The 2025 monsoon season is projected to be an especially rainy one – a recent long-range forecast from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center suggests that Arizona may experience “above normal” rainfall this summer. Our state’s monsoon season means periods of heavy rainfall (occasionally, even flooding), high-powered wind gusts, and plenty of dirt and debris.
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Monsoon weather can arrive quickly. Many are no strangers to being caught off guard with our garages open or patio furniture being blown around. One often overlooked, yet vital part of the home’s defense against extreme weather is the roof. Due to the unpredictable nature of monsoons, I recommend preparing your roof and accessories like solar panels now, while conditions are calm, to avoid being surprised by potentially costly repairs later. Whether you’re new to home ownership in Arizona or are a Valley native, heed these tips this spring to get one of your home’s greatest assets monsoon-ready.
When was the last time you cleared your property’s gutters, or the sloping valleys of the roof where debris from trees or past storms can gather? This should be done regularly, at least twice per year, but especially during this transitional spring-summer period before monsoon season. Clearing away organic debris like plant matter, dust and silt will reduce the likelihood of blockages during rainy weather, which can lead to costly damage like roof leaks, warped roof decking from excessive moisture, shingle deterioration and erosion of soil around the foundation of your property from water overflow.
If your home’s landscaping includes trees, be mindful of their proximity to your home’s roof, and the trees’ capacity to drop everything from clog-causing leaves to entire branches that could damage it during high winds. Ahead of this summer’s monsoon season, consider pruning your trees now to discourage growth close to your roof.
If you have solar panels installed on your roof, protect your investment in clean energy by working with your solar installer prior to monsoon season. Book an inspection with your installer to check the panel’s racking to ensure that panels are securely fixed in place and won’t budge. Panels need to be able to withstand 30 mph winds and undergo rigorous testing prior to being sold to ensure their longevity during extreme conditions. While the panels themselves can withstand harsh weather, I recommend having your installer check the mounting. Additionally, your installer can identify loose wires hanging from your solar panels that need to be either tucked away or replaced. Damage to these wires could impact the connections for your solar panel, reducing its effectiveness. You might also consider waterproofing your solar panels with a coating to encourage moisture runoff, or asking your solar installer about reinforcing the frames.
Lastly, there is only so much prevention a homeowner can do alone. Work with a roofing professional, who is trained to identify warning signs of rot and damage before they become financial headaches. Schedule a roofing inspection prior to monsoon season, so an expert can evaluate your roofing materials for rotten wood, damaged or cracked shingles and tiles, and degraded sealing around your roof’s pipe jacks.
If you’d like to learn more about American Solar & Roofing, or pursuing a roof or solar inspection with our team ahead of monsoon season, please visit americansolarandroofing.com.
Author: Joy Seitz is president and CEO of American Solar & Roofing.
