While Nashville homes offer character and architectural beauty, they often come with aging drywall and plaster challenges that require expert attention. Over time, temperature swings, humidity, settling foundations, and previous renovations can all take a toll on interior walls and ceilings. 

Understanding the most common drywall issues in Nashville homes, and how professionals address them, can help homeowners protect both their property.

Nail Pops and Fastener Failures

One of the most common drywall issues in older homes is nail pops. These appear as small circular bulges or cracks in the wall surface where drywall fasteners have loosened.

In many older homes, drywall was secured with nails rather than modern screws. As the home naturally shifts and expands due to seasonal humidity changes, those nails can work their way loose.

How Pros Fix It

Professional contractors typically:

  • Remove or reset the popped fastener
  • Replace it with drywall screws for better hold
  • Apply joint compound
  • Sand and feather the surface
  • Prime and repaint for a seamless finish

The key is not just covering the blemish but reinforcing the drywall properly so the issue does not return.

Cracks from Foundation Settling

Nashville’s clay-heavy soil expands and contracts with moisture changes. Over decades, this can cause minor foundation settling, which often shows up as cracks in drywall.

These cracks are commonly found:

  • Above door frames
  • Along ceiling corners
  • At wall seams
  • Around windows

While small hairline cracks may be cosmetic, larger or widening cracks may indicate structural movement.

How Pros Fix It

Professionals first determine whether the crack is purely cosmetic or related to structural concerns. For non-structural cracks, they typically:

  • Widen the crack slightly to remove loose material
  • Apply mesh or paper tape
  • Layer joint compound in thin coats
  • Sand and blend the repair
  • Prime and repaint

A smooth, properly feathered repair ensures the wall looks uniform once painted.

Water Damage and Staining

In older Nashville homes, aging roofs, plumbing lines, or HVAC systems can cause hidden leaks. Water damage often presents as:

  • Soft or sagging drywall
  • Brown or yellow staining
  • Bubbling paint
  • Mold or mildew growth

Water-damaged drywall cannot simply be patched. If left untreated, it can compromise structural integrity and indoor air quality.

How Pros Fix It

Professional drywall repair typically involves:

  • Identifying and fixing the source of the leak
  • Removing damaged drywall sections
  • Inspecting for mold
  • Installing new drywall panels
  • Taping, mudding, sanding, and refinishing

This process ensures the repair is safe, durable, and visually seamless.

Uneven Textures from Past Repairs

Many older Nashville homes have undergone multiple renovations over the years. Unfortunately, not all repairs are done to professional standards.

You may notice:

  • Uneven wall texture
  • Visible seams
  • Poorly matched patchwork
  • Inconsistent ceiling finishes

These cosmetic inconsistencies become especially noticeable after repainting.

How Pros Fix It

Experienced drywall specialists will:

  • Sand uneven areas
  • Skim coat entire surfaces if necessary
  • Recreate matching textures
  • Prime walls to ensure uniform paint absorption

Skim coating is often the solution in older homes where walls have accumulated years of imperfect repairs.

Sagging or Damaged Ceilings

Ceiling issues are especially common in homes built decades ago. Over time, gravity, humidity, and insufficient framing support can cause drywall ceilings to sag or crack.

Popcorn ceilings may also deteriorate, stain, or contain outdated materials.

How Pros Fix It

Repair options vary depending on severity:

  • Reinforcing ceiling framing
  • Refastening drywall with screws
  • Replacing entire ceiling panels
  • Removing outdated textures
  • Applying smooth or updated finishes

Ceiling repairs require precision and experience, particularly when working overhead or blending large areas.

Corner Bead Damage

Corner beads can dent, crack, or separate over time. In older homes, metal beads are especially prone to rusting if exposed to moisture.

Damaged corner beads can create sharp edges, flaking paint, or visible cracks along corners.

How Pros Fix It

Professional repair typically includes:

  • Removing the damaged bead
  • Installing a new corner bead
  • Applying joint compound in multiple layers
  • Sanding for a crisp, straight edge
  • Priming and repainting

A properly installed corner bead restores both durability and clean lines.

Popped Tape and Seam Separation

Drywall seams are taped during installation to create a smooth, continuous surface. In older homes, tape can loosen or bubble, especially if the original installation was rushed or if humidity levels fluctuate frequently.

You may see:

  • Raised lines along seams
  • Peeling or bubbling tape
  • Cracks following straight joint lines

How Pros Fix It

Rather than simply adding more compound over the surface, professionals:

  • Cut out loose tape
  • Retape the seam
  • Apply multiple thin layers of compound
  • Sand between coats
  • Prime and repaint

This layered process prevents future separation and ensures durability.

Why DIY Repairs Often Fall Short

Many homeowners attempt to fix drywall issues themselves. While small touch-ups may be manageable, improper repairs can lead to:

  • Visible patch outlines
  • Flashing (uneven paint sheen)
  • Recurring cracks
  • Structural concerns left unaddressed

Drywall repair is as much an art as it is a technical skill. Feathering compound smoothly, matching texture, and achieving invisible blending requires experience and patience.

Professional Drywall Repair with Nashville Painting Professionals

For homeowners who want lasting, high-quality results, working with an experienced team makes all the difference. Nashville Painting Professionals specializes in drywall repair, surface preparation, and professional painting services throughout the Nashville area.

By combining expert drywall repair with meticulous finishing and painting, we help restore interiors to a smooth, updated appearance.

If your home is showing signs of drywall wear, contact us at Nashville Painting Professionals for a consultation today.