Funny thing, I once got called out to a place where the only sign of trouble was a tiny water stain in the upstairs closet—barely noticeable. Turned out a single cracked shingle had let water seep under the underlayment for months. By the time they noticed, the decking was soft and mold had started. Makes you wonder how many folks skip those attic checks because it seems like overkill... but it's usually those small things that turn into big headaches if you ignore them. I always tell people, even if it’s just once a year, poke around up there after a storm.
but it's usually those small things that turn into big headaches if you ignore them. I always tell people, even if it’s just once a year, poke around up there after a storm.
That’s wild how a “tiny water stain” can be the tip of the iceberg. I’ve always wondered—does anyone use moisture meters during attic checks, or is that overkill for most folks? I’m never sure if I’m being too cautious or not cautious enough.
Moisture meters aren’t as overkill as they sound, honestly. I’ve seen folks ignore a faint stain, thinking it’s just old damage, and then bam—mold city a few months later. That said, if your attic’s easy to access and you’re comfortable poking around, a flashlight and your nose (musty smell = trouble) usually do the trick. I only break out the meter if something feels off or the insulation looks weird. Sometimes, you just gotta trust your gut... and maybe your allergies.
I get where you’re coming from—trusting your gut works most of the time, but I’ve seen way too many “just a stain” calls turn into expensive repairs. I had a client who thought a little discoloration was nothing, but the meter found moisture two feet past what was visible. If your roof’s older or you’ve had ice dams, I’d check with a meter at least once a year. It’s not overkill if it saves you from tearing out half your attic later.
I’ve seen way too many folks ignore a small stain, only to find out months later it’s been leaking for ages. What’s worked for me is a yearly walk-through—start in the attic, check for any discoloration or musty smell, then use a moisture meter if anything looks off. If you’ve got an older roof or live somewhere with heavy snow, I’d say don’t skip this. It’s a pain now, but way less hassle than dealing with mold or rotten decking down the line.
