally used only on wood frame constructed walls and are not needed on stucco-coated masonry structures.

The standard screed is made from galvanized or thermoplastic steel, which helps minimize rust and corrosion over time. It features a long vertical flange along one end, with pre-drilled nail holes used to secure this flange to a wall. A V-shaped assembly sits at the bottom of the flange, with holes along its length to allow moisture to escape. Typically, local building codes specify where to place these screeds in relation to the underlying soil to ensure sufficient drainage.

Proper screed installation is critical to the ability of this fixture to perform as intended. The screed is nailed directly to the plywood sheath, which is in turn nailed to the wooden posts. The construction paper is layered over the plywood and stretched all the way to cover the length of the vertical screed flange. The builders then apply the stucco to the construction paper using traditional tools and methods. By placing construction paper on the flange, workers can direct moisture away from the building and through holes in the screed.

Minimizing the infiltration of moisture into a building with a non-stick screed can go a long way in preventing problems within the structure. Without these forms of humidity control, homes are prone to mold and mildew, which can contribute to disease and property damage. Moisture can also cause wood and other materials to rot, which can shorten the life of a building and lead to increased maintenance and repairs.

Homeowners should also be aware of some potential problems that can be attributed to weeping screed. The holes on these devices can easily become clogged if they are placed too close to the ground or if the sprinklers are spraying water and soil in their direction. Clogged screeds can be very difficult to replace and may require part of the stucco wall to be cut away along with the damaged screed.

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