How to Prevent Nail and Screw Pops in Drywall

Nail and screw pops are an inevitable part of every drywall project. The average house has around 30,000 fasteners throughout, so having a few pops is certainly common. Having anything more than a dozen can be a sign of a major issue. Here are some steps to take before and during the drywall hanging process to prevent nail pops and keep your walls and ceilings looking their best.

Monitor the moisture of your lumber and drywall

There are steps you can take early on in the drywall process to reduce the likelihood of nail pops. The moisture of the lumber and drywall used is a key factor. It’s important to store your lumber in a covered, dry space to avoid shrinkage due to moisture that can cause the fasteners to pull through the drywall once hung. Your drywall’s moisture should also be tracked to ensure it’s around 14%. Make sure you’re paying attention to these factors before you get too deep into the job.

Take stock of your materials

It’s crucial to make sure you have all the right materials before you start your drywall job. Having fasteners of the wrong length will cause the drywall to move easily once it’s hung. You also need to account for drywall thickness when choosing your nail length. Your nails or screws should be hitting a depth of between 5/8-inch and ¾-inch into the framing member. It’s normal to use 1-1/4-inch screws to achieve this when attaching ½-inch or 5/8-inch drywall. Longer screws are harder to drive straight and more likely to pop if the framing swells and shrinks due to moisture. In terms of screws versus nails, screws tend to grip better and minimize drywall movement compared to smooth-surfaced nails.

Check your positioning

Positioning is key to the stability of the drywall and in preventing pops. Screws not set in far enough are easy to spot and correct, but screws set in too far are less noticeable and can pop once the drywall shifts. Make sure you check the depth of all your set screws and don’t set any too far in. The most preventable cause of nail and screw pops is a failure to push the drywall tight against the wall while anchoring it to the studs. This results in a void that can lead to the fastener popping later on.

More screws isn’t better

The standard distance between screws or nails is 16 inches, with one fastener in each corner and two in the field. Don’t try to set screws closer together in hopes that it will more tightly secure the drywall. In reality, this creates a higher likelihood of pops simply due to the presence of more screws or nails. You should also avoid placing fasteners within 16 inches of any wall. Make sure you use an approved drywall adhesive to prevent pops, as well. This limits the amount of movement in the wall system.

Al’s Taping and Tools is your expert source for the highest quality and most extensive selection of drywall tools, parts, and accessories. Give us a call today for everything you need to make your next drywall project a success.