60-second leak check

Is that ceiling stain still leaking?

Four questions. No signup. If it's active, I'll tell you what to do in the next hour — for free. I'm an independent inspector, not a contractor.

By James MullinauxLast updated Diagnostic based on 20+ yrs of NM roof calls.
Question 1

Touch the stain — how does it feel right now?

Question 2

Has it grown or gotten darker since the last rain?

Question 3

When did you first notice it?

Question 4

What's the shape?

Why this works

Ring-shaped stains that keep growing after rain almost always mean water is still finding a path — usually flashing, a nail pop, or a crack you can't see from the ground. A cool/damp feel with no growth usually means the drywall absorbed old moisture that hasn't dried. Bulging = trapped water. Poke it low and let it drain.

Ceiling stain FAQ

+How do I tell an old stain from an active one?
Mark the edge with a pencil after it dries. If it grows past the pencil line after the next rain, water is still finding a path. If it stays put through 2–3 rain events, it's likely a healed leak — but the drywall may still need to be replaced if it flexes.
+Should I paint over it or fix it first?
Never paint before you're sure the leak is dead. Stain-blocking primer over an active leak just gives you a bigger stain in six weeks. Fix, verify with one full rain, then prime + paint.
+Can you tell from a photo?
Most of the time, yes. Text me a shot of the stain plus one photo of the roof directly above it (from the ground is fine) and I'll tell you if it needs eyes on-roof or just a quick fix.
+How fast can you actually respond in NM?
Same day for photo reviews (text is fastest). On-site free walk-around usually within 48 hours in ABQ metro, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe corridor.

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