You probably don’t need us to tell you that Arizona gets ridiculously hot and dry. In fact, some parts of the state see as little as 4 inches of rain for the entire year.
However, we still get the occasional flash floods (and an actual monsoon season) in certain areas, making the weather here rather wild and unpredictable.
What does all of this mean for your roof?
Well, you’re likely to experience more unique roofing issues due to our extreme weather conditions. With that in mind, roof maintenance for Arizona homes should be a priority to prevent minor problems from becoming major disasters.
Here, we’ll go over some solutions and guidance for roof repair and what to do when your roof problems are too much to handle.
5 Common Arizona Roof Issues
1. Heat and sun damage
One of the most common issues with roofs in The Grand Canyon State is heat and sun damage, such as thermal shock and UV degradation. For example, extreme temperature changes can cause your roof to weaken, warp, and age faster, depending on your roof type. The majority of tile and asphalt shingle roofs have an asphalt-felt underlayment. At high temperatures, the heat can bake the asphalt out of felt underlayment, which causes the edges of the felt to curl up and expose the plywood underneath.
Signs of damage to look out for include cracked shingles or tiles, fading color, and blistering. In order to see how the asphalt-felt underlayment is aging on a tile roof it requires several tiles to be lifted up. The majority of pitched roofs have the first three feet of tile from the bottom, top, and sides nailed down, so we recommend leaving inspecting the roof to the professionals or going to the middle of the roof to lift the tile when checking for heat and sun damage.
2. Poor ventilation
Without proper roof ventilation, your home will heat up as warm air becomes trapped in your attic. The hotter it gets, the more likely your energy bills will skyrocket as your air conditioner tries to fight a losing battle.
Lack of ventilation can also cause moisture to build up, which — in combination with the heat — is the perfect environment for mold or mildew.
As far as direct damage to your roof, moisture and heat can cause rust to form on any metal components (like nails) of your roof system. Without expedited roof maintenance and repair, rust can compromise the integrity of the roof and shorten its lifespan.
3. Roof leaks
Technically, yes, this is a universal issue. However, when paired with the extreme weather conditions in Arizona, roof leaks can be a serious problem that leads to structural degradation of the home, mold, and severe water damage.
Causes of roof leaks include damaged flashing, broken tile, cracked sealant, and worn-out shingles. The majority of roof leaks on a pitched roof are seen in the valleys of the roof or from a flashing.
4. Storm/monsoon damage
The impact of heavy rain, strong winds, and dust storms can cause a multitude of issues. One such issue is when dust or storm debris blocks drains and gutters. When a gutter is blocked, the water starts to pool and may get under the outer layer of your roof, causing both surface damage and damage to the underlayment.
Heavy storms with high winds, hail, or lightning can also cause branches to fall, damaging your roof shingles or tiles. In some cases, straight-line winds can pull your shingles straight off your roof. If the hail is big enough, it can also cause direct damage on impact.
5. Pest infestation
Pigeons are a top infestation concern in Arizona because they can damage your roof system. Other pests, such as rodents, other birds, and termites, can also do serious damage. Even squirrels, commonly seen in the higher elevations, can chew through your roof decking and make their way into your attic.
How To Fix Common Roof Problems in Arizona
Regular maintenance helps to identify and correct minor issues. This is important to stay on top of because small problems can become expensive, major problems if not addressed. For example, flat roofs need regular checking and cleaning to ensure debris is not blocking the water flow paths.
In Arizona, specifically, tile roofs are one of the most popular roof types. Cracked or broken tile can shorten your underlayment's life span by 5 to 10 years. Routine inspections by a licensed professional can help evaluate your roof problems and provide viable solutions for a longer-lasting roof.
Preventative maintenance is also just as important. Birdproofing is highly recommended if you live on the outskirts of town or in an area known for having pigeons.
For significant roof damage, please don’t try to fix it yourself. Aside from the obvious safety concerns, you could accidentally void your roof’s warranty, negatively impact your homeowner's insurance coverage, or make the problem much worse.
Learn What Your Roof Is Trying to Tell You
Although you may be aware of some of the roof problems you have, there could be more below the surface. Routine maintenance and repair can help increase the lifespan of your roof and protect your home throughout Arizona’s unpredictable seasons.
However, if you’re unsure of your particular roofing issues, we can help you get a head start. Download our free guide, What is Your Roof Trying to Tell You?, to explore the issues that may be impacting your roof right now.
