Monsoon Preparedness: 3 Critical Spots to Check on Your Roof Now

The Arizona monsoon season, running from June 15 through September 30, brings intense wind storms, heavy dust (haboobs), lightning, and severe downpours. The combination of intense heat followed by sudden downpours places extreme stress on residential roofing systems. To prevent costly water damage, it is vital to inspect your roof before the monsoon season starts.

First, examine your roof valleys and drainage points. Valleys are the areas where two roof slopes meet. They channel massive volumes of rainwater into gutters or off the roof. In the desert, wind storms blow leaves, dust, and debris that accumulate in these valleys, causing blockages. Clear any debris to allow water to flow freely.

Second, inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing is the metal barrier installed to prevent water from entering joints. The relentless Phoenix sun degrades roofing sealants over time, causing flashing to lift or peel. Resealing these joints before the rain starts prevents leaks from entering your attic.

Third, check for damaged, loose, or missing tiles or shingles. Cracked tile roofs are a common source of leaks in the Valley. While clay and concrete tiles are durable, the underlying felt paper degrades. If tiles are cracked or displaced, rainwater will quickly penetrate the underlayment and enter your home's structure.