Fix nail pops in drywall
Those small round bumps or cracks in your wall or ceiling may be nail pops. They often appear in a line where the nails holding the drywall have worked loose. They're usually cosmetic, and adding a screw beside each one helps keep the repair from popping out again. They're common in newer homes as the lumber dries out over the first year or two, so a few of them don't mean anything is wrong.
Why nails pop
Plenty of houses had their drywall hung with nails rather than screws. As the wood framing behind it dries and shifts over the years, those nails can back out and push up a little bump of paint. Driving the nail back in isn't enough on its own. A screw beside it is what holds the drywall tight so it doesn't pop again.
What pushes them out
Lumber dries and shrinks over the first few years.
Humidity changes make framing expand and contract.
Nails don't grip as firmly as drywall screws.
Doors slamming or heavy traffic loosen nails.
| What you see | What it is | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Small round bump or a circle of cracked paint | A classic nail pop | Screw beside it, set the nail, patch. |
| A straight crack along a seam | Loose drywall tape | Cut out the loose tape and retape the joint. |
| Several pops in a new house | Framing drying out | Normal in the first year or two. Fix them after the first heating season. |
| Pops with long cracks running from door corners | Possible settling | Watch it. If the cracks keep growing, have it checked. |
Fix them for good
- Screw next to the popDrive a drywall screw about 1.5 inches above or below the popped nail, into the , just below the surface.
- Reset the nailTap the popped nail back in with a hammer and nail set, just below the surface.
- Scrape off loose bitsRemove loose paint and paper around the spot so the patch lies flat.
- Spackle both holesCover the nail and screw heads with spackle, feathering the edges. Add a second coat once dry.
- Sand, prime, paintSand smooth, prime the patches, and paint to match.
Watch it done
- No nail head bulging from the wall
- The patch lies flat and feels smooth
- The painted spot blends with the wall around it
Pop came back? Add a second screw on the other side of the nail.
If a pop comes back
If a pop keeps coming back, add another screw on the other side of the nail, or remove the nail entirely.
In a ceiling, use a step ladder and eye protection. Dust and debris will fall.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): A handyman typically charges $100–$250 to fix several nail pops, including paint.
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