Monsoon & storms
Preparing Your Tucson Home for Monsoon Season
Updated · Copperline editorial
On the roof
- Clear leaves, dust and debris from scuppers, canales and roof drains
- Look for cracked or lifted seams and coating on flat roofs
- Check parapet caps and the base of parapet walls
- Inspect around AC units, coolers and roof penetrations
Around the house
- Make sure soil slopes away from the foundation
- Clear washes and drainage channels on your property
- Keep sandbags on hand if your garage or doors face runoff
- Check that downspouts and canales discharge away from walls
Coolers and AC
Service evaporative coolers at the start of the season: check the float, pan and drain line. Make sure AC condensate lines drain freely so they don't back up into ceilings.
After a storm
Check ceilings and the tops of walls for new stains, and look at stucco for dark damp patches. Water that got inside needs monsoon water damage drying before it causes mold.
When the storm has already hit
If rain is coming through the ceiling, move belongings, put down buckets and towels, and turn off power to any wet light fixtures at the breaker. A roofer or restoration company can tarp the roof, and drying should start as soon as the water stops.
Preparing Your Tucson Home for Monsoon Season: follow-up questions
When is monsoon season in Arizona?
The official season runs from June 15 through September 30, with most storms in July and August.
Do flat roofs leak more during the monsoon?
Flat and low-slope roofs with parapets depend on clear scuppers and sound seals. Clogged scuppers let water pond and find seams.
Every home differs; editorial standards.