I'm in a bit of a bind and really need some advice. I recently noticed some bubbling paint on the lower level of my split-level home, and the drywall feels soft in a specific area. It's localized, which is weird because the rest of the wall is fine. The other side of the wall opens to the backyard, which has a slight grade that prevents standing water from pooling near the house. We've had some heavy rain lately, but I don't think any pipes are nearby since our plumbing mainly goes up to the second story. Recently, there was a backup near the water supply, but that was resolved quickly. My question is: What should I do next? Can I dig outside where the bubbling is to look at the foundation and do some crack repair? Should I just replace the drywall after airing it out? I posted some photos for reference too. Thanks for your help!
1 Answer
It sounds like the issue could come from the window or even the foundation under that area. I suggest starting by cutting out some of the drywall beneath the window to check for any leakage signs. A handy tip is to spray a hose in the area to simulate rain and see how it affects the wall. It's a smart way to pinpoint the source!
That's a great idea! I’m noticing weakness in the drywall and bubbling at the very bottom, which makes me suspect a foundation crack. What do you think about potential issues with the window? Would that show signs in the drywall too? The bubbling is about 3 feet below the window.