2020 was one of the hottest summers Arizona has ever experienced with more days over 100 degrees. It was also one of the driest years to do in regards to the monsoon season.
So, what does that mean for 2021? What should you do to prepare for the upcoming monsoon season?
Experts say 2021 is expected to produce higher rain totals in Arizona than last year. The weather patterns to the north will promote faster warming, which will help our monsoon patterns be a little more normal than what we experienced last year.
If you did not prepare your home for monsoon season last year, we highly recommend you take measures this season. Your home can be subject to a lot of damage in a small amount of time. To help you prepare for the upcoming monsoon season, we’ve established a list of the most common damage caused and how you can prevent it from happening.
Common Roofing Damage You Can Prevent This Season
1. Damaged Roofing Materials
The most common damage to a roof from the heavy rains and winds of a monsoon are to the tiles or shingles. Rain can easily crack tiles and force them to fall, especially if they are already loose. Shingle roofs have the ability of being completely torn off from the high winds leaving your home unprotected from further damage.
To prevent your roofing material from being damaged or torn off your home, the tiles or shingles should be examined. This will identify areas that need replaced or repaired before the storms come. If you are comfortable doing so, climb on your roof and examine each tile or shingle. Many roofers will leave extra materials when replacing a roof for homeowners to complete necessary repairs. Roofing companies will also examine your roof for a pre-monsoon season special and complete necessary repairs for a fee.
2. Underlayment & Roof Deck Damage
Whether you already have cracked tiles or missing shingles, or the materials get damaged during the monsoon, damage to the underlayment and roof deck are likely. The underlayment is the material directly below your roofing material. When exposed to the elements, the underlayment material can break down and allow water to areas of your roof where it shouldn’t be.
The roof deck is one of the places you do not want water to get to, but is a common area for monsoon damage. Significant leaks can form and ruin your attic space when water reaches all the way through the roof deck.
Examining your roofing materials and making necessary repairs will help protect your underlayment and roof deck. Additionally, if you have a tile roof, it is common to have the underlayment regularly replaced. If you have not done so, now might be the time.
3. Tree Damage
Large branches can easily be irritated by the winds and rain from a monsoon. When they fall onto your roof, they can not only harm the roofing materials, but also cause holes and other massive damage to your home. Small tree branches and debris can find its way into your gutters. When your gutters are full, the rain water has nowhere to escape and can cause leaks within your roofing system.
Check the trees around your home and have any large branches trimmed back before monsoon season. This will help prevent damaged or ill branches from falling on your home. Cleaning the eaves of your roof from branches and debris along with flushing your gutters will prevent backup.
4. Less Obvious Damage
Sometimes there is small damage done to your roofing system that might not immediately reveal itself. Either your roof already has damage or it will form a small crack caused by excessive rains and winds. Regardless of when the damage happens, water will find its way through your roofing system and cause a leak inside your home. A slow leak sometimes causes the most damage!
If you suspect your roof currently has a leak, we recommend having a roof inspection complete. Most roofing companies will perform an in-depth inspection and offer you a detailed report with photos to point out areas of concern. Having this done now will give you time to complete necessary repairs before the monsoons come.
Talk To A Pro
The best way to make sure your home and roof is prepared for the upcoming monsoon season is to work with a professional roofer. They will be able to point out areas of concern and complete necessary repairs. To avoid excessive damage to your roofing system this monsoon season, preventative measures are always recommended.
Craven Construction offers professional roofing services to the entire East Valley. We are available to examine your roof and complete your repairs. Our team is licensed and insured for an added peace of mind. Also highly skilled and experienced with roofs of every material and size. Call our office to schedule your roof inspection or FREE estimate for repairs and new roof installations.
Does your roof need inspected before the monsoons hit?
About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.