The monsoon season in Arizona can be a time of intense weather, with powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and occasional dust storms. If you’re new to the state, you might wonder how to protect your home from the unpredictable elements that come with this time of year. Even long-time residents know that preparing for monsoon season is key to avoiding costly damages. Here’s how you can protect your home and ensure that you’re ready for the season ahead.
What is Monsoon Season?
Arizona’s monsoon season runs from mid-June to late September. During this time, winds shift and bring moist, tropical air to the desert, leading to thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. In fact, Arizona receives around 40-50% of its annual precipitation during this season. This can cause flooding, dust storms, and strong winds that may damage your property.
Why Should I Prepare My Home for the Monsoon Season?
Properly preparing your home for the monsoon season can save you a lot of headaches. Not only does it minimize the damage to your property, but it also helps avoid long-term disruptions to your daily life. Even if you have great homeowners insurance, repairs can be costly, time-consuming, and inconvenient. You might have to pay your deductible out of pocket, and while repairs are being done, your home could be uninhabitable. This may force you to stay in a hotel or rental property, which could be expensive.
To ensure you’re fully covered, check with your insurance agent to see if your policy includes additional living expenses (loss-of-use coverage). This will help you manage temporary living costs if your home is damaged.
Preparing for Rains and Floods
Heavy rains can flood your home’s foundation, leading to significant damage. To prevent this, stock up on sandbags and place them around your home or near entryways to divert water. Also, ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and positioned to allow proper water runoff. If you notice that the land around your house slopes towards the foundation, consider hiring a landscaper to adjust the grading and direct water away from your home.
It’s also important to inspect your roof for any loose shingles or leaks. If you find any issues, have them repaired immediately by a licensed roofing professional. Remember, most homeowners insurance policies don’t include flood damage coverage, so it’s worth considering flood insurance if you’re in a flood-prone area.
Protecting from Wind Damage
Strong winds are a major risk during the monsoon season. They can cause damage to trees, which in turn may fall on your home. Before the season starts, walk around your property and assess the health of any trees or bushes. Trim back branches that are close to your house, and consider removing dead or diseased trees. If you have larger trees, you may want to consult an arborist to help secure them.
If a tree falls on your home, your homeowners insurance should cover the damage, but it’s always a good idea to check with your agent to confirm that you’re properly protected.
Preventing Dust Problems
Dust storms are common during Arizona’s monsoon season, and they can cause significant problems for your home. Dust can enter your house through small gaps, affecting your air conditioning system and triggering your smoke detectors. To avoid this, change your air filter before and during monsoon season, and consider turning off your air conditioner during a storm. Make sure your ductwork is properly sealed to prevent dust from blowing inside.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for Arizona’s monsoon season can save you money, time, and stress. By taking simple steps to protect your home—like clearing gutters, inspecting the roof, and securing trees—you can minimize potential damage. Regular home maintenance not only helps you weather the storm but can also keep your insurance premiums lower. If you’re unsure about your coverage or need to add flood insurance, contact an insurance agent to make sure you’re fully protected this monsoon season.
