Homeowners must prepare their roofs for summer heat, monsoon storms

Tyler Johnson

Johnson Roofing

The summer of 2024 was the hottest summer on record in Phoenix, with over 70 days reaching temperatures of 110 degrees or higher. Arizona residents should expect another hot summer and an active monsoon season this year.

High temperatures, heavy winds and heavy rain can cause severe damage to your roof if you don’t properly prepare it for the summer ahead. Roofers receive a high volume of calls during rough weather, so don’t wait for a monsoon to inspect your roof and address any damage. As a Mesa roofer, I have worked on roofs in the area for over 20 years, so I know firsthand how tough this time of year can be on your home. Here are a few tips to ensure your roof is ready for the summer weather ahead.

Remove debris

Preparing for the monsoon season means examining your roof for debris and leaves in the valleys, channel metals, and, if you have solar panels under the solar panels. Any debris on your roof must be blown or swept out, along with any debris in your gutters, to prevent damage to the roof.

Leaves and debris accumulate moisture, while clogged gutters prevent water from properly draining from your roof. Pooled water and increased moisture on your roof can leak into the shingles and tile underlayment, potentially causing mold to grow or part of your roof to rot. A rotting roof, along with the increased weight of debris on your roof, can cause the damaged parts of your roof to cave in.

Cleaning your roof of debris will ensure it drains properly during a monsoon storm. Inspect the area around the drains and remove any buildup that has accumulated. Check for any shingle protrusions and hire a roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs.

If you plan to fix the issue yourself, it is vital to follow roof safety rules. Never work on your roof alone. Ensure your ladder is placed on a solid, level surface. Wear safety boots and never work on a wet roof.

Address roof issues promptly before they become severe. Waiting for a monsoon to damage your roof and then calling a professional could significantly increase the costs and wait time for a job. Demand for roof work skyrockets after a summer storm, and with increased demand comes increased prices.

Arizona heat is hard on tile and shingle roofs

In most states, a tile roof is going to last you around 40 to 50 years, but under the hot Arizona sun, a roof’s lifespan decreases significantly. Arizona heat will shorten your tile roof’s lifespan to 20 to 25 years at best. High temperatures bake the felt tar paper under the tiles, as if they are in an oven.

Shingle roofs have an even shorter shelf life in the heat. This is because the sealant around the penetration flashings wears out quickly in the summer sun. Flashings are used to direct water away from critical parts of the roof. Rubber flashings only last about five years before they become brittle and break easily. This is why I recommend using metal flashings since they hold up well in heat and are more durable.

Never use rubber flashings in Arizona.

When inspecting your roof, whether you or a professional is doing so, it is essential to check for loose or sliding tiles. Any tiles that are out of place will need to be reinstalled and securely fastened in place. A loose tile can blow off during a heavy monsoon wind, causing damage.

Get a professional inspection

Every homeowner should have a professional roofer inspect their roof at least once every one to two years. The frequency of inspection depends on the age of the roof. Any roof older than 15 years should be inspected annually, while newer roofs can be inspected every other year.

Preparing your roof for the summer heat and monsoons is about being proactive. Remove debris from your roof, have it inspected and make minor repairs before they become significant issues. Doing these things will ensure the Arizona heat and monsoons won’t destroy your roof.

Johnson Roofing, https://johnsonroofingaz.com/, specializes in assisting East Valley homeowners with all their roofing installation and repair needs. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.