Monsoon Maintenance: Getting Your Roof Ready

With the temps topping 100 degrees well before noon most every day, rain clouds drifting in to darken our beautiful Sonoran sky is a welcome sight. However, during monsoon season (June through September), the rain in question is often not exactly a gentle sprinkle. It’s more likely a massive downpour, complete with everything from thunderstorms and lightning to hail and high winds…all of which can wreak havoc on your roof.

But the good news is, with a few proactive measures and some ongoing TLC, you can help ensure that the roof over your head stays secure during the current cloudbursts, and for years to come. 

But just how long of a time are we looking at? Given the molten summer heat, one might be tempted to measure the lifespan of an Arizona roof in minutes rather than years. However, with proper maintenance, it can last quite a good amount of time, depending on the type and quality of materials. Clay and concrete tiles last around 40-50 years, but clay is more fragile. To keep out water, both of these types of tile roofs have a felt underlayment which deteriorates over time and needs replacing about every 12-20 years. Shingle roofs can last from 20-50 years and flat foam roofs fall into the 25-35 year range. 

Here are a few things to consider as we ride out the rest of the storm season:

Secure Shingles – High winds are par for the course with a strong storm, and can easily rip off any loose materials from your roof…including shingles (which can turn into dangerous projectiles that can damage property or other humans and animals). Get a licensed roofing contractor to inspect your roof, identify loose shingles or tiles and have them secured or replaced altogether. 

Look for Leaks – Even small roofing leaks can lead to big problems for your home, such as mold, rotted framing, destroyed insulation and ceiling damage. If you have attic access (and claustrophobia isn’t an issue), then you can climb up there with a flashlight to track down evidence of trouble, such as water stains or black marks. But even if you’re able to locate the leak, having a professional come in to do the repairs is the best (and safest) option. 

Upgrade Gutters – Gutters come in a plethora of shapes and sizes, and can help you maintain your roof without having to get up there and clean it yourself. Choosing sturdy materials like copper over less durable ones like aluminum can extend the longevity of your gutters. Another great option: adding a filter to help ensure that no leaves or debris get into the gutters or downspouts (a definite possibility during a particularly robust storm).

Still have questions about how to inspect and protect your home during the season of desert squalls? Just give us a ring or an email. Our team is happy to chat about practical solutions that will also keep your costs from going through the roof. (Horrific pun intended…sorry, couldn’t help myself. I just received a gigantic eye roll from Victoria, so we’ll see if my stellar humour makes it into the final post.)