Experts, huh....
While I do not disagree with the notion that this may be an improper application, the degree of the suggested remedy is a little overkill, don't you think?
There are some types of weep that are only perforated on 12" centers or so, these pictures show that there has been plaster smeared over the bottom, obscuring, possibly, any weep holes that may be there. I would have scrapped enough off for a definitive answer. It may be that casing was used, nevertheless, suggesting it all be torn off & replaced is totally unnecessary and poor analysis.
Number one, there are enough voids visable in these pictures to allow
destructive (my emphasis) moisture to escape. Secondly, if there is
evidence (again, my emphasis) of excessive moisture in the wall cavity, then the reasonable thing would be to employ an offset drill and make some additional holes in the existing screed. Simply taking the nuclear option of damning all the work, and telling a owner to spend tens of thousands of $$$ to replace it, borders on irresponsibility at the least. Wouldn't it be more reasonable to get the facts first?
J-metal weep screed may be used in applications where the designer doesn't want the bottom flange exposed to view, but it must be hung so the bottom at least 1" below the bottom plate. It must also have a 3-1/2" high back flange.
Experts?? I think not.
