How To Fix Bulging Drywall Seams

Nothing ruins the appearance of a room like bulging drywall. It’s an ever-present eyesore that needs to be dealt with before you’ll truly be happy with the look of your home.

Fix bulging drywall seams by using a stud finder to identify loose, missing, or over-driven drywall screws. Cut into the wall with a utility knife, remove the problem screws, and replace them with new ones. Finish by patching the wall with joint compound, priming it, then painting it.

However, there are several reasons why your drywall seams could be bulging. Each requires a different fix. That means the first step in repairing the issue is understanding why your drywall is bulging.

Many of the issues that make drywall sag also apply to ceilings. However, if you’ve got sagging ceilings with multiple bulges, your fix will be a bit more challenging.

Sagging ceilings are often caused when installers use drywall that’s too thin for ceiling use. To fix this, experts typically recommend ripping out and replacing the drywall altogether. However, this is messy, complex work.

A better strategy is to support the affected drywall while leaving it intact. You can do this with furring strips that will create a thicker sheet of ceiling board to eliminate your sagging issue.

If the cause is related to a plumbing leak, bulges are a result of water pooling behind the drywall. These issues are generally present in the ceiling. However, if a large amount of water has accumulated behind your drywall, they can also occur in the walls.

Persistent leaks will be evident of discoloration on the walls like water stains. To fix this issue, you first need to locate the cause of the leak and repair it. Once the area has dried completely, you must replace the entire drywall panel.

As previously mentioned, it’s not uncommon for bulging drywall seams to be a direct result of poor drywall installation. In order for the joints between drywall panels to disappear once the drywall is painted, the seams need to be covered with joint compound in a very particular manner.

The proper method involves applying the joint compound in a series of layers, with each one increasing in width. If the joint compound isn’t applied in an appropriate way, you will have bulging drywall seams. Fortunately, this is often something that can be easily repaired by a professional.

If your bulging drywall seams are a bit too complex for your home repair skills, don’t worry. There are plenty of contractors who specialize in these kinds of issues. Finding one has never been easier thanks to the internet and websites like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Porch.

A contractor may fix the issues by applying a skim coat of compound over the entire wall. This creates a flat, new-looking wall that’s free from all bulges and bumps.

Don’t try to apply a skim coat of compound on your own unless you’ve done it before. The work is more complicated than you’d think. It requires a trained hand and a specific installation process. Doing it on your own could make your bulging drywall seams even worse.

Before you can truly be happy with the appearance of your home, those unsightly drywall bulges must be dealt with. Although drywall that is properly installed will appear flat, smooth, and blemish-free, anything from basic installation mistakes and natural home settling to plumbing leaks can result in bulges and bumps in your drywall finish.

Thankfully, most of these common problems can be easily remedied by the average homeowner with the help of just a few tools. Though, when in doubt, it never hurts to call in the assistance of a certified professional. After all, hiring an expert almost always yields the best results.

Related Questions

How do you hide drywall seams on the ceiling?

You can do this with some drywall tape and joint compound. Just fill in any recesses to make them level with the rest of the ceiling and tape over them for a seamless finish.

Why is my drywall tape showing?

Drywall tape is actually supposed to show through the filler coat. If you’ve already applied a final coat and it’s still showing, apply more thin layers until the problem’s solved.

Is mesh or paper tape better for drywall?

Paper drywall tape is usually a better option. It’s a bit stronger than mesh tape and more versatile. That being said, mesh tape does offer the benefit of better moisture resistance.

Can you caulk drywall seams?

Caulk is a commonly-used alternative for standard drywall patching compound. There’s nothing wrong with using it as you repair your seams. Just make sure you select a paintable caulk to avoid any issues down the line.