It is very common for screws in drywall to become loose overtime. This bubbling, blistering, or bumpy effect in walls is caused by the drywall pushing out the screw or nail heads as it shifts. This is referred to as nail pops in the drywall industry. Generally, this is a sign that your walls might be in need of fresh drywall work and paint.
For premature nail pops, you can sometimes repair them without professional assistance. For larger or more complex jobs, a professional drywall contractor is the best resource since they retain all the proper tools, equipment, and training. If you would like to fix a few nail pops around the house on your own, continue reading to learn some tips for doing just that!
Nail Pop Repair
To repair nail pops in your drywall, you will need a few supplies. You may have most of these materials on hand already, and anything you do not have can be found at your local home improvement or hardware store. Here is what you will need:
- Stud Finder (optional)
- Hammer (or nail punch)
- 2 Drywall Screws
- Screwdriver
- Drywall Mud
- Drywall Knife
- Sandpaper (200 grit is fine)
- Paint and Primer
To get started, be sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies so that you don’t have to stop halfway through to make a trip to the store. Once you have everything you need, start by locating the framing around the area with nail pops. Use your fingers to tap the wall until you can hear a solid reverberation instead of a hollow one. You may also use a stud finder. Once you find a sharper sound, tap each side to ensure it sounds hollow. If this happens, then you have located the framing.
Next, use the drywall screws to re-attach the loosened drywall to the framing. Place each screw 2 to 3 inches above and below the nail pop. Then use your hammer to depress the nail pop back into the wall. Do this step gently as to not put a hole or dent in the wall.
Use the drywall knife to scrap away any excess drywall material that has flaked or crumbled off. Then use the drywall mud to cover the screw heads in the wall. Two coats should do the trick. Follow the instructions or look for online tutorials on how to apply drywall mud.
Last, use your sandpaper to sand the drywall mud until it is even and smooth. Then just finish the job with a fresh coat of primer and paint.