Stucco Drainage and Weep Screed Installation

Key Components & Features

Weep Screed: A galvanized metal accessory installed at the base of the wall. It features a sloped "v-groove" or "nose" that directs water away from the foundation.

2 Layers of Paper: These function as the Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB). The dual layers ensure that if the outer layer bonds to the stucco, the inner layer remains free to drain water effectively.

Wire Lath: A hexagonal metal mesh that provides the structural reinforcement for the stucco, allowing the wet plaster to "key" or lock onto the wall.

• Scratch Coat: The base layer that creates a mechanical bond with the wire lath.
• Brown Coat: The leveling layer that provides a flat surface for the final finish.
• Finish Coat: The aesthetic top layer that provides color and texture.
• Clearance Requirements: The diagram specifies critical distances to prevent "wicking" and allow for ground movement—a minimum of 4 inches to soil and 2 inches to paved surfaces.
• Drainage Path: The illustration emphasizes that water exits from the bottom edge of the stucco where it meets the screed, rather than relying on the pre-drilled attachment holes.

The image serves as a fundamental guide for building code compliance regarding exterior finishes. By integrating a weep screed and a dual-layer drainage plane, the system acknowledges that stucco is naturally porous. Rather than attempting to make the wall perfectly waterproof, the design manages moisture by providing a clear, gravity-fed path for water to exit the assembly, thereby protecting the underlying structure from moisture-related.