Tucson's monsoon season officially begins on 15 June, and the first storms arrive around 3 July on average. For the next several weeks, the city can get short, violent storms with strong wind and heavy rain. Roofs that have baked all spring take the hit. AAA Arizona has said that leaky roofs and roof damage are among the most common claims it handles during the monsoon.
What monsoon storms do to a roof
Wind damage.
Strong gusts lift shingle tabs, loosen and break tiles, peel back flat roof edges and bend flashing. A report on Arizona monsoon claims recorded gusts of up to 91 mph in the Tucson area in July 2021.
Rain driven into gaps.
Heavy rain blown sideways gets under tiles, lifted shingles and loose flashing. July averages about 2.21 inches and August about 1.98 inches, and a lot of it can come in under an hour.
Falling branches and debris.
Branches, palm fronds and loose objects from neighboring yards can puncture foam, crack tile and dent metal.
Overflowing scuppers.
On flat roofs, debris washes into scuppers and drains, and water builds up behind the parapet.
What to do after a storm
- 1Stay safe. Do not climb onto a wet roof, and stay inside while there is lightning. Keep away from downed power lines.
- 2Stop the water inside. Use buckets, towels and plastic sheeting. Move furniture and electronics away from drips.
- 3Check the ceiling. If a ceiling is sagging with water, keep people and pets out from under it.
- 4Photograph everything. Take photos of the inside damage, any pieces of roof in the yard, and the roof from the ground. Note the date and time of the storm.
- 5Call us. A licensed local roofer will call you back. In the busy weeks after a big storm, a temporary cover may be the first step.
- 6Call your insurer. Ask how they want you to report roof damage and whether they need an inspection before repairs.
Insurance and storm damage
Whether a claim is covered depends on your policy and on what caused the damage. Insurers usually separate sudden storm damage from wear and tear. A roofer can document what they find with photos and a written description. Keep copies of every estimate and invoice. Do not sign anything that hands your insurance claim over to a contractor until you have read it and understand it.
Watch out for storm chasers
After big storms, door knockers sometimes go street to street offering roof work. Before you agree to anything:
- Ask for the contractor's Arizona Registrar of Contractors license number. Residential roofing is an R-42 or CR-42 license.
- Get a written estimate.
- Do not pay the full price before the work is done.
- Be cautious of pressure to sign the same day.
Get ready before the next monsoon
The best protection is a spring roof check. Have a roofer look for loose tiles, worn foam coating, lifted shingles and weak flashing, and clear scuppers and gutters before mid June. See roof inspection and roof repair.
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover monsoon roof damage?
It depends on your policy. Many policies treat sudden wind damage differently from slow wear. Call your insurer and keep photos and written estimates.
How soon should I call a roofer after a storm?
As soon as you see water inside or roof material on the ground. Roofers get busy quickly after big storms, so an early call helps.
Can a roofer put a tarp on my roof?
Many roofers offer temporary covers to keep rain out until a permanent repair can be done on a dry day. Ask when you call.
Other services
Roof Repair
Monsoon leaks, cracked tile, worn foam, lifted shingles and loose flashing on Tucson roofs.
Roof Coating
Elastomeric, acrylic and silicone recoats for foam and flat roofs under the Tucson sun.
Flat and Foam Roofs
Ponding water, blisters, clogged scuppers and damaged foam on Tucson flat roofs.