7 Most Common Drywall Problems (& How to Fix Them)
Oct 13, 2025
A small crack or dent might not seem urgent, but drywall problems rarely stay small. What starts as a thin line or a tiny bump can spread, crumble, or even signal something deeper like moisture or settling.
Left alone, they get harder (and pricier) to fix later.
We’ll walk you through the most common drywall problems, explain why they happen, and show you how to handle them early.
Key Notes
Cracks result from settling, moisture, or poor finishing; recurring ones signal structural issues.
Nail pops happen from wood movement. Fix by adding screws above/below the original fastener.
Water damage requires stopping the leak first, then cutting out soft/moldy sections completely.
Gaps wider than 1/4 inch need backer rod before caulking to prevent shrinkage.
The Most Common Drywall Problems (& How to Fix Each One)
1. Drywall Cracks
Thin lines or splits forming on walls or ceilings. They can appear anywhere, but they often show up around doors, windows, or corners.
Why They Happen:
Expansion and contraction: Homes expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, putting pressure on seams and joints.
Settling: As your house settles into its foundation, drywall panels shift slightly, causing stress lines.
Poor finishing: If the joints weren’t taped and mudded correctly during installation, they’ll fail over time.
Moisture: Leaks or humidity can weaken drywall and cause small cracks to widen.
How To Fix It:
For hairline cracks, clean and widen them slightly with a utility knife. Apply flexible filler or lightweight spackle, smooth it out, and sand once dry.
For larger or spreading cracks, reinforce with drywall tape and joint compound. Apply multiple thin coats, feathering the edges each time. Sand smooth, prime, and repaint.
Pro tip: If cracks return after repair, the problem isn’t cosmetic – it’s structural. Have a professional assess for foundation or framing movement.
2. Nail Pops
Small circular bumps or holes where drywall nails or screws have loosened and pushed through the surface.
Why They Happen:
Wood framing expands, contracts, and shifts with humidity.
Nails or screws weren’t properly set during installation.
Vibration, foot traffic, or even doors slamming can gradually loosen fasteners.
How To Fix It:
Scrape off loose compound and expose the fastener.
Tap nails back in or tighten screws firmly into the stud.
Add two drywall screws above and below the original one to secure the panel.
Cover with joint compound, sand smooth, prime, and repaint.
Prevention tip: Modern drywall screws hold better than nails – a good reason to upgrade when repairing older walls.
3. Mechanical Damage (Holes, Dents & Scrapes)
Physical damage – like when a doorknob hits the wall or furniture scrapes the surface.
Why It Happens:
Everyday wear and tear, moving furniture, kids playing, pets scratching – all normal life stuff.
How To Fix It:
Small dents/holes: Clean the area and fill with spackle or lightweight joint compound. Smooth it out, sand once dry, then prime and paint.
Larger holes: Cut out a clean square, add a wood backing strip inside the wall cavity, screw on a drywall patch, tape the seams, and apply joint compound in layers. Sand between coats and finish with paint.
Pro tip: Doorstop bumpers or chair rails can prevent most impact damage before it happens.
4. Uneven Surfaces
Bumps, ridges, or visible seams that make a wall or ceiling look rough instead of smooth.
Why They Happen:
Too much or too little joint compound during finishing.
Poor sanding or over-sanding.
Misaligned drywall panels.
Humidity affecting how compound dries.
How To Fix It:
Light sanding can fix small ridges or bumps.
For bigger inconsistencies, apply a skim coat – a thin layer of joint compound across the surface – and sand smooth once dry.
Severely uneven surfaces might require adding new drywall over the old one for a truly flat result.
Prevention tip: Allow each coat of mud to dry fully before sanding or recoating. Rushing is the fastest way to end up with visible seams.
5. Peeling or Lifting Drywall Tape
Tape that’s curling, bubbling, or separating from the surface.
Why It Happens:
Poor taping during installation (not enough compound or pressure).
Water damage or humidity.
Settling and structural movement.
How To Fix It:
Cut out the peeling section with a utility knife.
Remove old compound underneath.
Apply fresh joint compound and embed new tape firmly, smoothing from the center outward.
Add two more layers of compound, feathering wider each time.
Sand, prime, and paint.
Pro tip: Always use paper or mesh tape with proper joint compound – shortcuts like “just paint over it” won’t last.
6. Water Damage
Stained, soft, or crumbling drywall caused by leaks or prolonged moisture exposure.
Why It Happens:
Leaking roofs, plumbing, or windows.
High humidity, condensation, or flooding.
Signs To Look For:
Yellow or brown stains.
Bulging or sagging drywall.
Musty smells or visible mold.
How To Fix It:
Identify and stop the source of water.
Cut out all soft, sagging, or moldy drywall.
Dry the area completely using fans or dehumidifiers.
Replace insulation if wet.
Install new drywall, tape, and mud the seams.
Prime with a stain-blocking primer and repaint.
When to call a professional: If you see black mold, large wet areas, or smell mildew, it’s best to bring in experts who can remove and replace affected materials safely.
7. Gaps Around Edges
Visible spaces between drywall and trim, baseboards, or ceilings.
Why They Happen:
Uneven walls or floors.
Improper trimming or drywall cutting.
Seasonal expansion and contraction.
Settling over time.
How To Fix It:
Clean out dust and old caulk.
Apply paintable acrylic latex caulk along the gap.
Smooth with a damp finger or caulk tool.
Once dry, paint for a seamless finish.
Pro tip: Use a backer rod for gaps wider than 1/4 inch to prevent cracking and shrinkage later.
Preventing Common Drywall Problems
Most drywall issues start small – humidity, impact, poor installation – and spiral when ignored. A few habits go a long way:
Keep humidity stable indoors with dehumidifiers or proper ventilation.
Inspect areas around windows, doors, and ceilings for leaks or moisture.
Avoid slamming doors or hanging heavy items on weak anchors.
Use screws instead of nails for drywall fastening.
Invest in professional finishing – taping, sanding, and texture work are what make or break a perfect wall.
Preventive maintenance saves you time, money, and a lot of mess later on.
When to Call a Professional (& What to Expect)
Some drywall problems are DIY-friendly. Others aren’t worth the trial and error.
If you’ve got spreading cracks, visible seams, or recurring issues – or you simply don’t want your home covered in dust – it’s time to call a professional.
At Fast Patch, we’ve built our reputation on getting drywall repairs done right the first time:
Photo quotes: Send pictures for a same-day estimate.
One-visit repairs: Most jobs completed start to finish in a single day.
99% dust control: Vacuum-assisted sanding and full containment mean your home stays clean.
Texture-match experts: We make patches disappear – orange peel, knockdown, or smooth.
Guaranteed workmanship: If something’s off, we come back and fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does drywall repair usually take?
Small repairs like cracks or nail pops can be done in under an hour, while larger patches may take several hours including drying time. At Fast Patch, most drywall repairs are completed in a single visit thanks to fast-set compounds and hot mud techniques.
Can you paint directly over repaired drywall?
Not right away. Always prime the repaired area first – it seals the new compound and prevents uneven paint absorption or flashing. Once primed, you can paint for a seamless finish that blends perfectly with the rest of the wall.
How do I know if my drywall needs to be replaced instead of repaired?
If the drywall is soft, crumbling, moldy, or has been repeatedly patched in the same area, replacement is usually the better option. Extensive water damage or large structural cracks also call for new drywall sections.
Are dust-free drywall repairs really possible?
Yes, with the right setup. We use vacuum-assisted sanding and full containment to keep 99% of dust out of the air, so your home stays clean and allergy-safe throughout the process.
Want Your Walls Looking Brand New Again?
Skip the dust, delays, and guessing – start with photos.
Conclusion
Drywall problems are inevitable, but they don’t have to be stressful. Whether it’s cracks from settling, nail pops, peeling tape, or water damage, the key is fixing the root cause and restoring a flawless surface that lasts.
If you’ve noticed any of these issues around your home, send us a few photos for a free photo-based quote. It’s quick, easy, and lets you know exactly what you’re dealing with before anyone steps inside.
From small repairs to complete texture matches, we’ll get your walls looking brand new again – cleanly, efficiently, and in a single visit.
