What Causes Drywall Nail Pops and How Do You Deal With Them?

Nail pops are small bumps that can appear on walls and ceilings. While they don’t usually indicate a serious problem, they can affect the look of your living space. Here’s what usually causes this cosmetic flaw and how to address it. 

What Causes Drywall Nail Pops? 

Improper Drywall Installation

If your contractor failed to use sufficient nails or screws during the construction of your home, nail pops can occur. Incorrectly spaced drywall fasteners can also cause this issue. The drywall can separate from the framing without proper support, causing nails to push outwards.

Thermal Movement

The wood framing behind drywall can expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. This movement can cause nails or screws to shift and loosen from the frame, forming circular spots on the wall. 

Wood Shrinkage

Over time, the wood used to construct your home can lose moisture, causing it to dry out and shrink. As a result, the nails attached to it can move and protrude from the wall or ceiling. 

How Do You Address Them? 

It’s always best to let professionals fix nail pops on drywall. They will assess your space to determine what caused the issue and recommend the best solution to keep it from recurring. Pros also know which materials to use and have the right tools to perform the job efficiently. 

Typically the process of repairing nail pops involves three steps. First, experts will carefully remove the protruding nails to ensure no further damage develops on the drywall. They will then secure the drywall back to the frame with the appropriate screws or a different type of nail. Lastly, they will patch the hole that the nails left and repaint the area. 

Are you dealing with drywall nail pops in your home? Handyman Connection of Mason is here to help keep your humble abode in top shape. Call us at (513) 733-3777 or fill out our online form to get a free estimate.