Short answer: The weep screed is the metal strip along the bottom of stucco walls. The gap behind it is one of the most common ways scorpions get into desert homes. It has to be sealed with materials that still let moisture drain out, so never caulk it shut completely.
What the weep screed does
Stucco walls let in a little water. The weep screed gives that water a way out at the bottom of the wall. The small gap that lets water out also lets scorpions in, right into the wall cavity.
Why you shouldn't just caulk it
Sealing the weep screed solid can trap moisture inside the wall, which leads to damage and mold over time. Good sealing work closes the gap to scorpions while leaving a path for water, using materials designed for it.
Signs your weep screed is a problem
- Scorpions on the outside wall near the ground at night
- Scorpions inside along baseboards on outside walls
- A visible gap between the screed and the foundation
DIY or hire it out?
Weep screed runs the full length of every stucco wall, and getting it right matters for the wall's health. It's one of the parts of a sealing job that's worth paying for. Most local companies quote about $500 to $1,500 to seal an average home. Ask any company how it will seal the screed and keep it draining.
Common questions
Can I fill the weep screed gap with caulk?
Not completely. It needs to let water drain. Use a method designed to keep drainage open.
Do all homes have weep screed?
Most stucco homes in Arizona and Nevada do. Block and brick homes have other gaps to check.