Infrared cameras can be helpful, but in my experience, they’re not a magic bullet for finding rot under old roofs. Moisture shows up as cold spots, but if the attic’s been dry for a while, you might not see much. I usually go up in the attic with a strong flashlight and a probe—poke around anywhere there’s staining or sagging. Found a spot last year that looked fine from below, but the decking crumbled as soon as I pressed it. Sometimes you just have to expect a few surprises once the shingles come off...
I get where you’re coming from—sometimes nothing beats poking around with a flashlight and a screwdriver. But I’ve actually had some luck with infrared, especially if you time it right. If you run the camera early in the morning after a cool night, any spots that held moisture tend to stand out more. It’s not foolproof, but it can help narrow down where to really dig in. Still, I agree, once those shingles come off, you never know what you’ll find... roofs love their surprises.
If you run the camera early in the morning after a cool night, any spots that held moisture tend to stand out more.
That’s a clever trick with the infrared. I’ve always been a bit skeptical about spending on extra gadgets, but if it helps pinpoint trouble spots before tearing into things, maybe it’s worth considering—especially if you can rent one instead of buying.
For anyone trying to keep costs down, here’s how I tackled my old roof: First, I did a slow walk-around after a rain, checking for drips or damp patches inside. Then outside, I used a garden hose (with someone watching in the attic) to simulate rain and spot leaks. Not high-tech, but it worked well enough to narrow things down before calling in quotes.
Once those shingles are off, like you said, surprises are almost guaranteed. I budgeted an extra 15% just for “uh-oh” moments—turned out to be a lifesaver when we found rotten decking under one corner. If you’re doing this yourself or hiring out, having that buffer really helps keep stress levels down.
REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF: BUDGETING & LOW-TECH DETECTION
- Really solid approach on your end—using the hose and attic spotter is about as practical as it gets. Sometimes the simplest methods are the most reliable, especially when you’re trying to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Renting an infrared camera is a smart middle ground. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on gadgets they use once, but rental rates are usually reasonable, and you get the benefit of high-tech detection without the commitment. That said, your method with the hose probably catches 80% of issues anyway.
- The 15% buffer for “uh-oh” moments is spot on. In my experience, even with new builds, there’s always something lurking under the surface—old decking, hidden rot, or weird framing from a previous owner. That extra budget can be the difference between a manageable project and a financial headache.
- One thing I’d add: if you’re already up there and see any questionable decking, it’s usually worth replacing more than you think you need to. I’ve seen people try to save a few bucks by patching only the worst spots, then end up with more leaks a year later. Sometimes it’s just not worth the risk.
- Not everyone agrees, but I’m a fan of taking lots of photos before and during demo. It’s saved me more than once when I needed to remember how flashing or vents were set up originally. Plus, if you ever need to show a contractor what you found, it’s way easier than trying to describe it.
- Last thing—don’t underestimate how much debris comes off an old roof. If you’re doing any of the tear-off yourself, budget for extra dumpster space or dump runs. It piles up fast.
You’re definitely on the right track with your planning and practical approach. It’s not glamorous work, but being methodical pays off in the long run.
NEED ADVICE ON REPLACING AN OLD LEAKY ROOF
I have to say, your whole approach reminds me of when I first started tackling “hidden” problems in older homes—sometimes you just don’t know what you’re going to find until you peel back the layers. I love that you’re using the hose and attic spotter trick. Honestly, I wish more people leaned into those kinds of practical, low-tech solutions before reaching for fancy gadgets. There’s something satisfying about solving a problem with just a bit of patience and observation.
The 15% buffer is smart. I made the mistake once of not budgeting enough for a bathroom reno (thought I’d just be swapping out tile, ended up needing new subfloor thanks to a sneaky leak). That extra cushion really does make the difference between “ugh, why did I start this?” and “okay, I can handle this.”
I’m with you on taking photos, though I’ll admit I sometimes go overboard. There’s this one time I had to reassemble a vintage fireplace surround, and my phone was full of close-ups of every single bracket and screw. Saved me hours of second-guessing later. It’s also come in handy when I’ve had to explain weird old construction choices to contractors—sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.
I do wonder about replacing more decking than you think you need to, though. Part of me always wants to preserve as much original material as possible (old wood has so much character), but you’re right—water damage is one of those things you can’t really compromise on. Maybe there’s a balance? Keep what’s solid, but don’t get sentimental about stuff that’s just going to cause headaches down the line.
And yeah, the debris... it’s wild how fast it adds up. I helped a friend tear off a roof last fall and we thought one dumpster would do it. By day two, we were making frantic calls for another pickup. If you’ve got any landscaping you care about, maybe throw down some tarps or plywood too—shingles have a way of finding every flower bed.
You’re definitely thinking things through in a way that’ll save you a lot of trouble later. It’s not glamorous work, but there’s something kind of satisfying about knowing you’ve got the bones of your house sorted out before you start making it pretty.
