Dangers to Your Roof During Monsoon Season
Monsoon season in Phoenix, AZ lasts until the end of September, but with the unpredictable weather here in the desert we never really know what we’re in for and it’s difficult to confine the crazy weather to a particular “season.” As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of all of the dangers that come with the violent storms and bad weather here in the Valley. Your roof in particular can be highly susceptible to damage caused by these brutal storms as well as other harsh weather we experience in Phoenix, AZ.
Monsoon Weather that can Damage Your Roof
Our monsoon storms here in Phoenix, AZ are sporadic and often times unpredictable despite the best efforts of our skilled meteorologists and weather experts. The storms and blow in quickly and leave a lot of damage in their paths. It’s important to be as prepared as possible for these damaging storms. Here are a few of the potential threats that blow in with these Arizona monsoon storms.
High Winds
If you’ve been in Phoenix for a while, you’ve probably experienced the spontaneous wind that is an inevitable sign of an impending monsoon storm. One minute everything is as calm as can be and the next, your patio furniture is being launched across your yard by a strong gust of wind. These high winds can be damaging to your home’s roof for a few different reasons.
One being the the strength of the wind can cause the roofing material whether it be tiles, shingles, etc. to lift up or come off completely and allow debris, rain, hail, and other harmful material to be exposed to your roof.
Another huge factor that comes into play with these damaging winds are trees. If you live in an area where trees are close to your home, their branches can easily be whipped around to disrupt the material on your roof. These branches being smacked down on top of your roof could rip off the roofing material, or even puncture holes through it allowing moisture and other material to pass through.
The high monsoon winds in Phoenix, AZ could be very harmful to your roof and have the potential to cause extensive damage.
Heavy Rain
Monsoon storms often are accompanied by heavy rain that cause flooding and lots of other damages. Roofing in particular can be effected because heavy rain leaves your roof susceptible to moisture damages. Should the rain make it past the roofing material to your roof deck, the moisture will cause rot in the wood. Once the wood starts rotting, it can easily begin to spread to other areas of your home such as ceilings and walls.
When heavy rain is partnered with violent wind, they really have the potential to do some damage. The wind will pull up roofing material making it possible for the rain to make it’s way underneath.
Hail
While not always a prominent element of the monsoon storms we experience here in Phoenix, hail is still a possibility and can cause some serious damage to your roof. As you know, hail can range in size and intensity. Some hail storms have the ability to crack windshields, damage trees, and most certainly cause some problems to your roof. Depending on your type of roofing material, hail has the ability to crack or puncture holes in the outside of your roof. And just like rain, when accompanied with strong monsoon winds, it can become quite the damaging force.
Dust
Our infamous dust storms here in the Valley make for some awesome photo opportunities but can also create horrible driving conditions, power outages, wind damage, and more. They can also leave you with a gritty feeling in your teeth should you be outside when one blows in. In terms of dangers to your roof, dust storms have heavy winds that can cause extreme damage to your roof. And once that damage is caused, it leaves your roof exposed to dust and debris that the “dust storm” brings with it.
Other Types of AZ Weather Harmful to your Roof
In addition to the intense monsoon storms that blow into the Valley every year, there are also other dangers that mother nature has given us in Phoenix, Arizona that could attack the quality of your roof.
Sun Exposure
We are all aware of the dangers that sun exposure can cause to Phoenicians, that’s why we wear sunscreen any and everywhere that we go! However, it’s not often that we consider what the harsh sun does to our roofs. Unfortunately, the strong UV Rays will cause your roofing material to wear out and decline over time. The areas of your roof that bear the brunt of the UV Rays throughout the day will deteriorate at a faster rate than areas that are more shaded.
Heat
High temperatures are what we’re known for in Arizona. The heat, when it’s at it’s highest, not only takes a toll on the residents here, but it can also cause damage to your roof. When the heat is at it’s highest levels of intensity, it has been known to crack, and damage your roofing material as well as weaken your roof deck.
Protecting your Roof From Natural Threats
Being as unpredictable as our weather is in Arizona, its difficult to protect your roof from these natural threats. However, there are some steps you can take to give you roof the best odds for standing up against Arizona monsoon storms and other damaging weather. For instance, you can get up on your roof to inspect it for signs of damage. Visible holes or cracks indicate that there is a problem. For a more extensive inspection, you can have a professional roofing contractor come to your home and search for signs of damage. It’s usually a good rule of thumb to have your roof inspected once a year. Also, before monsoon season, make sure that your trees are trimmed. Remember we talked about those tall trees whipping their branches around and puncturing holes in your roof? Trimming your trees will reduce the risk of this happening.
Professional Roofing Contractors in Phoenix, AZ
Whether you need an inspection, roofing repair after a big storm, or even a complete roof replacement due to significant damage, KY-KO Roofing is the company to call!