Garage Restoration & Moisture Control

At first glance, this garage appeared to need little more than cosmetic repairs. A closer inspection, however, revealed years of moisture damage caused by a combination of common builder practices that simply weren't designed for long-term performance.

Condensation had become a constant problem. The garage remained perpetually damp, allowing mold and mildew to develop while causing drywall tape and joints to separate and sections of the ceiling to sag. Although these issues are common in many garages, they are often symptoms of a larger problem rather than the problem itself.

The investigation uncovered several contributing factors. Insulation around the perimeter of the ceiling was incomplete, no rafter venting had been installed to maintain proper airflow from the soffits into the attic, and the attic itself lacked adequate ventilation. A traditional polyethylene vapour barrier had been installed directly behind the drywall, trapping moisture within the ceiling assembly instead of allowing it to manage seasonal humidity changes. Standard interior drywall and builder-grade flat ceiling paint offered little resistance to the moisture that had accumulated over the years.

Rather than simply repairing the visible damage, the entire ceiling system was redesigned using modern building science principles.

The damaged materials were removed, proper rafter ventilation was installed, and solar-powered roof vents were added to improve attic airflow. The polyethylene vapour barrier was replaced with CertainTeed MemBrain®, a smart vapour retarder that adapts to seasonal humidity levels, allowing the assembly to dry when necessary while still providing excellent moisture control.

New insulation was installed throughout the ceiling, followed by fire-rated, moisture-resistant drywall. The surfaces were then primed and finished with premium mold- and mildew-resistant coatings designed specifically for high-humidity environments.

To complete the system, a smart interior ventilation system was installed. Equipped with humidity and temperature sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity, and automatic operation, it continuously exchanges stale, moisture-laden air with fresh outside air, helping maintain a dry, healthy garage environment throughout the year.

Today, the garage is brighter, healthier, and significantly more durable than when it was originally built. More importantly, the underlying causes of the moisture problems have been eliminated—not simply covered up.