I get the urge to open up more than you think, but sometimes that can spiral into a much bigger (and pricier) project than you bargained for. I’ve seen people tear out half their ceiling just chasing a small leak, only to find it was isolated. Ever tried using thermal imaging cameras? In my experience, they can spot hidden moisture without as much destruction—especially in higher-end homes where you want to keep things neat. Curious if anyone else has found those more reliable than moisture meters, or is it just another gadget trap?
Need Advice On Replacing An Old Leaky Roof
Thermal imaging is a game changer, honestly. I’ve worked on a few projects where we caught leaks behind walls that would’ve been impossible to spot otherwise—saved a ton of mess and money. That said, I still double-check with a moisture meter if the readings look odd. Sometimes those cameras pick up cold spots that aren’t actually water, just poor insulation or airflow. It’s not foolproof, but definitely less invasive than ripping things open right away.
I’ve found thermal imaging super helpful too, especially with older homes where you never really know what’s lurking behind the plaster. But I’m curious—when you do find a leak, do you usually just patch that area or is it better to replace a larger section of the roof? I’ve seen people try to save money with spot repairs, but sometimes it ends up costing more in the long run if the damage is widespread. Just wondering what’s worked best for others here.
Title: Need advice on replacing an old leaky roof
If the leak’s isolated and the rest of the roof’s in decent shape, a targeted patch can work—just make sure you really trace the source. But if you’re seeing multiple spots or the materials are just shot, it’s usually smarter (and cheaper long-term) to replace a bigger section. I’ve seen too many folks chase leaks around with patches only to end up redoing the whole thing a year later. Thermal imaging’s great for spotting hidden issues, but nothing beats getting up there and poking around a bit. Don’t be afraid to open up more than you planned if things look sketchy under the surface.
Had a client once who insisted on patching a small leak in their sunroom ceiling—looked minor at first, but water had already damaged the insulation and some beams. We ended up redoing the whole section anyway. Sometimes it’s worth opening things up just to be sure.
