Arizona Monsoon Season and Your Home

Monsoon season is upon us in Arizona, bringing torrential rain, dust storms and potentially hail.  Last year hail damaged thousands of homes in the Valley, and the sudden storms that occur in Monsoon can cause problems for homeowners.  There are some things you can do to lessen the impact of Monsoon rains and wind on your home.

Tree limbs can come down easily in a storm, and it’s not unusual to see trees uprooted in our area, because of their shallow root systems. Keep trees, especially fast-growing types like mesquite, trimmed and keep branches away from the roof. Stake young trees to keep them stable during high winds.

Check your roof periodically for any signs of areas that could leak during a heavy downpour.  Check for cracks around the chimney, vents, skylights, etc.  Flat roofs can be patched and cracks filled with caulk, and tile roofs should be inspected and any loose or broken tiles replaced.

Because the ground is so hard during the summer here, it cannot absorb the amount of sudden rainfall that comes in a monsoon storm.  Water running off of your concrete surfaces like patios, driveways, walkways and pool decking will accumulate.  Drains can be added to concrete surfaces if there is a run-of problem, or you can install PVC pipe for a drainage system to send water to a safe spot away from the house.  Be sure your landscape is graded properly as well.

Be prepared for power outages during Arizona monsoon season, and use surge protectors in your home to protect your valuable electronics. 

The best thing for homeowners to do during monsoon season is to stay safe and aware.  Inspect your home and yard after a storm and stay on top of any minor repairs that should be made at that time.

Check Your Flat Roof Before Summer Hits

This is a great time to check your flat roof for signs of wear and tear. Most of us don’t give much thought to the roofs over our covered porches, but they should be checked and maintained along with the rest of the house. You might not be aware of what type of surface is on your flat roof – is it asphalt, rubber, coated with polyurethane foam? If you’ve got a sturdy ladder and a little time, why not check it out?


It’s a good idea to clean up the flat roof first, sweeping off any leaves and debris that will just rot up there. Also check for branches that are overhanging and might scrape the roof, causing damage. Next, check the flashing for cracked caulking. You can usually remove old caulking easily and replace it yourself, but if you find bigger cracks or splits you will probably want to have a professional look at your roof. Small worn spots or punctures can sometimes be easily patched.

If moisture has gotten in between the decking and the roofing material, you may see blisters. Look for any areas where there is fading, discoloration or other signs of pooled water. If you have concerns about any areas of your flat roof, call Trades Unlimited at (480) 483-1775.

Phoenix Roof Rat Facts and Prevention

This is the time of year when citrus trees are loaded with fruit and roof rats become more visible. Roof rats generally live a minimum of 4 feet off of the ground, and travel through trees, along tops of walls, power lines and roofs. While continued testing has shown that roof rats don’t carry disease, they can be a hazard to your home.


An opening as small as the size of a nickel can give roof rats access to your home, where they can chew through wood, plastic, aluminum siding, sheet rock and soft metals. Often the rats enter homes through the attic and then travel down pipes and gnaw through drywall to get into kitchens, laundry rooms or garages.

Signs of roof rats on your property include hollowed-out citrus fruits, droppings, evidence of chewing near the roof eaves or wire covers, the sound of scratching or gnawing and actual sightings of the rats (most likely twilight or at night).

The first step in preventing roof rats from taking up residence with you and your family is to remove their food source. Roof rats enjoy citrus fruits because they provide both food and water. They will also eat pet food, bird seed and queen palm fruit in the summer. Water sources include fountains, irrigation, pet water dishes, condensation drip lines and leaky faucets or sprinkler heads.

Use stucco diamond mesh to seal vents and holes around the house – on the roof and near appliances and under sinks. Caulk all cracks as well. You can also use the services of a licensed professional to bait or trap roof rats.

Free Tickets For Maricopa County Home Show - September 25-27, 2009 AZ State Fairgrounds, Trades Unlimited, Inc.

The Maricopa County Home Show at the AZ State Fairgrounds is coming up next week, and HouseTalk is giving away free home show tickets! All you have to do is tune in to HouseTalk tomorrow morning, Saturday, September 18 on KKNT960 AM and call in to the given number between 10 and noon.

Tomorrow's show will be open phones for any projects for which you need guidance. When you call the show or to the number given on the air for your free tickets, remember to ask for your FREE guides that have been written especially for YOU, the homeowner.

Why have I written guidebooks for you? Let me explain: In the 8+ years of hosting HouseTalk, I have gotten some calls that were cries for help. These cries were a result of people somehow, some way ending up in a very bad situation in regards to satisfactorily getting some work completed in their homes. I have seen situations such as room additions framed and abandoned, bad window installations that left homeowners with multiple water leaks, roofs that failed prematurely, bathrooms left gutted, and way too much more! The point is, of course there are great contractors out there, but there are also some that are not so great. How do you figure out which contractor to hire?

There are three FREE guides, so specify which one you want: Roofing, Window Replacement, or Remodeling.

Welcome again to the HouseTalk show; we'll talk on the air!

See you on the show!

Warren