Monsoon season is officially here and several areas of Arizona have experienced them already. When a monsoon hits, it can bring heavy rains, strong winds, added humidity, and flash flooding. All of this can take a toll on your home and cause damage if your home is not ready.
Is your home ready for monsoon season?
A home that is not properly prepared or routinely maintained can be susceptible to damage. Your roof is especially vulnerable to damage and can be significantly damaged from a monsoon. We’ve put together a few ways you can prepare your roof for the monsoon season.
3 Ways To Prepare For Monsoon Season
1. Clean Your Gutters
This is quite possibly one of the more important things you can do to help your roof stay intact through the monsoon season. Gutters are used to gather water from the roof and divert it away from the house. When these gutters are filled with dust, leaves, debris, sticks, and other small objects, they cannot do their intended job.
If the gutters are clogged and excessive rains hit your roof, the water can pool around the gutters and cause a leak in your roofing system. Because of the amount of rain that can hit in a short amount of time, cleaning your gutters should be a priority this monsoon season. The high winds that come with a monsoon can also push additional debris and dirt into your gutters. Throughout the summer, it is recommended to periodically check your gutters and clear them as needed.
3 Ways To Prepare For Monsoon Season
1. Clean Your Gutters
This is quite possibly one of the more important things you can do to help your roof stay intact through the monsoon season. Gutters are used to gather water from the roof and divert it away from the house. When these gutters are filled with dust, leaves, debris, sticks, and other small objects, they cannot do their intended job.
If the gutters are clogged and excessive rains hit your roof, the water can pool around the gutters and cause a leak in your roofing system. Because of the amount of rain that can hit in a short amount of time, cleaning your gutters should be a priority this monsoon season. The high winds that come with a monsoon can also push additional debris and dirt into your gutters. Throughout the summer, it is recommended to periodically check your gutters and clear them as needed.
2. Trim Your Trees
The trees around your home should be routinely examined and trimmed by a professional. Doing so will help prevent damage during the monsoon season. Large branches can easily fall from high winds or the added weight of the heavy rains. If these branches fall on your roof, they can break through your roofing material all the way through the roof deck. Hiring a professional tree trimmer will ensure the proper branches are trimmed to help prevent damage.
3. Have Your Roof Inspected
Preventative maintenance is the best way to be prepared for the monsoon season. Having a professional examine your roof can help discover areas of concern before they are hit with heavy rains and strong winds. Your local roofer might suggest replacing certain tiles or shingles, clearing your valleys of any debris, and sealing any vents or flashing that might have come loose.
Many homeowners do not see preventative maintenance as an investment, until it is too late. Damaged areas can become more significant once it is hit with heavy rain and wind. If you suspect your roof has a leak already developed, contact your local roofing company before it turns into something more significant with the next monsoon.
Common Damage From Monsoons
- Leaks – Most common, monsoons cause leaks in the roofing structure from the excessive rains.
- Sagging Gutters – Heavy rains can add significant weight to your gutters. If they are full of debris, their weight may pull your gutters from the house and cause them to sag.
- Complete Tear Off – High winds can cause a roof to be completely removed from the housing structure.
- Roofing Material Damage – Shingles are often torn off and tiles can shift from the high winds. This can open your roofing system to form a leak from exposure to the elements.
What To Do If Your Roof Is Damage
The most important thing to keep in mind if your roof has been damaged by a monsoon is safety! If you cannot perform an inspection safely, contact a professional roofer immediately. Once the rains have stopped and you are sure your roof has sustained damage, you will want to take several photos. Proper documentation is necessary when filing an insurance claim.
After you have taken your photos, you will want to call your insurance company. They can help you take necessary steps to file a claim and get your home repaired. Your insurance company will likely have a list of contractors they require you to work with in order to file a claim. It is essential you follow their guidelines around filing a claim in order to be properly reimbursed for the repair.
Call Craven Today
Craven Construction offers professional roofing repair services to the entire East Valley. If your home has sustained any damage from a monsoon, contact our office to schedule your FREE estimate for the repairs. Our team is available to assess the damage and perform all necessary repairs. We are licensed and insured to give you an added peace of mind during this hard time.
Is Your Roof Prepared For Monsoon Season?
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.