"One thing I found helpful (and cheaper!) was just doing a thorough attic inspection after heavy rain."
That's a solid tip—attic checks after storms can reveal a lot. I've seen plenty of roofs that looked fine from outside but had hidden issues lurking underneath. Thermal imaging is cool, but like you said, it's usually overkill unless you're chasing down a stubborn leak or insulation problem.
Speaking of inspections, has anyone here tried moisture meters for checking suspect areas? They're pretty affordable now, and I've found them handy for pinpointing damp spots before they become visible stains or mold patches. Not as flashy as thermal cameras, but they can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
Glad to hear roofing companies are stepping up their transparency game in your area. Around here, it's still hit or miss...but maybe that's changing slowly. Did your roofer offer any kind of warranty or follow-up inspection after the job was done? Curious how common that's becoming these days.
"Speaking of inspections, has anyone here tried moisture meters for checking suspect areas?"
I've used moisture meters a few times, and they're definitely handy for catching issues early. One thing I'd add though—make sure you're checking multiple spots around the suspected area. Moisture can travel along beams or insulation, so the wettest spot isn't always directly under the leak. Learned that the hard way after chasing a phantom leak for weeks... Has anyone else run into tricky leaks like that?
Moisture meters are useful, but honestly I've found thermal imaging cameras more reliable for tricky leaks. Moisture meters sometimes give false positives if there's metal or wiring nearby... thermal imaging can pinpoint temperature differences and help narrow things down faster. Worth considering, maybe?
"Moisture meters sometimes give false positives if there's metal or wiring nearby..."
That's a great point—I've run into that issue myself a few times, especially around flashing or near electrical boxes. Thermal imaging definitely has its advantages, particularly when you're dealing with subtle leaks or insulation issues. I've found combining both methods can be helpful, though. Moisture meters for initial checks, then thermal imaging to confirm and pinpoint tricky spots. Glad you found a roofing company that's trustworthy; that's half the battle right there.
True, moisture meters can be a bit finicky around metal or wiring, but honestly, thermal imaging isn't foolproof either. I've seen thermal cameras pick up weird heat signatures from sunlight warming shingles or even someone's attic vent fan running—talk about chasing ghosts! Both methods definitely have their quirks, so it's always smart to double-check visually and with some good ol' fashioned experience. Glad you found a solid roofer though...finding one who's honest AND knows their stuff is like hitting the jackpot these days.
