Binoculars are fine for spotting missing shingles, but you’ll never catch the sneaky stuff like soft decking or tiny splits.
That’s exactly what tripped me up last spring. I thought I was being thorough—walked around with binoculars, checked the gutters, even climbed up to look for loose shingles. Missed a spot behind the vent pipe where water was slowly seeping in. Didn’t notice until a brown stain showed up on the bedroom ceiling... If I’d paid for an inspection, probably would’ve caught it earlier, but at the time I figured I could handle it myself. Lesson learned: sometimes it’s worth the extra cost, especially after a rough winter.
That’s rough—those hidden leaks are the worst. I’ve had a similar thing happen, except mine was around a skylight. Looked fine from the ground and even up close, but water found its way in after a big freeze/thaw cycle. I get wanting to save money by doing it yourself (I’m stubborn about that too), but sometimes those pros really do spot things we miss. At least you caught it before it got out of hand... could’ve been way worse.
I hear you about the pros, but honestly, half the time I feel like they just spot things because they know where to look—and charge you for it. Last spring, I grabbed a flashlight, a broom handle, and my phone camera, poked around the attic myself, and found a slow drip right above the kitchen. Patched it with some roof cement and a prayer. Not saying it’s always the best idea, but sometimes stubbornness pays off... at least until it doesn’t.
That’s some real initiative—honestly, most folks wouldn’t even think to poke around up there. I get what you mean about pros sometimes just knowing the “trouble spots,” but that’s kind of the point, too. Still, nothing wrong with a little DIY if you’re careful. I’ve seen plenty of people patch up a leak and get a few more years out of their roof. Just gotta keep an eye on it, since sometimes those quick fixes don’t hold up after another winter or two. But hey, stubbornness has saved me from a few headaches (and bills) myself... until it didn’t, like you said.
- Good on you for actually getting up there and checking things out. Most folks just wait until water’s pouring in before they do anything.
- I’ve seen plenty of DIY patches hold up longer than people expect, especially when folks keep an eye out for soft spots or loose shingles.
- That said, I’ve also seen quick fixes go sideways after a rough winter—ice dams can sneak up on you fast, especially if you’re in a spot with freeze/thaw cycles.
- If you’re comfortable doing the work, no harm in trying to stretch things out a bit. Just don’t let stubbornness turn a small leak into a major headache... been there, done that, and it’s never fun explaining to someone why their ceiling’s caved in.
- Honestly, even pros miss stuff sometimes. Nobody’s perfect. As long as you’re staying safe and not ignoring the warning signs, you’re ahead of the game compared to most.
- I’d rather see someone try a patch than just cross their fingers and hope for the best. At least you’re paying attention.
