More dust and rain blew in again today, in another monsoon storm just two days after the last one.

And they will likely continue to roll in, one after another, for the next month or so as we work our way through this year’s monsoon season.

It’s important to understand the cumulative and ongoing nature of the storm patterns during monsoon season.

Then carefully and regularly assess your home and property for damage after every storm to prevent escalating issues. As the storms pile up, so can property damage.

Winds this strong can easily loosen or remove roof tiles, damage flashings and gutters or cause debris to penetrate or damage a roof structure.

Monsoons carrying heavy rains make your roof susceptible to moisture damage.

If the water makes it past the roofing materials to your roof deck, the moisture will eventually cause rot in the wood and lead to extensive damage.

Dust is another, less obvious, threat to your roof.

The coating of dust can cover air conditioner coils causing them to freeze and leak.

Over time dust can also erode and undermine roof sealants leaving you more exposed to wind and water damage.

Additionally monsoon storms can sometimes carry hail, which can break or crack roof tiles, and even puncture roofing materials, leaving the roof and home exposed to future water damage.

As you know, heavy rain, wind and hail can loosen roofing materials.

When the outer shingles or tiles are damaged, lifted, or cracked there is greater possibility of water damage, so it is important to check your roof after every serious storm and regularly throughout monsoon season.

Be aware that walking on your roof to check its structure and look for damage can actually cause more damage and is risky.

Binoculars are the best way to check your roof after each storm.

Look for loose or missing tiles, any cracks in the tiles, or areas where the tiles are lifted or not lying flat and straight.

Always remove any debris or foreign objects blown onto the roof by the storm.

Check for open or vulnerable seams where water can get underneath the roofing system and into your home or business.

If you see an opening or crack, have it repaired immediately.

Many flat roof systems can be easily repaired by a professional with an acrylic or silicone coating.

Also, periodically have the seals checked to make sure they are watertight and haven’t eroded from dust or heavy rains.

When the next storm arrives and the rain is coming in torrents, these are the most important tools to get the water off your roof and away from your home’s structure and foundation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Your gutters and downspouts can prevent foundation damage and flooding.

These areas are particularly susceptible to water damage if the flashing is damaged or missing and will be the first place water enters.

If you decide to plant your trees or shrubbery close, be sure to keep them properly trimmed and the branches lightened to reduce the chance of damage to your roof.

For example, if you inadvertently overlap the roofing material from the low side to the high side, the water will actually crawl underneath the loose flaps instead of merely running down the roof.

Another common mistake homeowners make is trying to seal up penetrations and accidentally sealing it so water can’t get out, causing the water to run into the house as a result.

Left unattended these “repairs” can lead to severe water damage and even a collapsed roof.

Generally, these irreputable contractors will knock at your door and use scare tactics to convince you that you need their services right away.

The storm chasing roofer will claim that they work directly with insurance companies, and they will say that it will cost you nothing. Sounds good so far, right?

However, the way the scam works is that they take the total amount paid out from the insurance while charging the insurance company for good material, but they only complete the bare minimum work with poor quality materials.

The homeowners that turn to storm chasers are left with an incomplete job, or a poorly repaired roof, done with inferior materials.

Many times these roof repairs only last a few years.

Avoid these scams by only working with contractors who have an established business in the community, with years of experience, reviews, and references for the work they have done.

When this happens, dust, rain and storm debris will also quickly find their way into your home.

When you find yourself in an emergency situation like this, have a plan in place. Know who to call for immediate help. The faster you can get a temporary tarp in place, the less water damage and structural harm will occur.

Titan Restoration is fully prepared to answer emergency calls and dispatch a crew to mitigate any water damage, limit your home’s exposure to the outside elements, and restore your home to pre-storm conditions.

Whether the damage is large or small, occurs on a residential or commercial property, Titan Restoration has the equipment, expertise, and experience, to prevent further damage and restore any losses.

Titan Restoration has over two decades of experience with the Arizona monsoon season. We have seen the incredible power of these storms as they have damaged roofs, homes, and commercial properties throughout the valley. From flooding to microburst destruction, from hail damage to complete roof collapse, over the years, we have seen it all.

No matter how unpredictable the monsoon season is or how significant the resulting damage is, we are ready to help Arizona home and property owners rebuild and repair. We are a dependable, qualified restoration contractor committed to restoring properties, from the roof to the foundation, exactly as they were before the storm hit.

Your roof is your biggest source of protection during a storm, but it can also be the most vulnerable to damage. Taking care of your roof and watching for potential problems, can help prevent flooding or more extensive damage when the next storm rolls through.

Given the importance of having a solid, secure roof over your head, it will be extremely valuable to use these twelve tips throughout the monsoon season to protect your property and your family, no matter the weather.