What to do about Drywall Cracks & Nail Pops

If you’ve noticed drywall cracks or nail pops in your newly built home, don’t worry—these are common occurrences as your home settles and materials adjust to environmental conditions.

During the first year, your home undergoes a natural settling process as it acclimates to ground and weather conditions. This can lead to minor shifts in the structure, causing small cracks in the drywall. Additionally, construction materials, including wood studs, go through a drying process. As the wood shrinks, it can push nails outward, creating small, round protrusions known as nail pops.

Not necessarily. Nail pops are a normal part of the home’s settling process and are not considered defects unless they break through the drywall or appear in large clusters. If you notice significant nail pops within the first year, reach out to your builder for assessment.

If nail pops occur after the first year, you can easily repair them yourself:

Like nail pops, drywall cracks are often a result of natural settlement. While not all cracks are considered defects, some may require repair if they exceed certain thresholds. Generally, cracks longer than 12 inches (30 cm) or wider than 3/32 inches (2 mm) should be reported to your builder within the first year.

For cracks that appear after the first year, you can fix them using:

During your first year of occupancy, keep track of any drywall cracks or nail pops and report them to your homebuilder’s service department. Your home comes with a one-year materials and labor warranty, so if you have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your builder or warranty provider.

By understanding these common drywall issues and knowing when to seek repairs, you can keep your new home looking its best while ensuring its long-term durability.