Not gonna lie, I get the whole “poke with a screwdriver” thing, but last time I tried that, I ended up jabbing through insulation and scaring myself more than finding any leaks. I’m more of a binocular-from-the-ground kind of person now. Less risk of falling, and you can spot missing shingles or weird flashing pretty easy.
True, but in my place, the kids’ spilled juice stains blend right in... so I need a better system. Anyone else just wait for the next rain to reveal the real problem spots?Sometimes you can spot trouble just by looking for weird stains on the ceiling inside, especially after a thaw.
I totally get the “binocular-from-the-ground” approach—climbing up there freaks me out too.
Same here, except it’s coffee rings from my partner. Ever tried those moisture meters? I’m wondering if they’re worth it or just another gadget collecting dust.“the kids’ spilled juice stains blend right in...”
I hear you on the “binocular-from-the-ground” thing—no shame in that. Heights aren’t for everyone, and honestly, I’ve seen folks do more damage scrambling around up there than just leaving it alone. About those moisture meters... mixed feelings. I’ve used one a couple times after storms, and it did help spot a hidden leak under the attic insulation. But yeah, most days it sits in the toolbox. If you’re already seeing stains inside, though, might be worth a shot just for peace of mind.
I get the hesitation with moisture meters. I bought one after moving in, thinking it’d be a game changer, but honestly, it’s mostly collecting dust. I did use it once when I noticed a faint stain near a vent—turned out to be nothing major, just condensation from a poorly sealed duct. Still, I’m not convinced they’re essential unless you’ve already got visible issues. I’m more likely to just keep an eye out for new stains or weird smells than poke around with gadgets every season. Maybe that’s lazy, but so far, so good...
Totally get where you’re coming from—mine mostly sits in a drawer too. I just do a quick visual check after heavy snow or rain, especially around skylights and the attic hatch. Have you ever found something early just by noticing a smell or stain?
