What is a Monsoon

Many people use the word monsoon when referring to a specific storm. However, this term refers to a large-scale weather pattern. During monsoon season, warm air creates areas of low pressure on the ground. These areas pull moist air from the oceans and generate strong winds and heavy rains, causing severe damage to homes.

In Arizona, winds typically come in from the west, shifting southeasterly once summer begins. This shift brings the moisture with it. The moisture combines with the low-pressure regions, producing a cycle of thunderstorms. Monsoon rains occur in cycles of heavy rainfall (bursts) and reduced rainfall (breaks).

When is Monsoon Season?

The peak of monsoon season in Arizona occurs between mid-July and mid-Aug. This season provides Arizona with approximately half of their yearly rainfall.

How to Prepare Your Home for Monsoon Season

• Get a Surge Protector: Many homeowners purchase power strips to protect their appliances from electrical surges. However, these strips only provide minimal protection from minor internal fluctuations. To protect your electrical equipment from surges caused by storms during monsoon season, you need to install a whole-house surge protector.
• Regularly Change Your Air Conditioner’s Filter: The filter in your air conditioner is supposed to catch dust before it can enter your duct work. If you do not change this filter on a regular basis, the dust will clog the air filter. Once the filter is clogged, your air conditioner struggles to cool your home.
• Check Your Gutters/Install Gutters: Many of the homes in Arizona do not have gutters. If your home is one of them, consider installing gutters. Gutters can direct the flow of the water away from your home, which can prevent foundation problems.
• Address the Trees Around Your Home: Thin and prune the trees surrounding your home. If any trees are dead or dying, removing them prior to monsoon season is recommended. These weakened trees are more vulnerable to the winds associated with monsoons.
• Check/Fix Your Roof: Check your roof for damage and make sure that the seals around your vents and pipes are not broken. Foam roofs and asphalt coverings need to be examined for splits and holes. If you know that your roof already has damage, be sure you get it fixed before summer begins.

Types of Damage Frequently Seen with Monsoon Storms

Damage Caused by Wind

Storms that occur during monsoon season have been known to pull the roofs off homes and cause buildings to collapse. Trees may be uprooted and tree branches may break free damaging your car, your home or a neighbor’s property.

Damage Caused by Wind and Hail

Wind and hail can damage the awnings, siding, and skirting of your home. Hail can also create dents in your car.

Water Damage

Arizona monsoons drop a lot of water. If the flood water that accumulates during monsoon season is not addressed, the structure of your home may begin to weaken. In addition, mold may begin to grow.

Fire

When struck by lightning, the dead fronds on a palm tree will burn like torches. Trees that are overgrown or too close to power lines can encroach upon the power lines during excessive winds, which can cause the lines to spark.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Storm

Insurance companies cannot raise your rates when you file a claim for storm damage. However, many policies do place a time limit on filing a claim. Therefore, if you have damaged skirting, awnings or siding, contact Mesa Awning at 480-969-4064 today. Our representative will assess your damage and help you file a claim with your insurance company.