In Arizona, weather-related roof damage is one of the most common concerns for homeowners. Residential roofs must withstand many unique environmental strains throughout the year, including intense summer sunlight, heavy monsoon seasons, dust storms, high winds, and occasionally frigid winter days. In this guide, we’re looking at how Arizona’s extreme weather affects your home’s most important layer of defense: its roof.
The Unique Roofing Challenges of Arizona’s Climate
To understand the most common forms of Arizona roof damage, we’ll examine the unique aspects of our climate and explore how they can impact the various parts of a roof. Here’s what you need to know:
How intense Arizona sunlight shortens the roof’s lifespan
The average roof lifespan in Arizona depends on the type of roof you have. A standard shingle roof can last 20 to 50 years, depending on shingle quality and roof maintenance; wood shake roofs can last up to 30 years, and concrete and clay tile roofs can easily last 50 years with proper upkeep.
However, one thing to note is the risk of roof damage from the Arizona sun. Extreme heat and high UV radiation can cause asphalt shingles to degrade, leading to cracking and curling over time. Sunlight can also damage roof flashing, providing an entry point for water leaks later on.
Monsoon season and heavy rainfall roof risks
Arizona residents are all too familiar with the heavy rains we get throughout the summer. If your roof has any minor damage, this intense downpour can lead to leaks, causing structural damage, mold growth, and further deterioration of the roof itself. In Arizona, monsoon roof damage is a real concern. The best way to prevent severe water damage is to invest in roof maintenance and repair before the rainy season starts.
Wind and dust storms: Hidden roof damage concerns
High winds can pick up dust and other debris, which can cause small punctures and leaks in your roofing if they come into contact. When winds get strong enough, they can even tear shingles and tiles off your roof entirely, leaving it vulnerable to roof leaks and water damage the next time it rains.
Roof Underlayment Lifespan in Arizona Weather
Your roof’s exterior covers the underlayment, a special, weatherproof layer that helps prevent water from seeping into your home. With such intense sunlight and heavy rains, the roof underlayment typically lasts 8 to 20 years for traditional felt or 20 to 30 years for synthetic materials. If your underlayment is deteriorating, you might consider investing in roof repairs even if the exterior shingles or tiles are in good condition.
Signs of Weather Damage Arizona Homeowners Should Watch For
Now that we understand how Arizona’s weather affects roofing, what are the signs of damage to be on the lookout for? Here are the signs to get your roof repaired before the problem worsens to the point of requiring roof replacement:
- Missing, cracked, or loosened shingles or roof tiles.
- Excessive asphalt shingle granules in gutters.
- Dented, damaged, or loose gutters.
- Cracked, loose, or warped flashing around chimneys, skylights, and other entry points.
- Water stains on upstairs ceilings.
- Rotten wood on the roof decking or attic structure.
- Mold growth in the attic or upstairs ceiling.
If you spot any of these issues, contact a Prescott, AZ, roof repair pro straight away to inspect and repair your roof before any more damage occurs.
Preventative Maintenance To Extend Your Roof’s Life
The best way to avoid roof repairs and disastrous roof failure is to learn about roof maintenance tips and conduct regular roof inspections. Here are the top ways homeowners can extend their roof’s lifespan through preventative maintenance:
- Roof inspections: Invest in an annual roof inspection from a professional. This allows you to catch issues earlier, reducing the risk of needing significant repairs or replacement.
- Clean gutters: Make sure your gutters stay clear of vegetation, moss, algae, and other debris that can prevent proper drainage.
- Trim overhanging branches: Trim back any tree branches that hang over your roof to ensure they don’t come down on your home during the next windstorm or monsoon.
- Regularly check for damage: Do a quick walkaround of your home after major storms to look for any signs of shingle or tile roof damage. If you spot loose or broken shingles or tiles, contact a repair pro right away.
When To Schedule a Roof Inspection in Arizona
While it’s always worth doing your own checks of your roof’s condition (from the ground), the best way to protect your home is with a professional roof inspection. We recommend having your roof inspected in the spring, before the intense sun and monsoons of summer have a chance to cause further damage.
Choosing Materials Built for Arizona’s Climate
If you’re considering a new roof installation, it’s worth giving extra thought to your material choice. Investing in a quality material today could save you thousands of dollars tomorrow. These are the best roof materials for Arizona’s unique climate challenges:
- Clay tiles: Clay is a common roofing material in Arizona, thanks to its high durability in heat and rain. It also helps improve energy efficiency thanks to its insulating properties.
- Concrete tiles: Concrete offers similar benefits to clay roofing, but at a lighter weight and lower price. However, they don’t provide the natural aesthetic of clay tiles.
- Metal roofing: Metal is an extremely durable roof material that can withstand decades of harsh sunlight, heavy rain, and strong winds. However, it’s one of the most expensive options out there.
- Asphalt shingles: This is a common roofing material thanks to its decent durability and low cost. However, asphalt isn’t the most ideal choice, as shingles can degrade over time due to UV radiation.
Whatever option you choose, we recommend selecting lighter colors with higher reflectivity whenever possible. This reduces the damage caused by extreme sunlight and heat and helps keep your home cool, too.
Why Arizona Homeowners Trust Legacy Roofing
Legacy Roofing is proud to deliver comprehensive roof repair, maintenance, and installation services across Prescott, Phoenix, and beyond. With more than 35 years of industry experience and a commitment to your comfort, safety, and peace of mind, it’s no wonder so many local homeowners put their faith in the Legacy Roofing team.
Futureproof Your Roof with Legacy Roofing
Ready to stop worrying about the state of your roof every time a monsoon’s on the horizon? We’re here to help. Whether you need urgent roof repairs, a routine inspection, or a brand-new roof that will protect you for decades to come, our team is ready to help you prepare for whatever the future brings.
Do you need a home roof inspection or roofing services? Legacy Roofing is ready to deliver quality materials and expert roofing solutions across Prescott, Phoenix, Yavapai, & Maricopa County service areas. Try our free roof estimator tool, see new solar benefits, and contact Legacy Roofing today to begin!
