# Moisture stains on the ceiling **URL:** \ **Category:** Interior Inspections\ **Created:** [May 12, 2026, 7:16pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533 "2026-05-12T19:16:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rparamore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rparamore/32/414360_2.png) [@rparamore](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rparamore)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 7:16pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/1 "2026-05-12T19:16:10Z")
When you see stains on the ceiling, do you attempt to use a moisture meter on the ceiling? ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 7:22pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/2 "2026-05-12T19:22:08Z")
> [@rparamore](#): > > When you see stains on the ceiling, do you attempt to use a moisture meter on the ceiling?. I would… ---
**Author:** ![lhenderson2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lhenderson2/32/58205_2.png) [@lhenderson2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lhenderson2)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 8:26pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/3 "2026-05-12T20:26:29Z")
I usually start with IR. ---
**Author:** ![tglaze](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tglaze/32/362210_2.png) [@tglaze](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tglaze)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 8:39pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/4 "2026-05-12T20:39:03Z")
I was going to say that if you are properly trained in IR, that is probably the best method especially on high ceilings. Otherwise, if it’s 8 to 12 ft ceilings that you could safely reach with a ladder, a moisture meter is a good way to go. ---
**Author:** ![sfetty](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/sfetty/32/331195_2.png) [@sfetty](https://forum.nachi.org/u/sfetty)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 8:42pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/5 "2026-05-12T20:42:55Z")
If you already see the stain you know right where to check with your moisture meter. When you find an anomaly with IR which may indicate a moisture intrusion, it’s recommended to confirm with your moisture meter and/or other means. ---
**Author:** ![rparamore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rparamore/32/414360_2.png) [@rparamore](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rparamore)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/6 "2026-05-12T21:46:39Z")
I didn’t quite finish the IR with internachi yet. Have to do the essays. And I don’t have one yet. Wasn’t exactly sure which one to start out with ---
**Author:** ![jmckee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmckee/32/211009_2.png) [@jmckee](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmckee)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 10:23pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/7 "2026-05-12T22:23:45Z")
a good moisture meter is the correct tool for stains on the ceiling in my opinion… ---
**Author:** ![dwigger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dwigger/32/58670_2.png) [@dwigger](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dwigger)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 10:56pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/8 "2026-05-12T22:56:08Z")
A moisture meter would be good if is raining or recently has been. I would memorize the location and search for it in the attic, if possible. Next, withe location still in mind check the roof. From my experience, most ceiling stains are from many years ago and have been corrected by roof repairs or replacements. ---
**Author:** ![dgarrett3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dgarrett3/32/303793_2.png) [@dgarrett3](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dgarrett3)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 11:33pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/9 "2026-05-12T23:33:58Z")
I always do and I document what the moisture content was at the time of the inspection. Even if it’s dry I put it on the report ---
**Author:** ![dgarrett3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dgarrett3/32/303793_2.png) [@dgarrett3](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dgarrett3)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/10 "2026-05-12T23:36:28Z")
A pricy tool but I loved this thing for reaching up high moisture stains. ![IMG_5669](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/4X/8/b/5/8b55d3c08cfda5373aff94563bb67b87455265c1.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ruecker](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ruecker/32/357170_2.png) [@ruecker](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ruecker)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2026, 11:50pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/11 "2026-05-12T23:50:26Z")
I probe all water stains for the most part. This little FLIR pen-type moisture meter is a great tool that fits in your pocket or tool pouch for quickly testing stains. > **[FLIR MR40 Moisture Pen + Flashlight | Flir](https://www.flir.com/products/mr40/)** > > The FLIR MR40 is a pocket-portable, rugged 2-pin, single-scale moisture meter with an integrated flashlight for wood and common building materials — ideal for builders, building inspectors, remodelers, moisture remediation technicians, pest control... ---
**Author:** ![lhenderson2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lhenderson2/32/58205_2.png) [@lhenderson2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lhenderson2)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/12 "2026-05-13T00:50:52Z")
> [@rparamore](#): > > Wasn’t exactly sure which one to start out with Nice that you are taking the Nachi course. Many opinions on this, but my two cents for the money, that Chinese Hikmicro Pocket Pro is hard to beat. Full disclosure, I have a Flir E6 that I’ve had for many years. ---
**Author:** ![jdepiero](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jdepiero/32/356888_2.png) [@jdepiero](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jdepiero)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/13 "2026-05-14T13:54:14Z")
Usually, I just use my moisture meter, but usually they are old stains, so unless it is recent it will not show anything. Ideally, you may have access to the attic where in most cases you will see signs of older roof leaks. Regardless, be sure to note it in your report with pictures, location etc. ---
**Author:** ![clambrecht2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/clambrecht2/32/339981_2.png) [@clambrecht2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/clambrecht2)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/14 "2026-05-14T14:03:30Z")
I use a Hydroshark to check them sometimes. > **[HydroShark Moisture Detector](https://inspectoroutlet.com/products/hydroshark)** > > The HydroShark is a heavy-duty moisture sensor that is designed to detect the presence of moisture in carpet, drywall, and wood. ---
**Author:** ![lmorrison](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lmorrison/32/58376_2.png) [@lmorrison](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lmorrison)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/15 "2026-05-14T14:40:25Z")
If no moisture is found does not mean you don’t need to report what you see “appropriately”. ---
**Author:** ![kleonard](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/kleonard/32/170953_2.png) [@kleonard](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kleonard)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 2:55pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/16 "2026-05-14T14:55:12Z")
> [@rparamore](#): > > When you see stains on the ceiling, do you attempt to use a moisture meter on the ceiling? Every time. If moisture is detected, I take a picture of the moisture meter on the stain reading a high content and report it as such. If the stain is dry, I still take a picture of it and I report that a dry stain was viewed. ---
**Author:** ![rparamore](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rparamore/32/414360_2.png) [@rparamore](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rparamore)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/17 "2026-05-14T22:03:32Z")
Thanks for all your input. It’s great to hear the different meters to use and to make sure take pics of the readings ---
**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2026, 8:13am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/moisture-stains-on-the-ceiling/267533/18 "2026-05-16T08:13:14Z")
> [@rparamore](#): > > When you see stains on the ceiling, Morning, Rob. PLeasure to meet you. I was taken back by your question. Ceiling stains usually/normally are indicative an active leak be it roof, plumbing, or condensation. First, I want to identify the source of moisture be it bulk water or condesation. A moisture meter should be in your tool kit. No if’s and’s or but’s. Use a chair if you do not have your 6 foot step ladder on hand. You are sending off the wrong message to the wrong party if you do not use your moisture meter even when suspect!