Patching and Plastering - rain leak; drywall ruined

Please help. We're trying to sell our house and have noticed, just recently, a leak around the window by our fireplace. Strangely, the top of the window (which is surrounded by moist drywall too) is only about 1 ft. from the roof eave. We live in Fla., so, lately, no rain shortage, but unless it rains sideways, there's NO WAY the rain could hit the drywall that high.

That side of the house is under a big oak tree, and there's a gutter with a few limbs and leaves in it (we clean it out about every 4 mos. or so). Granted, this is probably considered "cosmetic," but we'd like to take care of it ahead of time. Pretty much the entire sheet of drywall surrounding the window is shot. Do I need to hire somebody to replace the wall if the roof is not to blame (hence, not covered), or is this something a half-common sense individual can do themselves? Thanks,
Heather

You must live in central or northern Fla. if you have a fireplace and a big oak tree. You say the drywall is 'runed'. Is it sagging, bulging or otherwise coming apart? If you can locate the source of the leak and stop it, the drywall will dry out and can be re-painted. Are you sure the downspouts are not clogged? Even if the gutter is clear if you have a clogged downspout the gutter could overflow in a downpour and flow behind the gutter into the interior wall creating the problem you see. I suspect, however, that it is more likely that the source of your leak is where your chimney meets the roof. Do you have access to your attic so that you might be able to inspect this area from the underside of the roof? Look for stains/moisture on the roof decking and rafters. What type of roof do you have - standard 3 tab, cedar shakes, clay tile, etc. How old is the current roof?

If your drywall is deteriorated to the point that it will have to be replaced, then removing it may assist you in determining where the leak originates.

Post back with a little more info.

Thiggy,

Well, the roof is just standard shingles, probably less than 5 years old, and when we got into the attic, the access stops before getting to the end of the wall (like a 2 ft side board stopping the access), so I couldn't see what's right above that wall. Haven't checked the downpour, but did check the gutter. The fireplace is approx. 2 1/2-3ft away from the window. The fireplace seems to have no problems (though it doesn't get used a whole lot here in central Fla.-ha).

I'll let you know. Thanks,
Heather

Another thought - is it possible that rain is entering behind the brickmold above the window frame. Have you checked to ensure that the window frame is well caulked against the house? What type of construction do you have? What type are your windows? - double hung wooden sashes, casement, aluminum frame single hung, etc. Is your house brick, stucco, vinyl or wood siding?