Roof Inspection After Monsoon Season in Phoenix: What to Check
My name is Brian Stradling and I’m the owner of Stradling Roofing, a locally owned roofing company located in the Phoenix area. If you’re wondering whether you need a roof inspection after monsoon season in Phoenix, this article will help you decide. I’ve been working on roofs in Arizona for years and years including homes and commercial buildings. I will discuss what to look for, where storm damage can be found, and what a professional inspection entails.
Do you need a roof inspection after monsoon season in Phoenix?
Yes, after monsoon most Phoenix area homeowners and building owners should have their roof inspected. It is most important if your roof is old, has leaked in the past or was severely damaged during a storm.
The entire monsoon of 2026 was one of the wetter seasons in recent years in Maricopa County with September accounting for one-half of the season’s precipitation. Rates were different in different parts of the Valley, so don’t take the numbers on the news as a measure of your roof. One storm can cause serious damage due to wind and precipitation.
Brian’s quick take
One thing I tell homeowners is that a roof can look fine from the driveway and still have storm damage. On tile roofs, the tile is only part of the system. A post-monsoon roof inspection helps you find small problems while they’re still small. At Stradling Roofing, we would rather give you a straight answer than sell you work you do not need.
What should you check on your roof after monsoon season?
Check for broken tile, fallen flashing, debris and water stains. Remain on the ground and inspect your home as well:
- Cracked, slipped, or missing tiles.
- A damaged or compromised underlayment.
- Damaged or unsound flashing
- Valleys with leaves, dirt or broken tile.
- Flat Roofs for Ponding or Coating Damage
- Any new stains in ceilings or walls
Why is storm damage often hidden under tile?
The underlayment is the layer that does a lot of the job to keep water out of your home, so when there is storm damage, it can go undetected because it is covered by the tile. A slight shift or crack in a tile may not noticeably affect the way it appears from the ground.
Over the years the Arizona heat and sun break down the underlayment, and a severe storm can tear it. This is why tile roof repair in Phoenix is frequently a process of peeling back the tile, rather than simply replacing the broken piece.
What damage should flat roof owners look for?
For flat roof owners, they should check for ponding water, coating damage, open seams, and clogged drains. The elements we inspect on a commercial roof are drainage, coating condition, seams and sun exposure. Each of these materials wears differently, and the solution will depend on the type of system that you have.
Why do some roof leaks show up weeks later?
There are cases that leaks may not be noticed until later due to water flowing into the roof deck and wicking into the insulation before it gets to your ceiling. November stains could be from September storms.
Small leakages can rapidly become larger problems if left unaddressed. Even if the stain is dry, if you spot it, it’s time for roof leak repair in Phoenix.
Why is fall a good time to fix storm damage?
Storm damage roof repair is ideal during the fall season as it is not an extremely heavy rainy season and is still before winter. A winter storm may bring in persistent rain that works slowly and steadily and allows water to have more time to work through damaged areas. If you have larger roof-related issues, it is important that you have time to make a plan to fix those matters as well, since doing so now will allow you to do so.
Will insurance cover monsoon roof damage?
This will depend on the cause of the damage and policy terms. Before deciding, check with your insurance company for coverage details.
What should you expect when Stradling Roofing inspects your roof?
A thorough inspection of the roof system is to be expected along with a clear communication of our findings. The things I’m seeing when I look at a tile roof are the tiles, the visible underlayment, the valleys, the flashing, the penetrations, the bird stops, and the drainage. For flat roofs we pay attention to seams, coatings, drains and ponding.
Roofs are stressed differently with the summer heat in Phoenix and storm damage, so we search for sun wear and storm damage. Then we talk about what needs to be done now, what can be postponed, and if repair is still appropriate. Not all roofs can be repaired and if they can’t we will let you know.
What should Phoenix homeowners know before hiring a roofing contractor?
Find a contractor who can provide you with an estimate, good communication, and local experience. Inquire about licensing, insurance, roofing products, and warranties. Beware of high-pressure selling particularly following a storm. Before hiring a contractor, verify all licensing, insurance and project information.
Why choose Brian Stradling and Stradling Roofing?
Pick us if you’re looking for a hands-on local roofing service provider who provides practical, honest recommendations. I was in the trades with my father and have instilled the same values in this company.
We’ve been in business over 12 years in the Phoenix area. Our specialty is tile roofing, we also do commercial roofing, flat roofing and roof coatings. From repair to replacement, we make a point of doing things right and an excellent job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I schedule a post-monsoon roof inspection?
Schedule it as soon as you can, ideally before winter rain arrives. Move faster if you’ve noticed a stain or found broken tile on the ground.
Can I inspect my own roof?
You can check for visible problems from the ground, but leave the full inspection to a professional. Walking on tile can crack it, and getting on any roof carries a fall risk.
How often should I have my roof inspected in Phoenix?
Most Phoenix homeowners should have their roof inspected regularly and after major storms. This matters even more if the roof is older or has leaked before.
Does a cracked tile always mean I have a leak?
No, but a cracked tile can expose the underlayment to sun and water. It’s best to fix it before a small problem grows.
Should commercial building owners get a roof inspection in Phoenix after storms?
Yes, especially if the building has a flat roof. Ponding water, clogged drains, and open seams can quickly affect tenants and operations.
Ready to schedule a roof inspection?
If you’ve been putting off a roof inspection after monsoon season in Phoenix, now is a good time to get it done. We work with property owners in Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and across the Valley.
Contact Stradling Roofing or call (480) 901-6901 to schedule a roof inspection, roof repair estimate, or roofing consultation. We’ll show you what we find and give you a straight answer.