Red Seal Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Practice Exam

A 'screw pop' refers to a situation where a drywall screw, which is installed correctly, rises or pops out above the surface of the drywall. This phenomenon typically occurs due to the movement of the framing or the expansion and contraction of the materials caused by changes in temperature and humidity. When the screws are properly embedded, over time they can become exposed if the drywall sheets shift or if the materials surrounding them settle. Understanding this term is particularly important for drywall finishers, as screw pops can affect the appearance of the wall, especially after painting or texturing has been applied. Finishing crews need to be aware of this issue to ensure they can effectively address it—possibly by re-sinking the screws or applying additional joint compound to level the surface before finishing. The other options describe different issues that do not accurately capture the definition of a screw pop, highlighting the distinction between typical drywall installation problems and this specific defect.