Whether your home is old or new, eventually screws and nails will pop in the drywall. It is very common and typically doesn’t mean there is a problem with your structure, it just means your home is settling. I have a bunch of new screw pops to fix and will make sure to take pictures to show you my process.
How to fix screw pops? To fix a screw pop using a utility knife, dig out the drywall on top of the popped screw. Screw that screw into the stud. Using a power drill, put a screw above and below the popped screw keeping the heads just below flush for easy mudding afterwards.
There you have it, the way to fix screw pops in just a couple sentences. If you are interested in a more detailed explanation and another process I use for fixing these annoying popped screws, then keep reading.
I can’t personally think of more than two ways to properly fix popped screws in drywall. Popped methods are very similar, in fact, the only difference is how the popped screw is attacked. So let’s get into it.
Method One for Fixing Popped Screws
When you locate the screw that needs to be fixed, you can start by;
- Using a utility knife and in a circular motion dig out the drywall so you can see the screw head.
- Screw the screw in. if it doesn’t bite into the stud then take it right out.
- Take a couple screws and screw one in the stud a couple inches above the screw pop then inserting a screw a couple inches below the popped area.
- Make sure the new screws are just below flush in the drywall.
- Using drywall mud and a small drywall or putty knife wipe some mud onto the area where the popped screw was and the two new screws are.
- Wipe the excess mud off.
- A second coat might be necessary as the mud will shrink as it dries.
- Once you feel there is enough mud that the indents are filled, use a sanding sponge and lightly sand the drywall mud so it is flat and flush with the rest of the wall.
- You might find you need to use a bit more mud to fill an area you missed or over sanded. Go ahead and do that, then repeat the sanding instructions when dry.
- You should be able to paint now.
- You are done.
Method Two for Fixing Popped Screws
My second method if almost 100% the same as above with the exception of;
- Instead of cutting out the drywall, use a hammer and pound in where the popped screw is. Chances are the screw won’t move again so you should be okay with just hitting it with a hammer.
- Once you have created an indent, proceed with applying two new screws above and below the popped screw.
- The rest of the steps are identical with method 1.
What Causes Screw (nail) Pops in Drywall?
Popped screws are caused by the shifting of walls in your home. When the ground underneath and surrounding your basement moves, it causes your home to move as well. Most new homes will experience screw or nail pops within the first couple of years then you shouldn’t find any very often.
That being said, there are some regions that have a highly dense clay soil and clay is notorious for causing movement in a home. If you live in a region like this, you can expect to see popped screws and cracks on a yearly basis. Some cracks will appear and then close up depending on the season and the moisture in the ground.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix Screw Pops?
If you fix these yourself, it really shouldn’t cost much of anything. It all depends on how much material you need to purchase. You need a bit of drywall mud, a sanding sponge and a tiny bit of paint.
Unless you have dozens of these popped heads, it should be relatively cheap. I would say less than $20 even if you have to buy something. If you ask friends and family, you might be surprised how easy it is to fix this for almost nothing.
If you hire this out, you can expect to pay $100 or more depending on what you get the tradesman or handyman to do. If you do the painting and they use a quick set drywall mud, they only have to be there once and not come back so you save money that way. Make sure to ask if they will use quick set mud.
How Do You Repair a Popped Nail (screw) in the Ceiling?
Fixing a ceiling pop is a bit trickier. All of the steps are the same as above with the exception of dealing with ceiling spray-tex or whatever was used to coat the ceiling. If it was a knock down application, your lucky because that will be easy to match up to when finishing.
The extra steps will be scraping spray-tex off before repair and then touching up afterwards. If you are not confident with your skill level to fix the ceiling, then it is definitely good to hire this one out.
Conclusion
Fixing drywall screw pops is not that difficult. I believe any beginner can do it. You just have to start. And remember to place a screw above and below the popped area and you shouldn’t have the issue again.
Good luck.
