Dark, stormy clouds, roaming rain bursts, and sometimes even a haboob or two. June 15th marks the official beginning of Arizona's monsoon season. For roofers, this is when things get really crazy as repairs put off during the dry, cool winter months inevitably rear their ugly heads when the weather turns. Is your roof ready?
From leaks to blown-away shingles and tiles or shrinking underlayment, it's important to gauge your roof's health early to best avoid catastrophe down the road. With monsoon storms right around the corner, here are 3 reasons you should schedule a free roof inspection before the rains come.
Key takeaways:
Many Arizona homeowners think the best time to book a roof inspection is after a leak is detected. Unfortunately, this usually means the damage is already done. Here are some reasons why you should schedule your roof inspection before the wind shifts and the rains begin:
Once monsoon season rolls through the Valley, people become aware of leaks and problems that otherwise went unnoticed or ignored. This causes an influx of people requesting site evaluations, roof repairs, and replacements. With these busier roofing schedules, it may take a bit longer to get your leak inspected. Having your roof inspected early will help detect any possible issues and needed fixes before schedules fill up.
By having your roof inspected before monsoon season begins, you're hedging your bets against possible roof damage during the summer – you're not leaving it to chance whether your roof and home will go unscathed. Getting your roof inspected beforehand helps ensure that your most valuable assets, both inside and outside the home, are protected against inclement monsoon weather. When the heavy rains and high winds roll through the valley, you'll have peace of mind knowing your roof is strong and durable enough.
When you start your roofing company research before the monsoon season hits, you don't have the pressure of a leaky or damaged roof pushing you to make a quick decision. This can benefit you extremely well as you have ample time to find a qualified roofer, or otherwise avoid a dishonest roofer who might take advantage of your urgency.. Look at all of your options, check review sites like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau, and maybe even get a second or third opinion. Having ample time helps you make a confident decision on which roofing company will best help you get ready for the coming Monsoons. .
Arizona’s monsoon season brings intense wind, heavy rainfall, and even the occasional dust storm. These extreme weather conditions can put enormous stress on your roof, and that’s why it’s essential to prepare ahead of time. Doing so will help prevent leaks, avoid structural damage, and minimize the need for expensive emergency repairs right when roofers are at their busiest.
Here’s how to prepare your roof for the valley’s monsoon season:
The first step is conducting a comprehensive roof inspection to check for wear and tear. Even small issues can become major problems with the monsoon’s severe storms. Some things to check for include:
If you’re not sure what to look for or don’t feel safe inspecting your roof yourself, it’s worth hiring a licensed roofing professional from the local area. At Azul Roofing, our team performs detailed pre-monsoon roof inspections and can provide expert recommendations and quick repairs before lightning strikes. And keep in mind, roofing inspections are completely free.
Clogged gutters and downspouts are one of the biggest causes of roof leaks during monsoon season. When rainwater can’t drain properly, it backs up onto the roof, seeps under shingles or tiles, and causes damage to the roof deck and fascia.
Here are simple steps to clean out your gutters:
As a bonus tip, you can install gutter guards to prevent future clogs, especially if your home is near large trees and falling leaves.
Leaves, branches, and dirt can accumulate on your roof throughout the year. If you have solar panels, you may also have bird nests and droppings to contend with as many species like building their nests in the shady areas between the panels and the rooftop. This organic matter holds moisture and creates a breeding ground for moss, algae, and fungus, all of which can degrade your roofing system over time – and especially during monsoon conditions.
To stop this from happening:
If left untreated, fungal growth can eat away at shingles, underlayment, and even wooden structural elements, so it’s important to address this issue early.
Tiles, shingles, and metal sheets are your roof’s first line of defense. If they’re loose, cracked or broken, high monsoon winds can easily lift them up and leave your roof exposed – and that’s the last thing you want during the monsoon rains.
Scan your roof from the ground level for anything that’s out of place or visibly damaged. Play close attention to ridges, valleys, and edges as these are particularly high-stress areas during windstorms. If you spot any issues, it’s essential to fix them quickly to prevent further damage.
You may be able to fix minor damage yourself using materials like silicone caulking, but it’s best to leave the repairs to professional roofers. Addressing these issues now rather than later will not only keep you safe during monsoon season but help you save money on larger repairs further down the line.
Flashing is a thin layer of metal that protects the vulnerable roof joints around chimneys, vents, and skylights. It’s also often a weak point where water can sneak in during heavy rains. Over time, flashing can pull away, rust, or warp.
Before monsoon season hits, give your flashing an inspection:
Proper flashing is essential for keeping water away from vulnerable areas on your roof and protecting your home’s structural integrity. For your own safety, and for the peace of mind of a job well done, it’s best to consult roofers to take care of any potential flashing issues.
Strong winds can turn your beautiful backyard tree into a dangerous projectile. Overhanging branches scraping across your roof can damage tiles and shingles, leaving gaps for water to seep through. Falling branches, on the other hand, can puncture holes in your roof that not only cause water damage but require costly repairs to fix.
For that reason, it’s important to address any potential concerns early on by trimming back any trees that hang near or over your roof before the monsoon hits. If you’re not experienced using power tools or climbing ladders, hire a professional tree trimming service to do this job for you. You should also hire a professional if the tree is large or near power lines.
While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to secure outdoor furniture like sheds, trampolines, or umbrellas, all of which can be blown away by the high winds and wreak havoc on your surroundings.
A well-ventilated attic allows hot air and moisture to escape, which is essential for preventing mold growth and extending the life of your roofing materials. Before monsoon season, make sure that soffit, ridge, or gable vents aren’t blocked by insulation or debris. Check your attic for signs of moisture, such as damp wood, mold, or mildew.
If air doesn’t seem to be circulating well in your attic, you may want to install powered attic fans or improve passive ventilation. Good ventilation also helps prevent temperature spikes inside your attic during the summer heat, which can cause roofing materials to warp or deteriorate more quickly. All the more reason!
Flat roofs are especially vulnerable during monsoon season. Because of their minimal drainage, water can easily pool on the surface and weaken materials, increasing the risk of leaks. If you have a flat or low-slope roof:
At Azul Roofing, we know that flat roofs are a much-loved feature throughout Arizona. We specialize in flat and low-slope roof maintenance and can apply high-quality waterproof membranes or coatings to protect your property throughout the rainy season.
Monsoons test every weak point in your roof, and skylights or vents are some of the most common sources of water intrusion. If you have these features on your roof, inspect the flashing around them and check rubber gaskets and seals for cracking or shrinkage. If needed, reapply roofing caulk. These are areas that you really want to pay attention to before the storms hit. Make sure they’re super watertight.
There’s really no better way to prepare your home for the monsoon season in Arizona than by having a professional roofer evaluate your property. Even with all the information we’ve detailed above, nothing beats a professional’s trained eye.
A qualified roofing contractor can spot early warning signs that may not be obvious to a homeowner and offer repair options tailored to your roof type and budget. At Azul Roofing Solutions, our pre-monsoon roof inspection typically includes:
Arizona’s monsoon season brings with it torrential downpours, high winds, and flying debris that can really put your roof to the test. But with the right preparation and expertise, many of the most common (and costly) problems, like leaks, water damage, and structural issues, can be avoided.
At Azul Roofing Solutions, we’ve helped homeowners across the valley protect their homes through Arizona’s harshest weather conditions. Whether your roof needs a quick inspection or you’re looking to make storm-ready upgrades, our team has got you covered with local expertise and a solid understanding of monsoon season preparation.
Get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation pre-monsoon roof inspection.