Why is the wall behaving unexpectedly, becoming soft when pushed against?
Asked by Christina Lynch 
4 months ago
Last Updated: September 11, 2024
Hey, have you noticed how our wall seems to be doing this weird thing where it’s all soft if you push on it? What’s up with that?
Have you recently painted it?
The issue is due to moisture, latex painted over oil, lack of proper preparation…
There’s a leak hiding somewhere in the wall
The ground is all wet and mushy
Corners typically have a strip of paper known as tape. If the end of the tape gets separated, it could be due to the wall or mud getting wet (possibly from a roof leak or another small leak like from an upstairs bathroom). It could also happen if the wall shifts (maybe due to the foundation settling from tree roots, water eroding the soil, or termites). You can’t just make it go away, so you’ll need to replace the tape and mud in those spots. Make sure to match the paint after you’ve fixed the water issue or the reason for the shifting.
We had a similar issue with our wall. When I first saw it, the wall was dry. It turned out the problem was right below our chimney, and whenever it rained, water would leak from where the chimney meets the roof.
Drywall tape? If it’s damp, that might mean there’s a leak above it.
Looks like you’ve got a leak-
Is this where the ceiling meets the wall or where two walls meet? Which room is this? Is it the bathroom, basement, bedroom, or kitchen?
Do you have a wider photo for more context?
If you’re dealing with an exterior wall, it’s worth taking a look to see if the rain gutters outside are clogged. This issue led to water seeping in beneath the latex paint on one of our exterior walls.
Initially, think about water.
There are various possibilities to consider. Open it up to check for structural issues or water damage, or possibly both.
Open it up and drain the water. Locate the source next. Remove the affected area and fix it to prevent mold growth. You might already have a problem with mold, though.