Page Contents
Quick Answer
It is common for drywall screws to become visible or pop out over time. This is usually caused by natural expansion and contraction of the wood framing due to changes in temperature and humidity. While unsightly, minor screw popping does not typically indicate a structural problem. There are several steps you can take to remedy popped screws, such as resetting them, applying joint compound, or using drywall screws with deeper threads.
What Causes Drywall Screws to Pop Out?
There are a few common reasons drywall screws may become loose and pop out:
Wood Framing Movement
The wood framing behind drywall naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. As the wood swells and shrinks, it places stress on the drywall and screws holding it in place. Over time, this cycle can cause the screws to loosen and become visible. This occurs more frequently with cheaper, less seasoned wood.
Improper Screw Placement
If screws are not driven into the center of the wood stud, they may not offer enough holding power to remain flush with the wall. Screws placed near the edges of studs are more likely to pop. Proper screw placement is essential for long-lasting results.
Cheap, Thin Drywall
Lower quality 1/4” or 3/8” drywall is more prone to popping screws than 1/2″ or 5/8” drywall. The thinner material provides less screw holding power. Moisture absorption can also cause swelling and contraction issues with inferior drywall.
Overdriven Screws
It’s easy to drive drywall screws too deep into the wall material. Overdriven screws sit below the surface rather than flush. They offer less holding power and can more easily shift and pop out due to wood movement.
Is Popping Drywall Screws a Problem?
In most cases, a few visible drywall screws are merely a cosmetic issue rather than a structural concern. The inner wood framing still offers the primary structural support, while the drywall itself is just a thin covering material. As long as the framing remains intact, minor screw popping does not compromise the wall’s stability or safety.
However, if you notice an increasing number of protruding screws or complete loosening of drywall sheets, it may indicate more serious problems:
– Excessive wood contraction due to water damage or rot
– Major moisture absorption by cheap drywall
– Poor underlying framing work
In these situations, the root cause should be investigated and addressed to prevent further deterioration of the drywall job. But a few sporadic popped screws generally pose no risk.
How to Fix Popped Drywall Screws
Here are some simple solutions for remedying drywall screws that stick out from walls:
Reset the Screws
Use a screwdriver to press the raised screw back into the drywall until its head is flush with the surface again. Apply firm pressure while turning clockwise to drive it back in place. This works best for screws that have just started protruding slightly.
Tighten the Screws
For screws that feel loose but haven’t completely popped out, use a screwdriver to tighten them back into place. Tightening loose screws can often remedy the issue before they fully pop. Just take care not to overtighten and strip the screws.
Fill with Joint Compound
For protruding screw heads that cannot be reset or tightened, apply a thin coat of drywall joint compound over them with a putty knife. Let it dry completely, then sand flush for a smooth wall surface. Repaint to match the existing color.
Drive in Deeper Screws
In problematic areas where multiple screws keep popping out, replace them with drywall screws that have deeper threads. Look for fine thread drywall screws which offer greater holding power in wood framing.
Use Drywall Anchors
For popped screws in hollow drywall rather than wood studs, use hollow drywall anchors to re-secure the drywall in place. Drive the anchors into the existing holes, then insert normal drywall screws.
| Solution | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Reset Screws | For screws slightly protruding from the wall |
| Tighten Screws | For loose but not popped screws |
| Joint Compound | For screw heads that cannot be reset |
| Deeper Screws | For areas with chronic popping |
| Drywall Anchors | For hollow drywall sections |
Preventing Drywall Screws From Popping Out
While some minor screw popping is inevitable over time, you can take steps during initial installation to minimize protrusions:
Use Drywall Screws Designed for Wood Framing
Specialty drywall screws with fine threads or special self-tapping points grip wood more securely than standard screws. They have superior holding power to remain tight as wood shifts.
Drive Screws into Stud Centers
Ensure screws penetrate the thickest part of the wood framing at stud centers rather than edges. Edge fastening risks loosening as the wood’s perimeter swells and contracts most.
Set Screws at Correct Depth
Avoid overdriving screws more than 1/16″ below the drywall surface, as this decreases their gripping power. Take care not to strip screw holes.
Stagger Screws Properly
Staggering seam screws in a zigzag pattern rather than lining them up provides greater shear resistance against wood movement.
Use Thicker Drywall
Thicker 1/2” or 5/8” drywall better conceals popped screws while offering enhanced strength to hold screws tight. Avoid thin 3/8” or 1/4” drywall prone to fastener issues.
Allow Proper Acclimatization
Let wood framing adjust to interior conditions for 1-2 weeks before drywall installation. This allows wood to stabilize, limiting later expansion and contraction.
Maintain Consistent Conditions
Minimize temperature and humidity fluctuations indoors after drywall installation. Consistent conditions lead to less wood movement that could pop screws.
When to Call a Professional
While minor screw protrusions are usually a DIY fix, it’s best to call a drywall pro for:
– Entire drywall sheets coming loose from framing
– Significant bowing, sagging, or cracks in drywall
– Leaks, moisture damage, or rot affecting framing
– Numerous screws popping in a concentrated area
– Suspected underlying structural issues
In these cases, an underlying problem likely needs addressed that requires professional expertise. Don’t attempt extensive drywall repairs without experience, as you may create bigger issues.
Conclusion
The occasional visible drywall screw is common as wood framing naturally shifts over time, working fasteners loose. While frustrating, this typically does not indicate a structural deficiency. For minor screw protrusions, simple solutions like resetting, tightening, or concealing with joint compound usually suffice. But excessive popping could signify a bigger issue needing professional repair. Following best practices for drywall installation helps minimize annoying screw pops.