Arizona's monsoon season brings some of the most dramatic weather the Phoenix area sees all year — dust storms rolling in with almost no warning, wind gusts strong enough to move patio furniture, and downpours intense enough to cause flash flooding in a matter of minutes. For homeowners, especially anyone who travels or splits time between properties, a little preparation before the season starts makes storm damage far easier to catch and address quickly.
Before monsoon season starts
Most monsoon damage traces back to a handful of preventable issues: clogged drainage, loose objects that become airborne, and gaps around doors and windows that let wind-driven dust and rain inside. Walking the exterior before the season ramps up in July catches most of it.
- Clear gutters, scuppers, and roof drains of dust and debris before the first storm
- Trim back trees and large shrubs near the roofline and windows
- Secure or store patio furniture, umbrellas, and anything that could become windborne
- Check exterior door and window seals for gaps that could let wind-driven dust or rain in
- Confirm the yard grades away from the foundation so pooling water has somewhere to go
- Photograph the roof and exterior beforehand so storm damage is easier to identify and document
After a storm: what to check
After any significant storm, a quick walk-through of the property helps catch damage before it compounds — a small roof issue or drainage problem left unaddressed for weeks can turn into a much larger repair.
- Walk the exterior perimeter for fallen branches, blown debris, or damage to fencing and screens
- Check the roofline and gutters for visible damage or displaced materials
- Look for new water stains, damp spots, or drainage pooling near the foundation
- Check irrigation lines and landscaping for erosion or flooding damage
- Inspect the pool area for debris and equipment issues if you have one
If you're not local when a storm hits
Monsoon storms don't wait for a convenient time, and if you're out of state or simply unavailable, damage can sit unnoticed until your next visit. Our Home Watch and Property Care clients can add a storm and monsoon response visit after a significant monsoon storm or severe weather event — we walk the property, document what we find with photos, and, with your approval, coordinate whatever vendor the situation calls for.