I'm repainting a room and noticed that the paint was chipping off (and was even bubbly) in one of the corners just above the baseboard. It wasn't wet but to me it looked like evidence of past moisture. I chipped some of that top layer off without looking too much into it. I spackled the corner and when I started sanding it the next day, I noticed that the spackle didn't dry and almost all of it fell out while sanding. I also noticed that the wall was cold (wouldn't call it wet to the touch). I've decided that I will need to cut out a piece of the drywall in that corner to inspect what is happening inside. The room is on the second floor and that corner is protruding in the air as seen in the photos.
House is located in southeast PA. At the moment it's cold around here (usually just around 32). Hasn't rained in a week or so. No evidence of wetness outside so I'm wondering if there is a weep hole that Is allowing the cold air to get in. I'm hoping to not leave the wall open for longer than I have to and that is why I'm posting here before I start.
- I will check the insulation in the two walls as the walls converge to the corner.
- I will also check to feel any cold holes. If I find that there is air coming in, would it be enough to get some kind of a wood caulk or sealer, and seal the corner joint from the inside?
Edit: Opened up the drywall – no evidence of wetness. I did notice a draft from the corner I guess. applied some insulating foam to that so hopefully that will help in the future. Thanks for the advice!
Best Answer
I'd go with FrK and Steve Sether, since you found no signs of water and this is a bump-out. Condensation is most likely.
It could be a lack of insulation, but more likely it's an air leak. This could be permanently fixed if a Spray Foam's tube easily feeds up into there from a gap in the siding's corner or from drilling a small hole in the room's corner.
You'll need Big Gap Filler spray foam, shot for about 5-seconds to get the area filled.