Arizona Monsoon Season: 5 Things Homeowners Should Do to Protect Their Home

August 15, 2024

This year’s Arizona monsoon season is projected by ABC 15 Arizona to be one of the hottest and driest on record. It’s important to make sure your home is protected from potential issues caused by storm or heat damage to your roof. 

A monsoon occurs because of seasonal changes in the atmosphere, specifically the circulation of air and precipitation. Due to Arizona’s strong summer heat, the state is prone to these severe thunderstorms annually. Keep reading to learn how homeowners in the state can take steps to secure structures on their property and protect them from the turbulent weather ahead.

When is Arizona Monsoon Season?

Monsoon season begins officially on June 15th each year. It ends on September 30th. Those are just targeted dates, though. You could see weather events earlier or later in the year, which is why homeowners must get ready as early as possible.

Our expert team at Diversified Roofing is here to help keep you protected. Consider these five steps all Arizona property owners should take before every monsoon season.

1. Check Your Roof For Leaks

Each year, home insurance companies pay out approximately $12,000 per claim for water damage throughout the country. Monsoon season is when homeowners should be aware of how much damage a leaky roof can cost as torrential rains fall.

The cost of fixing a minor roof problem before the season begins is far less than what you pay for the interior and exterior damage caused by a leak during a thunderstorm. Prevent water from entering your home by plugging any leaks before they become an issue.

What Causes Roofs to Leak?

Understanding what can cause a roof leak will help you pinpoint areas that might need repair. Roofs, like any part of your home, need maintenance to prevent these leaks. That maintenance starts in the attic.

• Poor attic ventilation – It’s important that homeowners ensure their attics have proper ventilation. Otherwise, condensation can build up as you cool your home, and encourage the presence of mold in your attic.
• Poor room ventilation – We also recommend double-checking bathrooms and kitchens (rooms that generate lots of moisture) to ensure they have proper ventilation. If ventilation already exists, check to make sure it is free of debris. It doesn’t do you any good if the vent clogs with dust and dirt.
• Problems with roof flashing – Check the roof flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys. There should be flashing anywhere the roof planes intersect. Look around any attachments to the roof, too, such as TV antennas or satellite dishes. The holes drilled to secure these units can be a source of leaks. Take a walk around the roof, looking for removed attachments as well to close those holes.
• Improper roof installation – If your home is prone to leaks, it could be because your current roof was improperly installed. Often problems exist with the membrane, flashing, or roof vents.

If you know you have leaks in the roof but can’t find them, give us a call. Our highly qualified roofing experts can give you some guidance or even send someone out for a complimentary inspection.

How to Check the Roof For Leaks

It can be tricky to locate a leak just from water stains in the ceiling. On slanted roofs, the water will always seek the lowest spot, meaning it moves around. So if you see a water stain in the kitchen, for example, that doesn’t mean the roof immediately above that room is leaking. Instead, it may be further up.

One technique is to locate a leak is to go into the attic with a flashlight when it is raining. Any water coming in through the roof will reflect the light, making it easier to spot. Also, look for damaged areas in the flooring. That can help you locate a leak.

It is possible that the water staining is condensation, too. That damage is usually in the corner near an exterior wall. Leaks from the roof can be anywhere.

2. Check For Loose Roof Tiles

Assuming you don’t find a leak, the next step is to inspect the roof physically. Tiles expand and contract with the Arizona heat, which can cause them to break. Simply walking around the house and any other structure on your property might help you spot a cracked or missing tile.

If you don’t see anything with a cursory inspection from the ground, it’s best to have someone go up and take a closer look. If you are not familiar with walking on tile roofs, it’s safest to let one of our experts check for you. Foot traffic can easily break tiles, or you could fall. It’s a good idea to have a professional do an inspection or cleaning once every year, anyway. It is the safest way to get your roof ready for the Arizona monsoon season.

3. Look For Mold in the Attic

Mold is something you should be on the lookout for throughout your home, including in the attic and roof. Mold doesn’t harm the roof, but it does indicate a problem exists somewhere. Mold grows in moist areas. So, mold under shingles or in the attic can mean there is a leak.

We recommend you get a thorough mold inspection to rule out a leak. Our team of trained inspectors will look at your attic for signs of mold growth and determine the cause.

4. Clean the Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts protect the roof and other key structures in your home. Their job is to control the flow of rainwater and move it away from places it can cause damage. When gutters clog with debris, they overflow, allowing water to go where it shouldn’t.

If your property doesn’t have many trees, you can get away with inspecting the gutters once a year before monsoon season. However, if your area gets lots of bad weather, you might want to recheck them at the end of the season. If you have many trees, it is better to check at least every spring and fall.

Have a professional come and clear out the downspouts as well. A clog there can go unnoticed until the damage is done. If you do see a lot of gutter overflows, it might be time to consider gutter covers.

5. Trim Your Trees and Bushes

It is easier to prune trees and bushes before the heavy rains start. Trees that are dense or have dead branches represent a significant risk to your home should bad weather hit. The high winds and pressure from the rain can bring them down. If they are too close to a structure, they will cause damage.

Whether you’re reading this at the start of an Arizona monsoon season or sometime in the cooler months, know that maintaining your roof plays a huge part in protecting your home. If you are past due for a roof inspection, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.