Repair the leak before fixing the drywall.
Many homeowners like the look of a garage finished with drywall panels and taped seams. Since most garages are not climate-controlled, the roof rafters or trusses can expand and contract with temperature and moisture fluctuations, increasing the risk of leaks. There are a few common reasons for roof leaks, and when one occurs, it can leave a dark yellow or brownish stain on the garage ceiling. Depending on the cause of the leak and the extent of the damage, repairs may be minimal or costly.
Shingles
High winds can strip away one or more shingles, leaving the garage roof susceptible to leaks. Examine the roof for signs of missing shingles or shingles that are not laying flat along the roof. In most cases, a roofing contractor can replace one or two shingles, but your homeowners' insurance policy may require total roof replacement.
Improper Flashing
Flashing is a process of installing shingles to minimize leaks, and improper flashing is one of the biggest causes of leaks. A leak due to incorrect flashing will occur around roof vents or in a roof valley, where the roof rafters change direction. If you can pinpoint the leak as coming from a roof valley, call a roofing contractor for a consultation. If the water is coming in around a vent, you can apply roofing sealant around the vent, following the product's application instructions.
Gable Vents
If the shingles are fine and the flashing is correct, a gable vent may be the culprit. These vents, which install in the siding at the peak of a gable, are designed to keep out blowing rain. If you live where it snows, however, fine powdery snow can blow up and under the vent's louvers, creating a mini snowdrift in the garage attic. When the temperature rises, the snow melts and you end up with a leak on your drywall ceiling. If the vent takes on snow consistently, consider replacing it with a vent intended to block snow, or block it completely and install a different type of roof vent.
Drywall Repair
Make repairs to prevent future leaking first. Once the garage roof is fixed, you can address the water damage to the drywall. You can apply a stain-blocking sealant to stains that do not affect the texture of the drywall and repaint your ceiling. If the leak was extensive, however, and the drywall appears swollen or saggy, you'll have to remove the damaged panel and replace it with a new one.
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