Curious if anyone’s found thermal imaging actually pays off over time? Or is it more of a “better safe than sorry” thing?
I just bought my first place last year and honestly, thermal imaging wasn’t even on my radar until a neighbor mentioned it. My roof’s only 8 years old, so I skipped it and just did a regular check after a big windstorm. No issues so far, but I do wonder if I’m missing something sneaky. For now, I’m leaning toward “better safe than sorry” only if there’s an actual leak or after crazy weather. Otherwise, feels like overkill for me too.
For now, I’m leaning toward “better safe than sorry” only if there’s an actual leak or after crazy weather.
I get that. My place is about the same age and I’ve mostly just done visual checks after storms. Thermal imaging sounds cool, but unless you’ve got flat roofing or suspect hidden moisture, it feels a bit much. Maybe if I start seeing weird stains or my ceiling starts looking like a Rorschach test, I’ll reconsider...
I totally get where you’re coming from—sometimes it feels like overkill to bring in the big guns unless there’s a clear sign of trouble. Visual checks after storms are a solid habit, especially if your roof isn’t flat and you don’t have a history of leaks. But I do wonder, have you ever had a situation where something looked fine from the outside but turned out to be a bigger issue later? I’ve seen a few cases where folks thought everything was good, then months down the line, they found mold or rot because water had snuck in somewhere sneaky.
Thermal imaging does sound a bit high-tech for most pitched roofs, but it can pick up stuff you’d never spot with the naked eye—like moisture trapped under layers. That said, I wouldn’t say it’s necessary unless you’ve got ongoing issues or you’re in an area that gets hammered by hail or heavy rain. Sometimes insurance companies want proof you’ve been proactive, though, so there’s that angle too.
I’m curious—what kind of roofing do you have? Shingles, metal, something else? I’ve noticed asphalt shingles tend to hide damage until it’s pretty far along, while metal usually shows dents or scratches right away. And climate makes a difference. Here in the Midwest, we get those wild spring storms, so I’ve gotten into the habit of checking the attic for damp spots after every big one. It’s not exactly fun crawling around up there, but it beats finding out about a leak when it’s dripping onto your desk.
Have you ever tried using moisture meters or just stuck to visual checks? I know some people swear by them for peace of mind, especially if you’ve got insulation that hides water damage. Just curious how deep you go with your inspections.
Anyway, waiting for stains or weird ceiling patterns is definitely one way to know there’s a problem... but sometimes by then it’s already a headache. Still, I get not wanting to overdo it—roofing costs add up fast.
I’ve seen a few cases where folks thought everything was good, then months down the line, they found mold or rot because water had snuck in somewhere sneaky.
That’s the kicker—water’s sneaky. I’ve seen “perfect” roofs turn into nightmares just because a flashing was off by half an inch. Visual checks are good, but I always poke around with a moisture meter, especially on older shingle roofs. Ever had a surprise like that? It’s never fun explaining hidden rot to someone who thought they were in the clear.
Yeah, I totally get that—water finds the weirdest ways in. I thought my roof was fine until I noticed a soft spot by a vent last fall. Turns out, one little nail hole let in enough moisture to mess up the plywood underneath. I wish I’d known to check with a moisture meter sooner... visual checks just didn’t cut it for me.
