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How to Replace a Stucco Weep Screed

Cameron Easey

A stucco wall that is damaged needs to be repaired as soon as possible. One step in the wall's repair involves replacing a damaged section of weep screed, a device that allows moisture collecting behind the stucco to drain away from the wall.

To replace a weep screed, you first need to remove a small section of the stucco to expose the metal lath. The stucco material is adhered to this metal lath.

  1. Measure up from the bottom on one side of the wall 12 inches with the tape measure. Mark the location with a felt-tip marker. Repeat this step on the other side of the wall.

  2. Snap a chalk line on the marks you made on the wall in Step 1.

  3. Cut along the chalk line with the circular saw using a carbide blade. Adjust the depth of the saw to the thickness of the stucco material. You can also progress in 1/4-inch increments until you reach the metal lath.

  4. Tap on the bottom section of stucco with a sledgehammer to separate it from the metal lath. Repeat this process along the length of the wall.

  5. Remove any nails or staples that were used to secure the metal lath to the wall with the pliers. Lift the metal lath up to expose the weep screed.

  6. Remove the weep screed from the wall using the pry bar. Take the weep screed off and set it aside.

  7. Set the new piece of weep screed along the bottom of the wall and secure it with nails using a nail gun.

  8. Tip

    You have reached the metal lath under the stucco when you see sparks from the carbide blade.

    Warning

    Wear a face mask and eye protection when using the circular saw to cut the stucco.