How high above a paved surface must the weep screed be installed?

How high above a paved surface must the weep screed be installed?

• A. 1 inch
• B. 2 inches
• C. 3 inches
• D. 4 inches

Answer: (B)

The key idea is keeping the bottom of the stucco system away from moisture and splash coming off adjacent surfaces. Weep screed is the drainage edge at the base of the stucco, and it must sit high enough above any paved surface so that water from that surface won’t splash up or wick into the wall and cause moisture problems. Two inches above a paved surface provides a safe gap for drainage and helps prevent capillary action and splash from reaching the wall junction. This height allows the weep holes to function properly and keeps the fragile base of the wall protected. If the adjacent surface were soil or landscaping instead of paved, a greater clearance is typically required (often around four inches) to maintain the same protection against moisture wicking and intrusion.

The key idea is keeping the bottom of the stucco system away from moisture and splash coming off adjacent surfaces. Weep screed is the drainage edge at the base of the stucco, and it must sit high enough above any paved surface so that water from that surface won’t splash up or wick into the wall and cause moisture problems.

Two inches above a paved surface provides a safe gap for drainage and helps prevent capillary action and splash from reaching the wall junction. This height allows the weep holes to function properly and keeps the fragile base of the wall protected.

If the adjacent surface were soil or landscaping instead of paved, a greater clearance is typically required (often around four inches) to maintain the same protection against moisture wicking and intrusion.