Q&A – Normal aging or an acute problem?

A homeowner in the UK had a question about a damp meter reading. 

Sharon from the UK came to our experts with a question about a wooden joist under their roof valley. This is what they asked:

I have this under the roof valley. No signs of water getting in. The wooden joist is dry, I have tested with a damp meter and it was 1.5%. It is approximately 15 years old, so could this be normal for age related wear?

Below is what our roofing expert John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group had to say in response to their question:

Sharon, what you’re describing does sound like normal aging rather than an active problem. It is common for a 15-year-old roof to naturally show signs of wear in areas like valleys, primarily where water flow is concentrated. Minor surface discoloration, oxidation on metal flashing, or small cracks in sealant are typical with age and weather exposure.

During your investigation, you have confirmed that the key indicators are dryness and stability. A moisture reading of 1.5% is excellent and indicates no hidden water intrusion. I would continue monitoring the area during periods of heavy rain and ensuring the valley remains debris-free.

If you ever notice staining, softening of the timber or raised fasteners, it could signal early deterioration or a flashing issue developing over time. Otherwise, it’s safe to consider what you see as routine, age-related wear. Preventive maintenance like cleaning, inspecting sealants and ensuring proper drainage will help extend the roof’s life well beyond its current age.

The bottom line is that dry wood, clean valleys and consistent readings like yours point to a roof that’s aging normally, not one that needs immediate repair.

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