Did you know that July is the rainiest month of the year in Arizona? Though it may seem counterintuitive, Arizona sees a significant portion of our annual rainfall in the summer due to our monsoon season (June – September). While we still see less than the national average, we can get a lot of rain very quickly because of the monsoon season.
When a lot of rain falls very quickly, it can get forced into your roofing system, resulting in water and moisture damage. This can create problems for your roof. Consequently, you must take steps to protect your roof from the potentially damaging effects of sudden rainfall.
Keep reading to learn how to prepare and protect your roof from Arizona’s rainy season.
Keep Your Roof Well-Maintained
The best way to protect your roof during the rainy season is to ensure that your roof is in good condition. To do this, schedule annual roof inspections and maintenance with a professional roofer like Lyons Roofing. During your maintenance visit, our roofing contractors will inspect your entire roofing system, inside and out, looking for signs of wear and other repair issues.
During your maintenance appointment, our roofing specialists will look for:
- Broken, cracked, or missing shingles
- Damaged or missing flashing
- Degraded or damaged seals
- Signs of heat and sun damage
- Signs of leaks
Make Repairs Right Away
If your roof has a repair issue, it is important that you make the repair as soon as possible. In the summer, rain can come in without much warning, and neglected repairs leave your roof particularly susceptible to damage from water and moisture. Additionally, the longer a repair goes unfixed, the more likely it will escalate into a larger problem and affect the surrounding areas. This can especially be a problem here in Arizona, where we see very high temperatures that degrade roofing materials.
To learn more about how high temperatures can negatively affect your roof, review our blog here.
Keep Your Roof Clear of Debris
People are often surprised to learn how many problems debris buildup on your roof can cause. When it comes to protecting your roof from rain damage, keeping your roof clear of debris encourages the water to flow freely off your roof, and it does not have the opportunity or time to get into your roofing materials. As leaves, branches, and other debris collects on your roof, it can block your drainage system, cause water to pool on your roof, and can lead to the deterioration of your roofing materials.
To keep your roof clear of debris, you should:
- Visually inspect your roof regularly and after high winds or storms
- Keep nearby trees and plants pruned and away from the roof
- Check your drainage system for blockages
- Install guards over roof drainage to prevent debris buildup
Know the Signs of a Leak
Even the most well-maintained roof may suffer from an unexpected leak. Knowing the signs of a leak is important; the sooner you have the leak repaired, the less likely your roof will be damaged by it. Common symptoms of a roof leak include water stains on your ceiling or in your attic, a musty smell, increased humidity in your home, rusted flashing, and mold growth. If you notice any of these issues, you should reach out to our roofing team right away. Similarly, if it rains and you see water dripping from your roof or pooling in your home, you likely have a roof leak.
Pay Attention to Your Skylights & Roof Installations
While a properly installed skylight should not leak, if something has compromised the flashing around the skylight or the seals have been damaged, you may experience a leak. If you notice dampness around the skylight, whether in your ceiling, walls, or even the carpet in the area, you may have a leak. Similarly, look for signs of water damage and leaking around other roof installations and places where flashing is installed.
Is your roof ready for the rainy season? To schedule maintenance, an inspection, or get help with a roof repair, reach out to Lyons Roofing. We are a locally-owned, fully licensed roofer, and we are prepared to help you today.
