Every murmur of a squeaky nail in a wall or ceiling is often a telltale sign of drywall nail pops, which most householders and contractors dread. These pops are a common issue with drywall and are due to various reasons. Therefore, it is vital to understand what evokes these pops and the right way to dispose of them in order to ensure the drywall of your home remains intact.
When it comes to drywall, the depth of a nail makes all the difference. Not driving a nail deep enough into the wall or ceiling can lead to nail pops – bumps or “pops” in drywall resulting from the force generated by drywall that expands and contracts due to shifts in humidity and temperature. These forces gradually overpower shallow nails, pushing them out of the wall and compromising the connection between the wall and studs.
Areas of the house with elevated levels of humidity, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, tend to be the most susceptible to nail pops in their ceilings and walls. This is due to the fluctuation in drywall expansion and contraction caused by the damp air, which makes it more likely to be punctured by popped nails or improperly-secured screws. In contrast, rooms with normal humidity levels are far less likely to experience nail pops in their walls and ceilings.
Identifying a nail pop is not a challenge; they are usually easy to spot, as they appear as raised bumps on the wall or ceiling. Fortunately, resolving this common issue is relatively effortless. Utilize a hammer to gently push the nail back until it is level with the surrounding drywall. If necessary, employ a nail set to dig the nail into the drywall beneath the surface. Lastly, patch or spackle the leftover cavity left behind by the nail – and voil! The repair is complete!
An abundance of nail pops may require an entire section of drywall to be switched out. Before replacing the drywall, it is pertinent to discover the source of the issue and attend to it. If the original agreement of nails and screws was not put into practise correctly, make sure your fix includes the correct number for a reliable resolution. Moreover, if you are in an environment heavily bombarded with humidity, install a vapor partaker behind the drywall for added protection against moisture seeping into your walls.
Ultimately, those pesky drywall nail pops are a widespread issue that can be addressed in a simple and effective way. To tackle the trouble and remedy the root cause, it’s critical to identify said cause before exchanging the drywall. Moreover, conscientiousness is key when handling a replacement to guarantee accuracy in the installation process. With extra care exercised each step of the way, one can ultimately avert these nail pops and maximize their drywall’s lifespan.
It is quite common within homes to encounter the occurrence of drywall nail pops. This is not an appealing sight as it presents itself as a bump on the drywall, hence the nickname of pops. Nails or screws that were employed to attach the drywall to the substructure below, having weakened in its hold, is what causes this predicament. Too much pressure on the drywall as well as expanding and constricting as per temperature and humidity are usually accountable for these issues.
Homeowners all over frequently experience nail pops in their drywall, but fortunately they are easy to remedy. The primary step is to locate the originator of the popping sound. If it is on account of an excessive load placed on the drywall, it is a must to remove the weight swiftly and guarantee such a situation does not happen again. If uncontrollable temperature or humidity shifts are to blame, then it is essential to maintain good ventilation and keep climate levels steady.
After analyzing the source of the nail pops, it’s time to repair them. To do this, you’ll need to insert the same screw or nail into the existing hole- only deeper this time. This will guarantee better stability and grip to the drywall and adhere it to the studs. In case it’s not possible to replace them with an exact replica of the earlier screw or nails, a bigger one should be added. Make sure that the head of the screw or nail is firmly pressed into the drywall so that there’s a seamless and even exterior surface.
With the new screw or nail set, drywall patch now required to plug the hole. First, pick a size and shape for the patch, then tape it up on the wall with drywall tape. Then slather an even layer of joint compound across the patch and allow it to dry until silky smooth. Now give the patch a coating of paint matching the hue of its environment to complete it.
Drywall nail pops can often catch homeowners by surprise. But luckily, they are a relatively simple issue to rectify. Finding the source of the nail pop is the initial step on the path to resolution. After making the appropriate repairs, a few coats of paint can make the fix disappear. With a bit of effort, many homeowners have the know-how and skillset to take on this undertaking without professional help.