Nail Pop in Vaulted Ceiling

One of our rooms was an addition back in 94'. I feel the contractor did a quick job but since I inherited the home I was much younger at the time. About 2 years ago (mid 2012) we noticed after a rainy season that a couple nails were popping through the middle of our vaulted ceiling. As well on towards the place where the ceiling almost meets the wall. A painter we had told us it was likely due to being nails and not screws. He replaced with screws, painted and patched. They were starting to show again towards the middle of last year. Tenants haven't reported any problems but I'm very concerned as we haven't had much rain since that rainy season in 2012. I'm concerned if there is rot or if there is a leak in the ceiling. Whom would I hire to fix this? A roofer or a contractor? Any recommendations for an honest company in the Los Angeles area?? Thanks!
  4 answers
  • Nail pops can be a tricky think. Depending upon the style of construction there can be several reasons for them to occur. In any case the one thing they all have in common is movement. Vibrations from ground movement, heavy truck traffic in street, Loud music. and humidity. I doubt that the area that is starting to show was the area that was already repaired with the screws. But regardless of that, the repair is the same. Place two, not one screw about two inches apart from each other and remove the offending nail. The reason is that you need to have a larger holding surface to keep things tight. This is why drywall nails have large heads on them. Prevents the nails from busting through the paper surface of the drywall. In any case, you need to do a larger area then just right at the spot where the nail pop occurred The drywall has settled and most likely pulled on the surrounding nails and if not secured tight will eventually start showing up again. You have stated that you are in that drought stricken area and that can be the cause of the nail pops. As the wood dries it shrinks and that movement can cause nail pops, creaking sounds, furniture to crack, all sorts of issues. While a humidifier will help on the inside, the current weather conditions will continue to play havoc on the framing and foundation of the home. And there is little you can do other then a rain dance to help this out. .
  • Pat Dollar Pat Dollar on Feb 12, 2014
    @Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com Perfect answer!
  • Amanda Thomas-Harris Amanda Thomas-Harris on Feb 12, 2014
    Thank you! Now what kind of worker would know how to fix that kind of problem??
  • Any good painter should be able to do this for you.