The Valley’s monsoon season has typically run from mid-June through September, but in recent years increasingly intense monsoon storms are hitting Metro Phoenix both earlier and later than expected. The increasing unpredictability of the monsoon season means even typically prepared homeowners are sometimes caught off guard by severe storms. There may not be a way to completely avoid damage from monsoon storms, but here are five things you can do to to prepare your home for monsoon season and increase your damage control chances significantly.
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1. Check your roof
Your roof needs to be ready to withstand the damage of heavy rains and strong winds that accompany our monsoons. It is important to regularly check for loose and damaged tiles or shingles, ensure there is adequate sealing around vents, chimneys, and skylights, and patch any holes or cracks. It is always best to have a roof inspection done by a professional.
2. Clear gutters and downspouts
Rain gutters and downspouts efficiently direct monsoon rains away from your home’s foundation. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and free flowing. Downspouts must divert water at least 4 feet from the foundation.
3. Provide yard drainage
Along with rain gutters and downspouts for your roof, your landscaping is critical to ensure that damaging water drains away from the home. If you have noticed pooling in your yard during rainstorms, ensure you have the landscaping fixed or drainpipes installed to keep your home’s foundation safe. Additionally, remember to turn off your lawn irrigation systems during a storm to avoid extra flooding in your yard.
4. Trim trees and secure outdoor furniture
Fallen tree branches can destroy roofs and break windows. By trimming and thinning your trees, you allow a path for the wind through the branches, making it less likely that they will break off and cause damage to your home. Keeping them trimmed so they don’t hang over the roof will also prevent punctures from the branches and damage from leaves clogging gutters. Also be sure to move outdoor furniture inside or secure larger objects such as sheds, trampolines, and umbrellas. These items can be blown away in high winds and damage homes, vehicles, and pools.
5. Know how to use your home’s electrical panel
Electrical outages are common during high winds and storms. Know where your home’s electrical panel is located, how to reset the breakers, and that your breakers are clearly marked. If you need to access your panel and it’s dark, purchasing a home emergency kit with flashlights and extra batteries to help get to your panel safely or in case power cannot be restored immediately is a good idea.
Our lines are flooded during the monsoon season because we have a history of being able to deal with the damage in a quick, efficient, and professional manner. Monsoon damage is stressful enough; the restoration process shouldn’t have to be. Contact us today.
Author: Keith Pomonis is the president of Mesa-based EHS Restoration. For more information call (480) 306-5777 or visit ehsrestoration.com.
