Drywall Cracks and Nail Holes

Drywall is easily damaged but easily fixed, and so are nail holes.

Drywall Cracks

Take a look at the walls in your house. Chances are they’re made from wallboard or drywall. And like the buyers in Fernandina Beach, Fla., found out, drywall is easily damaged. The good news is it’s easily fixed.

A house expands and contracts depending on the weather. That can cause the framing to swell or shrink, which can create cracks in the drywall. But fixing those cracks can be simple, depending on where they’re located.

If the crack appears on a flat surface, use spackle or joint compound, available pre-mixed from the local hardware store. Spackle and joint compound can also be use for cracks along a wall edge or an outside corner. It will hold and dry even at odd angles. Use caulk if cracks appear where the ceiling meets the wall. Caulk is flexible and can withstand a slight bit of settlement.

Sand, prime and paint the wall after you’ve repaired the crack. And then stand by for the next change of seasons and the next round of drywall cracks.

Nail Holes

What is a nail for? Obviously, it’s used to hold two pieces of material together. But if the nail head is pounded below the top surface, the nail can lose holding power and the hole it leaves behind can lead to additional damage.

As our homeowner in Oak Ridge, N.C., found out, his nails were set too deeply into the pressboard siding of the house, allowing water to enter the nail holes and rot the material. Without repair, the water could eventually do a lot of damage. But the good news is this problem's easy to fix.

First, remove the pockets of rot and clean out the nail holes. Then fill the holes with putty and sand it down evenly with the surface. Then coat the repair with a primer and paint.

Next Up

How to Repair Drywall

A well-placed piece of art may be the quickest way to disguise a hole in your wall. But for a professional fix, follow our tips on how to patch a hole in drywall.

8 Ways to Fix Drafty Windows

Save money and stay warm this winter with these DIY ways to insulate and weather-strip windows as well as doors.

Spackle vs. Joint Compound: What's the Difference?

Wait a second — spackle and joint compound aren't the same thing? Though they seem similar, spackle and joint compound serve completely different purposes. Find out which one is right for your project.

How to Remove Drywall Anchors

Wall anchors can be tricky to get out of a wall. Follow these tips to reduce damage and repair unsightly holes.

Talk to a Toolman: Q&A With Chip Wade

Should you hire a pro or do that home repair yourself? HGTV Magazine asks Elbow Room’s Chip Wade to weigh in on five common questions.

You'll Wonder How You Ever Lived Without These Handy Touch-Up Tools

Retouching paint on walls and refreshing wood furniture and flooring is much easier with these clever touch-up products for your home.

Top 10 Ways to Paint Like a Pro

For a professional-looking paint job, do what the experts do.

How to Clean and Repair Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause damage to your roof, cause your basement to flood, and lead to problems that can destroy landscaping and undermine your home’s foundation. Learn how to clean your gutters at least twice yearly — in the spring and fall — to prevent this damage.

6 Ways to Humidify Your House (Without a Humidifier)

During the winter months, low humidity in your home can become an issue, leading to worsening allergies, dry skin, static electricity and increased susceptibility to colds and flu. Find ways to add moisture to the air without the expense of buying and running a humidifier.

How to Get Rid of Thrips

Thrips can damage your plants before you even know they’re there. Here’s how to spot thrips on plants and get rid of them.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.