Nail Pops

You might have noticed small, round holes in the drywall of your main living space and upper floors. These holes are most often caused by drywall nails protruding through the surface. While this might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it could be a sign of a more significant problem—foundation settlement.

Bay Area Underpinning specializes in offering sustainable foundation repair solutions for issues that affect your home’s overall structure. We don’t just hide the symptoms; we address the root cause.

After reading this page, you’ll gain an understanding of the reasons behind drywall nail pops, their symptoms, and the repair options available to restore your home.

What Are Nail Pops?

Nail pops are small, circular imperfections in the drywall resulting from nails breaking through the paint and drywall surface. While they may seem like minor aesthetic annoyances, they often indicate more serious underlying issues.

Drywall nail pops often appear alongside other signs of foundation troubles (as seen here), including:

Bay Area Underpinning specializes in addressing the root causes of these problems, providing comprehensive foundation stabilization solutions.

Why Your Home Has Drywall Nail Pops

Drywall nail pops can occur for various reasons, including:

Foundation Settlement

The most common cause of drywall nail pops is foundation settlement. This happens when your home’s foundation settles unevenly due to factors like expanding soil, shrinking soil, poor drainage, or construction errors. As the foundation settles, it can shift the walls, stressing the drywall and causing nail pops.

Substandard Building Materials

Some contractors use lower-grade drywall or nails that are more likely to cause nail pops. These inferior materials can worsen the problem. Additionally, seasonal changes and the natural aging of a home can also lead to nail pops. Using higher-quality building materials can help prevent this issue.

Natural Shrinkage

In new homes, wood framing may slightly shrink as it dries out over the first few years. This natural shrinkage can exert pressure on nails, often leading to drywall nail pops.

If these nail pops are a new issue for your home, or they seem to be increasing, addressing the underlying cause—foundation settlement—is crucial for the long-term structural health of your home.

Can You Fix Drywall Nail Pops?

Yes, drywall nail pops can be repaired. Drywall patching can temporarily fix the problem, but the nail pops may return as the foundation settles.

Instead of only addressing the cosmetic aspect of drywall nail pops, it’s essential to take a comprehensive approach to permanently resolve the issue. Bay Area Underpinning provides such comprehensive solutions by tackling the foundational issues that lead to drywall nail pops. Once we identify the root cause, we recommend customized solutions to meet your home’s needs.

How to Fix Drywall Nail Pops

Homeowners across Northern California trust Bay Area Underpinning for lasting repairs due to our commitment to excellence and attention to detail. Here’s how our process works:

Thorough Foundation Inspection

Our experts conduct a detailed inspection inside and outside your home to assess the extent of foundation settlement. Based on our findings, we recommend tailored repair solutions for your home’s needs.

Foundation Stabilization

We install foundation piers deep into the ground to reach stable soil. While we offer three types of piers, each with its own installation procedure, they all work to permanently stabilize the foundation and potentially lift sections of the settling foundation.

Push Piers: These piers are manually advanced into the underlying soil until they reach appropriate depths. They use the weight of the home to counteract damaging forces, transferring the load to stable soil or bedrock.
Helical Piers: Screw-like helical piers are hydraulically installed beneath the foundation, anchoring onto bedrock or more stable load-bearing soil. These piers are ideal for lighter structures.
Slab Piers: Steel piers are placed under homes with slab foundations to reinforce and potentially elevate the concrete.

Why Address the Nail Pop Issues Now

Taking prompt action is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy home. Ignoring drywall nail pops can lead to worsening foundation issues and additional problems that jeopardize your home’s structural integrity and your family’s well-being.

Here’s why you shouldn’t delay repairs:

Prevent Further Damage: Neglecting drywall nail pops can worsen foundation problems, leading to issues like sticking doors and windows.
Preserve Home Value: Timely foundational repairs help maintain your home’s market value.
Ensure Safety: Settling foundations compromise your home’s structural integrity. Swift repairs protect your home and family.
Avoid Expensive Repairs: Repairs are generally more manageable and less expensive when addressed promptly.

You can rely on Bay Area Underpinning and our proprietary solutions, which provide more effective, long-lasting results than those from a big box store.

Contact Bay Area Underpinning for Foundation Stabilization Solutions

While drywall nail pops may seem like a minor issue, they often indicate foundation settlement, which will worsen if left unattended. Contact Bay Area Underpinning today to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection and repair estimate.

Our state-of-the-art foundation repair solutions at Bay Area Underpinning permanently stabilize settling foundations and prevent future drywall nail pops. These proprietary support systems are customized to your home and backed by long-term warranties.

FAQs

Can I fix drywall nail pops on my own, or should I hire professionals?

While minor drywall nail pops can be repaired by homeowners, we recommend hiring professionals like Bay Area Underpinning (BAU) for more significant or recurring nail pop issues. Professionals have the expertise to assess the underlying causes and provide lasting solutions.

How much does it cost to repair drywall nail pops?

Drywall patching kits are inexpensive and easy to apply on your own. However, they address the cosmetic symptom of a more significant problem. Professionally installed foundation piers address the root cause—foundation settlement. Repair costs vary depending on the extent of the damage and the number of piers needed. Contact BAU for a free inspection, an accurate price breakdown, and financing options.

How long does it take to install foundation piers?

The installation time varies depending on the severity of the foundation issues, the type of piers used, and the number installed. Generally, it takes a few days to a week for installation. Consult Bay Area Underpinning (BAU) for tailored solutions and a detailed timeline.