Repairing Drywall Tape Seams and Nail Pops

Drywall installation may seem fairly straightforward to the average homeowner.  In fact, it is probably something they have never given much thought to.  But, if your drywall is not properly finished during installation it is something that will become very obvious with time.

Drywall installation may seem fairly straightforward to the average homeowner.  In fact, it is probably something they have never given much thought to.  But, if your drywall is not properly finished during installation it is something that will become very obvious with time.  Unfortunately, drywall is often not finished as properly as it should be and if you need drywall repair for any reason, it is important to understand what goes into proper drywall finish.

First of all, many people do not even realize that there are seams with drywall.  Drywall is installed in segments and then the seams must be finished correctly so that they do not show.  A handyman or contractor will begin finishing your drywall installation by taping the seams.  This sounds easy but is actually far from it and requires a good deal of experience and knowledge to do well.  Your contractor will apply joint compound very carefully, being certain to smooth out even the tiniest of bumps or imperfections so that they do not show in the finished product.  One they have thoroughly smoothed the joint compound they will apply the drywall tape over the compound and smooth it into the compound until the tape is lightly covered in compound and is not able to be seen.  Additional compound may need to be applied to ensure that no taped joints show.

A homeowner may live in a new or old home and experience what are known as “nail pops.”  They are more common in older homes but can certainly occur in newer homes as well.  A drywall nail pop is when a wall’s interior nail begins to pop out through the drywall.  This most likely happens when the wall’s drywall panels shift.  Do not be tempted to just pound the nail back into the wall and patch the hole as it will not permanently solve the problem.  The drywall needs to be reattached to the home’s frame so it is best to hire an experienced handyman to do the job.  The handyman will use a new screw or nail to attach the drywall back to the frame in a different location and then properly repair and refinish any obvious drywall damage from the repair and nail pop. This is the best way to ensure you get a smooth, seamless repair job so that your wall looks good and doesn’t just have another nail pop a few weeks or months later.