Quick disclaimer: We’re not drywall experts. We’re homeowners documenting some drywall issues we’ve noticed around our house. If you’re seeing something similar, it might be wise to consult a professional for a closer look.
The Issue
Within the first year of owning our new home, we’ve spotted various cracks, nail pops, odd bulges around the house, laughable amounts of extra caulking, and even areas where the drywall just crumbled away.
| Issue Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cracking | Cracking at joints throughout the house |
| Nail Pops | Nails bulging out drywall or straight up popping out of the wall |
| Corner Beads | Corners in hallways and cutouts bulging and cracking |
| Paint Defects | Paint cratering and bubbling |
| Excess Caulking | Comical amounts of extra caulking |
| Drywall Defects | Areas that just crumble if lightly tapped |
The photos below document specific examples throughout our home.
Garage Entry Hallway: Cracking / Nail Pop
Issues like this are pretty common through the transitions and other areas which have drywall corners such as this.
Garage Entry Hallway: Cracking / Nail Pop (Close Up)
Garage Entry Hallway: Cracking / Corner Bead / Paint Defects
Here, we see more corner beads causing cracking and protruding. We also see some paint defects where it almost looks like there were air bubbles that escaped, causing holes in the drywall.
Garage Entry Hallway: Cracking
Many areas have cracks going up the walls between where two pieces of drywall meet.
Garage Entry Hallway: Cracking (Zoom)
Pantry: Cracking / Odd Bulge Defect
We’re not exactly sure what is going on here, but it seems like there is some sort of buried material, like drywall paper or tape, starting to get pushed out from the wall.
Stairs: Cracking
Again more areas where the drywall is cracking at the seams. This is a common issue throughout the house.
Stairs: Cracking (Zoom)
Dining Room: Nail Pop / Cracking
Dining Room: Nail Pop / Cracking (Zoom)
There are nail pops and prepopping pretty much everywhere. We’re not sure if this is a result of the house settling or just poor installation, but it’s pretty common throughout the house.
Dining Room: More Nail Pop / Cracking
Kids Bedroom: Cracking / Nail Pop
One of the kids rooms has three different areas where the drywall is cracking and the nails are popping out. There are more areas, but these ones are the most noticeable.
Kids Bedroom: Cracking / Nail Pop (Zoom 1)
Kids Bedroom: Cracking / Nail Pop (Zoom 2)
Kids Bedroom: Cracking / Nail Pop (Zoom 3)
Master Bathroom: Cracking / Nail Pop
This one is coming from the ceiling.
Master Bathroom: Excessive Caulking
We have no idea why there is so much caulking here. It looks like someone went overboard with the caulking gun. We’re not sure if this is a defect or just a poor install, but it’s pretty excessive.
Master Closet: Drywall Cracking Along Wall and Ceiling
This one started out just as a small crack, but it has grown over time.
Master Closet: Drywall Failure
This one was a real oddity. We saw a small indentation, almost a straight line in the drywall. We thought it was a nail pop or some other random defect, but when we tapped it lightly, the drywall crumbled away. It was like the drywall had just given up.
