Preparing Your Roof for Arizona Monsoon Season

Arizona's monsoon season—running from mid-June through September—brings some of the most intense weather your roof will face all year. Heavy rainfall, high winds, hail, and lightning can cause significant damage to unprepared roofs.

Preparing your roof before monsoon season arrives helps prevent leaks, reduces storm damage, and protects your home. Here's your complete monsoon preparation guide.

Understanding Monsoon Threats to Your Roof

Heavy Rainfall

Monsoon storms can dump 2+ inches of rain per hour—rates that overwhelm poorly maintained drainage systems. This intense rainfall:

Tests every seal and flashing joint
Finds any gaps or vulnerable points
Overwhelms clogged gutters
Pools on flat roofs with poor drainage

High Winds

Wind gusts during monsoons regularly exceed 60 mph and can reach 80+ mph. These winds:

Lift improperly secured roofing materials
Drive rain under shingles and tiles
Carry debris that impacts your roof
Knock tree branches onto roofs

Hail

While less common than rain and wind, monsoon hail can be devastating:

Cracks clay and concrete tiles
Dents metal roofing
Shreds asphalt shingles
Punctures foam roofing coatings

Lightning

Arizona leads the nation in lightning deaths. Lightning strikes:

Can ignite roofing materials
Damage electrical systems
Create power surges that affect your home
Strike trees that fall on roofs

Pre-Monsoon Roof Inspection Checklist

What You Can Check From the Ground

Overall Appearance

Does the roofline look straight, or is there sagging?
Are all tiles, shingles, or panels in place?
Do you see any obvious damage or debris?

Gutters and Downspouts

Are gutters securely attached?
Any visible holes or separations?
Do downspouts direct water away from the foundation?

Trees Near Roof

Are branches overhanging the roof?
Are any dead branches that could fall?
Are trees healthy or showing signs of stress?

What Professionals Check

Roofing Materials

Cracked, broken, or missing tiles
Curling, buckling, or missing shingles
Foam coating condition
Metal panel integrity

Flashing and Seals

Chimney flashing condition
Vent boot seals
Valley flashing integrity
Wall-to-roof transitions

Drainage

Proper roof slope
Clear drainage paths
Scupper and drain function
Gutter attachment and condition

Structural

Deck condition (if accessible)
Fascia and soffit integrity
Signs of previous water damage

Essential Pre-Monsoon Maintenance Tasks

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters cause water to:

Back up under roofing materials
Overflow and damage siding
Pool near the foundation
Add weight that pulls gutters from fascia

How to Clean:

Remove all debris by hand or scoop
Flush with hose to check flow
Check for proper slope (should drain toward downspouts)
Verify downspouts direct water 6+ feet from foundation

2. Trim Overhanging Trees

Branches that overhang or touch your roof:

Drop debris that clogs drainage
Rub and damage roofing materials
Can fall during storms
Provide wildlife access to your roof

Best Practice:

Cut branches back 6-10 feet from roof
Remove any dead or dying branches
Consider removing trees that consistently threaten the home

3. Inspect and Repair Flashing

Flashing—the metal pieces that seal joints and transitions—is often the first point of failure.

Key Flashing Locations:

Chimneys (all four sides)
Plumbing vents
Exhaust vents
Skylights
Where roof meets walls
Valley areas

What to Look For:

Rust or corrosion
Lifted or bent sections
Cracked sealant
Separations from roofing

4. Check and Repair Roof Materials

Tile Roofs:

Replace cracked or broken tiles
Reseat slipped tiles
Check that tile channels are clear
Inspect underlayment if possible

Shingle Roofs:

Replace missing shingles
Secure lifted shingles with roofing cement
Address curling with cement or replacement
Check for granule loss

Foam Roofs:

Inspect coating for wear or damage
Look for punctures or tears
Check for ponding water areas
Schedule recoating if needed

Metal Roofs:

Tighten loose fasteners
Reseal any opened seams
Check for rust spots (steel)
Verify all panels are secure

5. Clear Roof Debris

Before monsoons arrive:

Remove leaves, branches, and accumulated debris
Clear tile channels and valleys
Check around all penetrations
Ensure scuppers and drains are clear

6. Inspect Attic and Interior

From inside, check:

Any existing water stains
Light coming through roof boards
Proper ventilation function
Insulation condition

7. Document Your Roof's Condition

Before storm season:

Take photos of your entire roof
Document any existing damage
Save photos with dates
This documentation helps with insurance claims if damage occurs

Creating a Monsoon Emergency Kit

Be prepared for roof emergencies during storm season:

Emergency Supplies:

Plastic tarps (multiple sizes)
Roofing cement or sealant
Duct tape (temporary fixes only)
Sandbags for tarp weighting
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Emergency contact numbers

Important Documents:

Homeowner's insurance policy
Roofing contractor contacts
Photos of roof before storm season
Home warranty information (if applicable)

What to Do If Your Roof Is Damaged During a Storm

Immediate Steps

Stay safe. Don't go on a wet or damaged roof.
Document damage with photos and video.
Prevent further damage with tarps if safely possible.
Contact your insurance company to report the claim.
Call a licensed roofing contractor for assessment.

What NOT to Do

Don't attempt permanent repairs yourself
Don't sign contracts with door-to-door "storm chasers"
Don't pay large deposits to unknown contractors
Don't wait to address water entry

Choosing a Roofing Contractor Before Storm Season

Don't wait until damage occurs to find a roofer. Establish a relationship before monsoons:

What to Look For:

Arizona Registrar of Contractors license
Proof of insurance
Local presence with established reputation
References from Tucson homeowners
Clear written estimates
Warranty offerings

Red Flags:

Pressure to sign immediately
Requesting large upfront payments
No physical business address
Unable to provide license number
Offers that seem too good to be true

Monsoon Roof Maintenance Calendar

May-June (Pre-Monsoon)

Schedule professional roof inspection
Complete all maintenance tasks
Clean gutters and downspouts
Trim trees away from roof
Document roof condition with photos

July-September (Monsoon Season)

Inspect after each major storm
Address any damage immediately
Keep gutters clear of debris
Monitor interior for signs of leaks

October-November (Post-Monsoon)

Schedule post-season inspection
Address any storm damage discovered
Clean gutters of accumulated debris
Plan any needed repairs or replacement

Why Intelligent Design for Monsoon Preparation

Intelligent Design offers comprehensive monsoon preparation services:

Thorough pre-monsoon inspections
All necessary repairs completed promptly
Emergency storm damage response
Insurance claim assistance
Licensed, insured, experienced crews

We're your neighbors—we understand Tucson's unique monsoon challenges and have protected local homes for years.

Ready to prepare your roof for monsoon season? Call Intelligent Design at (520) 214-8811 for a free inspection before the storms arrive.

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