Why Does Drywall Have Screw Pops?
Screws normally pop less often than nails, but either way, the remedy is not overly difficult, especially when you know what happened. Understanding why a drywall screw pops is the first step in understanding the proper method to repair it. The reason can be the natural settling of framing material behind the drywall, or it could be the error of the drywall installer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Drywall Not Against Framing
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When the drywall is installed, it has to be pushed snugly against the studs while it is being fastened. If it is not, there will still be a gap between the drywall and the stud when the screws are drilled into the drywall. Whenever pressure is applied to the drywall, such as someone pushing against it or running into the wall, the screw pushes against the stud and the screw head pops out on the drywall.
Wood Shrinkage
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When a structure has a wood frame, the lumber used in the framing of new construction often shrinks after installation. The lumber has moisture in it, and as it dries, it doesn't dry uniformly across all the boards. As the lumber shrinks, the drywall pulls away from the wood and creates a gap between the two. The screw will eventually show itself when the drywall is pushed back. Even if the drywall was properly installed, the natural shrinkage of the wood from losing moisture will cause this gap to occur. This is the reason professionals will use steel studs, which don't shrink.
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Incorrect Spacing
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Sometimes an insufficient number of screws are used, or, more likely, the screws may not be spaced correctly. Gaps between the drywall and studs put pressure on the base of the drywall sheet, which also pulls on the screw, causing it to pop. Following the correct spacing between the screws is vital so that the shrinking of the lumber does not allow the drywall and studs to pull away from each other.
Tips
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Avoid the chance of screw pops caused by shrinking lumber by installing drywall after wet framing lumber has completely dried out. Once it dries, it will likely not cause any further drywall gap problems. Poorer grades of timber used for the frame are also more susceptible to movement. When you refasten a popped screw, be sure to drive it just below the drywall surface, creating a dimple, while avoiding breaking the drywall paper. Cover this dimple with spackling or drywall joint compound.
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