Monsoon, Storm & Hail Damage

Arizona's monsoon season officially runs from June 15 to September 30. Storm activity varies from year to year, with some seasons bringing frequent strong storms and others relatively few. Monsoon storms can bring sudden high winds, heavy downpours, dust storms and sometimes hail. Because these storms arrive quickly, the best time to address roof issues is in spring, before the season starts.

Schedule an inspection in spring, replace cracked or missing tiles and shingles, and have flashing and seals around vents and penetrations checked. Clear debris from valleys, gutters, drains and scuppers, and trim branches that hang over the roof. On foam and coated roofs, make sure the coating is intact. Our monsoon roof preparation guide has a full checklist.

Monsoons commonly cause lifted, cracked or missing shingles and tiles, damaged flashing, wind-driven rain leaks, clogged drains and ponding on flat roofs, and impact damage from blowing debris or fallen branches. Hail can bruise shingles and crack tiles. Dust storms can clog gutters and drains ahead of the rain. Damage often shows up as a leak during the next storm if it is not caught early.

Once the storm has passed and it is safe, walk around your home and look at the roof from the ground for missing or displaced tiles and shingles, debris and damaged gutters. Check ceilings and the attic for new stains or dampness. Photograph any damage with dates. If you find damage or a leak, protect the interior and contact a licensed roofer. Do not climb onto a wet roof.

Hail damage can be subtle. On shingles, look for dark spots where granules have been knocked loose, granules piling up in gutters and dents in metal vents, gutters or flashing. On tile roofs, look for cracked or chipped tiles. Dents on patio furniture, cars or air conditioning fins are also clues that hail was strong enough to affect your roof. A professional inspection is the most reliable check.

Yes, hail can crack, chip or break concrete and clay tiles, depending on the size of the hailstones, the wind and the age and type of tile. Cracked tiles may not leak right away, but they expose the underlayment to sun and water and can lead to leaks later. Some cracks are hard to see from the ground, so an inspection after a significant hailstorm is worthwhile.

A haboob, or dust storm, usually does not damage a roof directly, but it can cause problems. Strong gusts that come with dust storms can lift loose shingles and tiles or blow debris onto the roof. Dust and debris can clog gutters, valleys, drains and scuppers, which then overflow when rain follows. Fine dust also dulls reflective roof coatings. Clearing drainage after a dust storm helps.

That depends on the extent of the damage, your policy and your deductible. Many homeowners start by having the roof inspected so they understand what was damaged before deciding. Policies differ on what they cover, and normal wear is often excluded. Talk with your insurance agent about your coverage and options. A roofer can document the damage, but only the insurer decides what is covered.

Generally, you report the damage to your insurer, an adjuster inspects the roof, and the insurer decides what is covered based on your policy. You may receive an estimate or settlement for approved repairs, minus your deductible. Documentation helps, including photos and a roofer's description of the damage. Every policy is different, so review yours carefully. Our guide to roof insurance claims explains the steps.

Many homeowners find it helpful to have a roofer inspect the roof first, so they know whether there is real storm damage and how extensive it is. That can help you decide whether a claim makes sense. However, policies often require prompt reporting, so do not delay too long. If you are unsure, ask your insurance agent how they prefer to handle the timing.

Storm damage is sudden, such as tiles knocked loose by wind, shingles torn off, hail impacts or punctures from debris, and it often appears right after a specific storm. Normal wear develops gradually, such as granule loss from age, brittle underlayment and dried-out sealants. The difference matters because insurance policies often treat them differently. A roofer can describe what they see, but the insurer makes coverage decisions.

Focus on stopping water and keeping everyone safe. Move belongings away from leaks, set out buckets, and turn off power to any area where water is near electrical fixtures. Stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings. Have a professional install a temporary cover on the roof if needed. Taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage is often expected by insurers, so keep receipts and photos.

A tarp can protect your home until permanent repairs are made, but installing one safely is a job for a professional. Climbing onto a wet, damaged roof is dangerous, and a poorly secured tarp can blow off or damage tiles and shingles. A roofer can install a temporary cover correctly and then plan the permanent repair. Photograph the damage before the tarp goes on.

Limit the damage first: place a bucket under the drip, move belongings away from the water, take photos and stay off the roof. Then call Payne Roofing at 480-988-9250 during business hours, Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm or Saturday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. If you reach voicemail, leave your name, address and a description of the damage, and the team will call you back as soon as it can.

Be cautious with anyone who shows up uninvited after a storm, pressures you to sign quickly or asks for large payments upfront. Verify that any roofer is licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at https://roc.az.gov, and ask for proof of insurance and a written estimate. Choose a local company with a physical address and a track record. See our guide to hiring a roofing contractor.

Yes. Branches and wind-blown objects like patio furniture, palm fronds and loose materials can crack tiles, tear shingles, puncture foam and dent flashing and vents. Even a small branch can break tiles on impact. Trim trees that overhang the roof before monsoon season and secure loose outdoor items. After a storm, remove debris from the roof only if you can do so safely from the ground.

Flat roofs face a particular risk from monsoon downpours because they drain slowly and depend on drains and scuppers staying clear. If dust and debris block drainage, water can pond quickly and find any weak seam or crack. Worn coatings on foam roofs are another weak point. Clearing drains before and during the season and keeping coatings in good shape go a long way.

Wind-driven rain can push water into places normal rain never reaches, such as under tiles and shingles, behind flashing and through gaps at walls, vents and chimneys. If a leak appears only with certain wind directions, the source is often on the side of the roof facing the storm. A roofer can check flashing and underlayment in that area, which are common weak points.

Heat can set the stage for storm damage. Months of intense sun dry out sealants, make shingles brittle and wear down underlayment and coatings, so roofing materials are weaker when monsoon winds and rain arrive. Rapid temperature drops when a storm hits a hot roof add stress as materials contract. That is why inspecting the roof before monsoon season is especially useful in Arizona.

Report storm damage as soon as reasonably possible. Many policies require prompt notice, and some set specific time limits for filing a claim, which vary by policy and insurer. Waiting can also allow more damage to occur, which may complicate a claim. Check your policy or call your agent to confirm the deadlines that apply to you, and keep a record of when you reported it.

Take clear, dated photos of any visible roof damage from the ground, missing or broken tiles and shingles in the yard, damaged gutters, and debris that hit the roof. Inside, photograph ceiling stains, wet insulation, damaged belongings and any temporary measures you took. Wide shots help show location, and close-ups show detail. Keep receipts for emergency repairs or supplies.

It depends on your policy. Some policies pay to replace damaged materials at current cost, while others pay a depreciated amount based on the roof's age. Some insurers also limit coverage on older roofs or exclude damage they attribute to wear. Review your policy's roof provisions and ask your agent how your roof's age affects coverage. Coverage decisions are always made by the insurer.

Walk around the house and use binoculars to look for missing, cracked or shifted tiles and shingles, lifted edges, damaged flashing and debris. Check the yard for roofing pieces and look for granules in gutters and downspouts. Inside, look at ceilings and check the attic for dampness or light coming through. Leave the rooftop inspection to a professional. Payne Roofing offers roof inspections after storms.

Yes. High winds can stress solar mounts, coolers, AC units and vent caps, and the flashing and seals around them can loosen and leak. Debris can also collect under solar panels, blocking drainage. Hail can damage rooftop equipment as well as the roof itself. After a strong storm, have the roof inspected around equipment, and contact your solar company about the panels themselves.