Honestly, regular walk-arounds have saved me more than once. Not the most fun weekend project, but way better than dealing with moldy insulation or replacing drywall later.
I get the appeal of walk-arounds, but honestly, I’ve seen too many folks miss subtle stuff even when they’re up there. Sometimes you just can’t spot a tiny crack or a loose shingle until it’s already leaked. I’m a big fan of thermal imaging—caught a hidden leak in my own place that way last fall. It’s not cheap, but for older roofs or tricky spots (like around skylights), it’s been worth every penny. Just my two cents—sometimes tech does catch what the eye misses.
Walk-arounds are underrated, honestly. I’ve seen folks catch stuff early just by poking around with a flashlight and a little curiosity. That said, you’re right—sometimes the sneaky leaks hide out until it’s too late. I once found a drip in my attic only because my dog wouldn’t stop sniffing the ceiling... Turns out, tech like thermal cams can be a game-changer, especially for those weird spots where water loves to play hide-and-seek. Still, even a basic check beats ignoring it and hoping for the best.
I see this all the time—folks think a quick look is just busywork, but honestly, those routine visual checks catch more than people expect. Flashlights and curiosity go a long way for spotting early warning signs like loose shingles, rusted flashing, or even subtle water stains around vents. That said, you’re right about leaks being sneaky. I’ve walked attics where everything looked fine until I noticed a faint musty smell—turned out there was a slow drip right at the ridge, only visible with a moisture meter.
Thermal cameras are fantastic, especially for low-slope or complex roofs where water travels before showing up. But even without fancy tech, checking after big storms or heavy winds is key. I’ve seen small punctures from branches turn into major headaches because nobody thought to look up for a few months.
Personally, I’d rather spend ten minutes poking around than deal with drywall repairs and insulation replacement down the line. Sometimes it’s the simple stuff—just paying attention—that saves the most money.
I’ve seen folks skip the “quick look” and regret it later. One time, I was called out for what the homeowner thought was a minor ceiling stain—turned out a single cracked shingle had let water in for months. If they’d checked after that last windstorm, it would’ve been a $10 fix instead of tearing out half their living room drywall. Even just running your hand along the underside of the decking in the attic can reveal damp spots you’d never see from below. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Had a guy last spring who thought he just needed a dab of paint on a water spot—turns out, raccoons had made a little “door” in his roof. If he’d poked around the attic after that storm, he’d have saved a ton. Sometimes it’s the boring checks that save your bacon.
