Monsoon Storms 2024

The 2024 monsoon storms were wild. We welcome the rain in the desert, but with it come roof leaks. And an unnoticed leak is still roof damage, often growing quietly until the water damage becomes impossible to miss.

Your roof defends your family against the elements: hot sun, heavy rain, intense wind and hail. Monsoon season, which officially runs June 15 to September 30, tests every one of those defenses in a short time. This post looks at what monsoon storms actually do to a roof, and why the damage you cannot see matters as much as the damage you can.

High winds and microbursts

Strong gusts can lift and tear off shingles, shift or crack tiles and loosen flashing. Wind can also bring down heavy tree limbs and blow debris onto the roof.

Sudden, heavy rain

Monsoon rain often falls fast. Gutters, valleys and drains can be overwhelmed, and any weakness, such as a slipped tile, a cracked seal or worn underlayment, gets tested all at once.

Dust storms (haboobs)

Dust and debris pile into gutters, valleys and roof drains. When the rain follows, blocked drainage can send water under roofing or cause ponding on flat roofs.

Hail

Occasional hail can crack tiles, bruise shingles, knock loose granules and puncture coatings or foam.

Lightning

Lightning can damage roofs and rooftop equipment directly or by starting fires. If you suspect a lightning strike, call emergency services first and have the roof inspected afterward.

Much monsoon damage does not cause an immediate leak. A cracked tile may still shed most water. Lifted flashing may hold until the next storm. Water may soak into underlayment or decking without reaching your ceiling right away. Then, a few storms later, the damage shows up as a stain or drip, and by then it has had time to spread.

Roof penetrations deserve special attention. Storms, age and work on the roof, such as installing solar panels or skylights, can all weaken the roof's defenses at the points where it is penetrated. A good inspection checks these areas closely.

We are happy to talk with you about inspecting your home or business before monsoon season to prepare, or after a storm to check for damage. An inspection can catch small things, such as broken or slipped tiles and areas that are not sealed properly, before they turn into big problems.

When was the last time your roof was inspected? Many homeowners have never had their roof inspected, or have done it only once or twice. If that sounds familiar, this season is a good time to start.

• Shingles, tiles or pieces of flashing in your yard
• Visible gaps, lifted shingles or slipped tiles (check with binoculars)
• Branches or debris on the roof
• Granules collecting at downspouts
• New stains on ceilings or walls
• Water standing on flat roof sections

Stay off the roof after a storm. Wet roofs are slippery, and tile cracks easily underfoot. If you find damage and plan to contact your insurance company, take photos from the ground. Coverage depends on your policy, but we can document what we find during an inspection to help you explain it.

Waiting until major damage occurs is usually more expensive than preventive maintenance. A repaired tile or resealed flashing is a small job; replacing water-damaged decking, insulation and drywall is not. Catching and repairing minor issues before the next storm takes its toll protects your home and your budget. We recommend inspections one to two times a year, plus checks after significant storms.

Payne Roofing has helped Valley homeowners through monsoon seasons since 1984. For a prompt appointment, call 480-988-9250. We respond to storm damage as quickly as we can. Learn how to prepare your roof before monsoon season.