Monsoon, 6 min read
Monsoon roof prep checklist for Arizona homeowners
Arizona's monsoon brings dust, wind, sudden downpours and hail. A little preparation before the season and a careful look after each storm can keep small problems from becoming leaks.
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The short answer
Arizona's monsoon season runs June 15–September 30. Before it starts, have your roof inspected, clear debris from valleys, gutters and scuppers, and fix loose tiles or flashing. After each storm, look for damage from the ground, check the attic and ceilings for leaks, photograph anything you find, and call a licensed roofer for anything beyond simple cleanup.
Why monsoon season is hard on roofs
The National Weather Service defines Arizona's monsoon season as June 15–September 30. Storms during these months often arrive fast, with strong outflow winds, blowing dust, heavy rain over a short time and sometimes hail. A roof that handles a slow winter rain fine can struggle with a sudden downpour pushed sideways by wind.
Monsoon storms also follow months of intense heat. By June, aged underlayment, dried sealants and cracked tiles are at their most vulnerable. Flat roofs with clogged scuppers can pond water quickly, and debris that sat quietly all spring gets pushed into valleys right when they need to carry the most water.
Before the season: May and early June
The best time to prepare is before the first storm. Spring gives you time to schedule repairs before roofers get busy with storm calls. Work through this list:
- Schedule a professional roof inspection so cracked tiles, worn flashing and soft spots get fixed before storms hit.
- Clear leaves, palm fronds and debris from gutters and downspouts, using a stable ladder or a pro.
- Make sure flat roof scuppers and drains are open and that water has a clear path off the roof.
- Trim tree branches that hang over or rub against the roof.
- Check that vent pipes, skylights and roof-mounted equipment are sealed and secure.
- Look for slipped or broken tiles and missing shingles from the ground with binoculars.
- Secure patio furniture, umbrellas, trampolines and anything that can blow onto the roof.
- Take dated photos of your roof and ceilings now, so you have a before record if you need to file a claim later.
Debris, valleys and scuppers
Most monsoon leaks we see start where water collects or changes direction. Valleys are the channels where two roof slopes meet, and they carry a lot of water in a short time. When leaves, dust and tile fragments pile up in a valley, water backs up and can run sideways under tile or shingles and over the edge of the flashing.
Flat roofs and low-slope sections depend on scuppers and drains, the openings that let water off the roof through the parapet walls. A scupper clogged with a nest, a ball or a drift of leaves can turn a flat roof into a shallow pool during a heavy storm. Standing water finds every weak seam. Ask your roofer to clear valleys and scuppers as part of a spring visit, especially if you have trees nearby. Learn more about flat roofing and foam roofs.
During a storm
Stay off the roof and away from ladders during storms. Lightning, wind and wet surfaces make a roof dangerous, and no leak is worth a fall. Here is what you can do safely from inside:
- Watch ceilings near exterior walls, skylights and vents for new stains or drips.
- If water is coming in, move belongings, put down towels and set a bucket under the drip.
- If a ceiling bulges with water, keep people away and avoid touching wet light fixtures.
- Note the time and what the storm was like, such as heavy wind or hail, for your records.
- If wind or water threatens electrical service, turn off power to that area only if it is safe to do so.
After the storm: what to check from the ground
Once the storm has passed and it is daylight, walk around the house and look up. You can see a lot from the yard, the street or a second-story window, and binoculars help. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Look for:
- Tiles that are cracked, slipped out of line or missing, or shingles that are lifted, creased or gone.
- Pieces of tile, shingle or granules on the ground, in gutters or on the patio.
- Bent or loose flashing, vent caps or drip edge.
- Tree limbs or debris resting on the roof.
- Dents or spatter marks on gutters, patio covers or AC units that suggest hail.
- On flat roofs, water still standing a day or two after the storm, or blistered coating.
- Inside, new ceiling stains, peeling paint, damp insulation or a musty smell in the attic.
How to document storm damage
Good records make insurance conversations and repairs go more smoothly. Start as soon as it is safe and before anything is cleaned up or repaired. Take wide photos that show the whole side of the house, then close-ups of each damaged spot. Photograph interior stains with something for scale, and keep pieces of broken tile or debris.
Write down the date and time of the storm and what you noticed. Keep receipts for anything you spend to prevent further damage, such as a tarp or water cleanup, since many policies expect you to take reasonable steps to limit damage. Read your policy or call your agent about how claims work, and get a written assessment from a licensed roofer. Our damaged roof page explains how we handle storm damage repairs.
Watch out for storm chasers
Big monsoon storms bring door-to-door roofing crews into Valley neighborhoods. Before you let anyone on your roof or sign anything, look up their license at roc.az.gov and ask for a local address. Be cautious with anyone who offers to cover your deductible or wants you to sign over your claim on the spot. Our guide on hiring a roofer in Arizona has a full list of red flags.
When to call a roofer
Call a licensed roofer if water came into the house, if you see missing or broken roofing material, if flashing is loose, if a flat roof is holding water, or if hail was large enough to dent metal around the house. Even small damage is worth a look during monsoon season, because the next storm may only be days away.
We repair monsoon and storm damage across Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix and the East Valley. Call 602-548-3770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours. See our repairs and maintenance services for more.
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Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Call the office at 602-548-3770, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
When is monsoon season in Arizona?
The National Weather Service defines Arizona's monsoon season as June 15–September 30. Storm activity varies from year to year, but planning around those dates gives you a clear window to prepare.
When should I get my roof inspected before monsoon?
Spring, roughly March through May, is ideal. That leaves time to schedule any repairs before the first storms arrive and before roofers get busy with storm calls.
Can I clean my own gutters before monsoon?
Many homeowners can safely clean gutters from a stable ladder on a single-story home. Walking on tile or steep roofs is risky and can crack tiles, so leave on-roof work and two-story ladders to a pro.
What should I do if my roof leaks during a storm?
Stay off the roof. Move belongings, catch the water with buckets and towels, and keep away from bulging ceilings or wet fixtures. Once the storm passes, photograph the damage and call a roofer.
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
From the ground, look for cracked tiles, bruised or missing shingles, granules in gutters, and dents on gutters, patio covers and AC units. A roofer can confirm hail damage up close.
Should I put a tarp on my roof after a storm?
A tarp can limit further water damage, but climbing a wet or damaged roof is dangerous. If you are not comfortable on a ladder and roof, have a roofer handle temporary protection when it is safe.
Why does my flat roof hold water after monsoon storms?
Clogged scuppers or drains, low spots or sagging areas can keep water from draining. Water that stands more than a day or two can damage the roof surface, so it is worth having a roofer check it.
What photos should I take for an insurance claim?
Take wide shots of each side of the house, close-ups of damaged roofing, gutters and other items, and photos of interior stains. Note the date of the storm and keep receipts for any emergency protection you paid for.
Let's take a look at your roof.
Call the office at 602-548-3770 to schedule an estimate, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. If we don't answer, leave a message and we'll return your call within 24 hours.