What are Nail Pops? Why does it happen and how to fix it?

What is a nail pop?

When you live in a home built from wood, nails that connect the wood and drywall pop out often. Although often the nail pops indicate simple problems, sometimes it’s a reason for serious structural or foundation problems.  So, when do you know the difference? Let's explore the times when nail pops are of concern, and when they're normal.

What is Nail Pop? 

As the name says, nail pop is a nail that pops out of its proper position on any surface. This issue becomes a problem since the appearance of the house becomes aesthetically unpleasant for the protruding circles. 

Moreover, nail pops can indicate serious underlying problems in the house, sometimes foundation-related. You can call a reputable foundation repair company (if in Kansas City, reach out to PierMagic), and request a free assessment to fix the problem.

Reasons Behind Drywall Nail Pops

Nails are usually hammered deep in the drywall, which is why it’s not easy for nails to pop out. Natural disasters like earthquakes that can shake your whole house is one of the weather-related reasons why drywall nail pops. 

However, nails can also pop without any kind of natural disaster. When homes are first built, the new wooden components of the building contain a certain amount of moisture in them. But the moisture of the wooden parts starts to vaporize over time since they are mostly used outside in the sun. 

When the moisture content decreases, the wood dries and changes its shape a bit because of the shrinkage. Since the wood shifts, even if it’s a slight change, it's enough to force the nails to pop out.

Is Nail Pops a Sign of a Foundational Problem? 

The answer is both positive and negative. Nail pops are a sign of foundation problems in some specific cases, not all of them to be precise. However, it’s not too complex to detect if there’s any issue with the foundation or structure of the house. 

Some signs can indicate that the problem has something to do with the foundation as the problems can lead to misalignment in building components. The main 2 signs are in:

Doors and Windows

Since the alignment of building components changes, the house can sink or become tilted in any part. If this happens, it will be hard to close the doors and windows properly. Also, you will find cracks around the windows, doors or other parts of the house. 

Foundations

You can also find visible signs in the foundation itself. If your house has a basement, you can go check for any water damage or cracks on the walls and other structural components. The cracks can be near popped-out nails. When you find visible faults in the foundation, it’s best to contact your contractor to deal with the situation.

How to Fix Nail Pops?

Nail pops can be found in any place in your house, either be it on the drywall or the ceiling. Depending on the position of the popped nail, the ways of fixing can change. Let’s get to know the methods of nail pop repair.



RELATED: How to Repair Popped Nails

But before you begin fixing, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves since nails and hammers can be very dangerous if any mistake happens. Also, if there are so many nail pops in the house, not just a few of them, it’s better to call a professional to assess the matter properly.

Nail Pops on Drywall 

Nail pops on drywall are easier to fix, however, it is also more prone to pop out again if you don’t hammer it properly.

To fix the problem at first you need to hammer back the protruding nail without damaging the surrounding of the drywall. You can use a small smooth-headed hammer that won’t damage the drywall much even if any mistake happens.

After nailing back, you need to use 2 drywall screws to make sure the drywall is secured with the wooden studs. To do this, you need to place the two screws on both the above and below sides of the nail. 

You can use a driver bit with a drill to drive the screws directly on the wall. However, make sure that the screws don’t go too deep as they should be at least 1 or 2/ inches far from the nail. If you see the nail is still popping out from the surface, just tap it again with the hammer.

Now it’s time to apply any kind of joint compound to fill up the holes and cracks to get rid of the cosmetic imperfections. Apply the coating using a knife and let it dry for a few hours, and again apply a second coating so that the patch blends well with the wall.

If you see the joint compound shrunk after the second coating dries, you may need to apply the 3rd coating again and let it dry. Then use sandpaper to softly sand the coat before applying primer and paint.

Nail Pops on Ceiling

If you see nail pops on the ceiling, then the main reason can be improperly installed drywall. Usually, the drywall shouldn’t be directly installed onto the trusses, because trusses are made to move slightly depending on the weather condition. 

For that reason,  when the drywall is installed directly on the trusses, it can move a bit and get cracks when the weather changes. This will lead to the nail popping on the ceiling. You can’t fix it the same way as wall boards. It’s because the nails will pop again when the truss moves again.

Consequently, there’s only one way to fix nail pops on ceilings, it’s by correctly reinstalling  the drywall. 

Nail Pops on Roofs and Exterior Siding 

The nails used outside of your house can pop out because of extreme weather conditions or improper installation. To fix them, you need to replace the nails with proper ones and seal the shingles.

When to Call For Professionals 

If the nail pops appear on a small number, you can fix them using the DIY method we described earlier. However, if they pop in large numbers or take over the entire room, it may signal a major problem.

In such situations, consult a drywall contractor. He may replace the drywall and finish it by securing the wall with screws. If you, however, sense more severe issues, such as foundation problems, you should seek the help of a foundation repair expert. 

PierMagic is one of the best when it comes to foundation issues and repairs. They are well known for their incredible skills and cover a large area of Lee's Summit, Overland Park, Grandview and Greater Kansas City. 

If you are from Kansas City or nearby, we suggest hiring PierMagic's professionals. They will thoroughly examine, detect issues effectively, and offer expert repair. 

In conclusion, nail pops are a common issue in homes and can occur due to various factors such as seasonal changes, settling, or improper installation. While they are not usually a cause for major concern, addressing them promptly is essential to prevent further damage and ensure the structural integrity of your walls.