Active leak indicators
- Wet ceiling at inspection (moisture meter reading)
- Dripping observed
- Fresh water drops on surfaces below
- Moisture migration visible on walls below ceiling stain
- Saturated insulation in attic above stain location
Pre-existing stain indicators
- Dry ceiling at inspection
- Discoloration border showing prior saturation and drying
- Mold spots indicating historical moisture
- Texture damage from prior paint failure
- Multiple stain rings suggesting repeated events
How to establish active-leak status
At the time of loss
- Immediate photo with time stamp
- Moisture meter reading on ceiling
- Attic photos showing active intrusion
- Water capture containers photographed
During mitigation
- Drying log showing ongoing moisture
- Post-storm moisture readings
- Contractor statement on source
- Roof repair record correlating to the active entry point
In the claim file
- Specific leak location tied to roof damage
- Roof damage tied to specific event (NOAA correlation)
- Temporal sequence: event → roof damage → ceiling leak
Why carriers press on this
Old stains = excluded gradual damage. Active leaks from storm = covered. The carrier has a clear incentive to argue "old" when photos support it.
When there's both
A ceiling can show both a fresh stain from the storm AND older staining from prior events. Document each separately:
- The prior stain: pre-existing, typically excluded
- The new stain: storm-driven, covered
- The attic entry point: establish the new opening