I just moved into a house that had some foundation issues fixed a while back, but I've noticed a new nail pop in the drywall at the peak of a vaulted ceiling only a few weeks after settling in. The house was built in 1994, so I don't think it's just from new drywall settling. I've also heard popping noises from the walls and ceilings, especially as the temperature drops at night. Should I be worried that there might still be a foundation issue that was overlooked?
2 Answers
I wouldn’t stress too much about nail pops. They can happen and are often just due to humidity changes. Keep an eye out for cracks or other signs of trouble. If you want to be extra cautious, it might be a good idea to use a moisture meter and maybe even an infrared camera to check for hidden moisture issues in your walls and ceilings. If everything else looks good—like windows and doors functioning well, and no major cracks—just pound that nail back in and spackle it. If you notice any more nail pops, you could look at the type of nails used; some types tend to pop more than others, and replacing them with screws can help.
Absolutely, especially with changes in temperature and humidity. It's pretty common, so don’t let it stress you out too much!
Nail pops can be really common, particularly with seasonal changes. With the humidity swings at this time of year, I wouldn’t be concerned at all.
That’s a relief to hear! Thanks for the reassurance!
Thanks for the advice! I’ll check the piers as you suggested. The inspection we had before buying the house came back great, so I’m hoping everything is fine. I definitely plan to keep a close watch on things. Do you think it's normal for nails to pop in a house this old?