Arizona Storms and Your Roof: How to Be Prepared

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

People who are new to Arizona are always taken aback at just how powerful our monsoons can be. Though beautiful to watch (from the safety of the indoors!), they can be quite damaging to your Phoenix home. Roof damage can be a significant cost for homeowners and one that can be avoided with vigilant and routine inspections. While many people are likely aware of the potential for damage after a storm, they may not be as aware of the threat a monsoon poses to their roof. The storm’s heavy winds, torrential rain and occasional hail can do lasting damage to your roof if not mitigated early. SERVPRO of East Phoenix has put together a few tips for the different kinds of roofs in Arizona and how to spot storm damage.

Check Your Shingles

The most apparent signs of storm damage to your roof are broken or missing shingles. Hail stones can either create small divots in a shingle, or they can completely fracture and even break a shingle free of the roof altogether. High winds can rip them off altogether. Be sure to take a quick peek at your roof after a storm to ensure all shingles are intact. Replace missing and broken ones immediately to prevent further damage.

Look at the Roof Underlayment

While missing shingles are not significant causes of roof damage (except cosmetically), torn or missing underlayment can be. When a shingle is broken or missing, it can lead to the exposure or wearing away of the underlayment. Tattered or damaged underlayment can lead to water damaged sheathing which can exacerbate the problem. If you spot torn or missing underlayment on your roof, call a storm damage professional to come out and assess the damage as soon as possible.

Checking the Sheathing

The sheathing is the wood boards that cover over your attic joist. While many Arizona homes may not have a true attic, they will still have some space that is covered by sheathing over your roof’s joist. These boards are your last line of defense against the outside elements like water. If your shingles and underlayment are damaged, then your sheathing is exposed to rain and other elements. Depending on the severity of the storm, it can severely damage your sheathing through both impact of water or hail, or intensity of winds. Like underlayment, the damage needs to be assessed and addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

Insulation and Attic Inspection

When the roof compromised, it leaves insulation and your attic space potential exposed as well. This exposure can lead to moisture buildup and possibly mold. If you are experiencing this level of damage to your insulation and/or attic, you may want to call a disaster restoration specialist like SERVPRO of East Phoenix. Our highly trained technicians will know how to remediate the situation.

Arizona storms can cause significant roof damage. Routine inspections of your property’s roof should protect you from any obvious issues like missing shingles but even with a secure roof, storm damage can happen. If you experience storm damage to your Phoenix home, contact SERVPRO to help address the situation immediately. We’re available 24/7, 7 days a week to help you with any damage you experience. Contact us at (602) 507-6163 to get the help you need.