Fixing Drywall Nail Pops
Thursday, May 21st, 2009
Here is the nail pop!
What Causes Nail Pops?
Nail pops occur in drywall that has been secured with drywall nails as opposed to drywall screws. This commonly occurs in homes that are 30 or more years old but can also show up in newer homes. The nail pops are due to the nail working its way out which is caused by shifting of the structure or can be caused simply by someone pushing against the drywall (like next to a bed). In older homes these nail pops are to be expected and there is no need for concern.
Repairing Nail Pops is as Easy as 123!
Drive in the nail pop with several screws
To fix nail pops, simply drive in two or three screws next to the nail head so that the screw head pulls the nail head in below the surface. The screw heads should also be driven below the surface. You should use a star drive deck screw like the one shown here as it takes a lot of torque to drive this screw and you will have a difficult time with a regular drywall screw. Also, the head of a regular drywall screw may snap off. Once you drive the screws in, simply fill in the depression with a few coats of joint compound and sand level, taking care not to sand off a layer of paint. Then prime and repaint.
Fill, finish, prime and paint!
If you want to see an actual repair along with a few more details, go to Drywallinfo.com Nail Pops.