- Totally agree about old stains looking fresh again—humidity can be a real pain with that.
- I've also noticed that certain paints or sealants can trap moisture underneath. Had a spot once where the paint bubbled slightly after heavy rain, thought for sure it was new leakage... nope, just trapped moisture from an old issue.
- Chalk's good, but I still trust visual cues more—like checking if the wood feels soft or crumbly. Meters can mislead, but rotten wood doesn't lie.
- Honestly, sometimes I think it's half guesswork and half experience. Still drives me nuts too, though.
Had a similar experience recently—thought I was dealing with a fresh leak after a storm, but turns out it was moisture trapped under an acrylic sealant I'd applied months earlier. The paint bubbled slightly, and I was convinced it was new water intrusion. After removing the coating, the wood underneath was perfectly solid and dry. Definitely agree visual inspection is key; meters can be helpful, but nothing beats physically checking the integrity of the material itself.
Had something similar happen a while back—thought I was chasing a fresh leak, but it turned out to be old staining from a previous issue. Here's what usually helps me: first, mark the area lightly with pencil or tape, then dry it thoroughly. Next time it rains, check if the marked area gets damp again or if moisture appears elsewhere. Sometimes old stains can fool you into thinking there's new trouble brewing... been there, done that, got the soggy t-shirt.
Good tip on marking the spot—definitely helps narrow things down. Have you tried checking the attic or underside of the roof decking after a rain? Sometimes moisture shows up there first before it even hits your ceiling...
"Sometimes moisture shows up there first before it even hits your ceiling..."
True, attic checks are helpful, but honestly, fresh leaks usually have a darker, wetter look. Old stains tend to be lighter and dry. If you're still stuck, maybe it's time to consider a green roof—problem solved and bonus points for eco-friendliness 😉
