Phoenix, Arizona: 602-932-1623
Houston, Texas: 713-936-6420
Phoenix, Arizona: 602-932-1623
Houston, Texas: 713-936-6420
August 2, 2021
This year the Arizona monsoon season is promising to be active. According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the state is prone to them because of the strong summer heat. A monsoon occurs because of seasonal changes in the atmosphere, specifically the circulation of air and precipitation.
It’s important that homeowners in the state take steps to secure structures on their property and protect them from the turbulent weather ahead.
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.
Each year, home insurance companies pay out approximately $10,000 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 if you don’t plug a 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.
If you know you have leaks in the roof but can’t find them, give us a call. Our highly qualified staff can give you some guidance or even send someone out to take a look.
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 trick our technicians use 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.
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, 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.
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.
Gutters 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 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.
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.
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