Arizona's monsoon season officially runs from June 15 through September 30. For homeowners in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and the surrounding Valley, that means two to three months of intense afternoon thunderstorms, haboobs (dust storms), high winds, and occasional hail.

The damage from a single monsoon storm can run into the thousands. The good news: most of it is preventable with the right preparation. Here's a room-by-room, system-by-system checklist for getting your home ready before the season peaks.

Your roof takes the most direct punishment during a monsoon. Wind lifts shingles, hail cracks them, and heavy rain finds every weak point.

Before monsoon season:

• Inspect for damaged or missing shingles. Walk the perimeter and look up. Use binoculars if you can't safely get on the roof. Look for curling, cracking, or missing shingles — especially around vents, chimneys, and skylights.
• Check flashing. Flashing is the metal strip that seals the joints between your roof and vertical surfaces (chimneys, walls, vents). Lifted or cracked flashing is a primary entry point for water.
• Clear debris from valleys. Leaves, twigs, and dirt accumulate in roof valleys and block drainage. During heavy rain, backed-up water can work under shingles.
• Inspect and clean gutters. Clogged gutters overflow during monsoon downpours, sending water against your foundation and fascia. Clean them before June and again mid-season.

If your roof is more than 15 years old: Get a professional inspection before monsoon season. Arizona's UV exposure ages roofs faster than most climates — a roof that looks fine from the ground may have significant hidden damage.

Dead branches and overgrown trees are the leading cause of monsoon property damage in Arizona. A 60 mph wind gust — common in haboobs — can bring down a branch that's been weakened by drought stress or disease.

Before monsoon season:

• Trim all trees within striking distance of your home, vehicles, and power lines. Focus on dead branches first, then any limbs that hang over the roof or driveway.
• Remove dead trees entirely. A dead tree in a monsoon is a liability. If you're not sure whether a tree is dead or just drought-stressed, have an arborist assess it.
• Stake young trees. Trees planted within the last 2–3 years may not have deep enough root systems to withstand high winds. Stake them before the season.
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment. Anything that can become a projectile in 60 mph winds should be stored or anchored.
• Check irrigation systems. Monsoon rains can oversaturate soil that's already wet from irrigation, leading to root rot and tree instability. Adjust your irrigation schedule during the monsoon season.

Monsoon winds drive rain horizontally — and any gap in your window or door seals becomes a water entry point.

Before monsoon season:

• Inspect weatherstripping on all exterior doors. It should compress fully when the door closes. If you can see light around the door frame, replace the weatherstripping.
• Check window caulk. Look for cracks, gaps, or peeling caulk around all exterior windows. Re-caulk with a high-quality exterior silicone rated for extreme temperatures.
• Test window and door locks. Monsoon winds can force open poorly latched windows and doors. Make sure all locks engage fully.
• Consider storm shutters for large windows. If you're in an area prone to hail, storm shutters or impact-resistant window film can prevent costly glass damage.

Garage doors are the largest opening in most homes — and one of the most vulnerable to wind damage.

Before monsoon season:

• Inspect the garage door for gaps. The bottom seal should contact the ground evenly. Replace it if it's cracked, torn, or uneven.
• Test the auto-reverse safety feature. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground under the door. It should reverse immediately on contact.
• Lubricate springs, rollers, and hinges. Dry components are more likely to fail under stress.
• Consider a wind brace kit if your garage door is older or single-layer. These kits reinforce the door against high wind pressure and are relatively inexpensive.

Arizona's caliche soil (a hard, calcium-rich layer common in desert soils) doesn't absorb water well. During heavy monsoon rains, water can pool against your foundation and find its way into your home.

Before monsoon season:

• Check the grade around your foundation. The soil should slope away from the house at a rate of about 6 inches over 10 feet. If it slopes toward the house, you have a drainage problem.
• Clear all drainage channels. Swales, French drains, and downspout extensions should be clear of debris and directing water away from the foundation.
• Extend downspouts. Downspouts should discharge at least 4–6 feet from the foundation. Add extensions if needed.
• Check window wells. If you have below-grade windows, make sure the window wells drain properly and aren't collecting debris.

Your AC system works harder during monsoon season than any other time of year — and monsoon dust is its enemy.

Before monsoon season:

• Replace the air filter. A fresh filter before the season starts protects the system from the increased dust load.
• Cover the outdoor condenser unit during dust storms. A haboob can pack the condenser fins with fine dust, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Use a breathable cover designed for AC units — not a tarp, which traps moisture.
• Schedule a pre-season HVAC tune-up. Have a technician check refrigerant levels, clean the coils, and inspect electrical connections before the season peaks.

Even the best-prepared home can take damage in a severe storm. Make sure you're ready to respond:

• Know where your main water shutoff is. If a storm causes a pipe to burst, you need to be able to shut off the water immediately.
• Have a flashlight and backup power. Monsoon storms frequently knock out power. Keep flashlights with fresh batteries and consider a battery backup for critical devices.
• Document your home's condition before the season. Take photos or video of your roof, exterior, and interior. This documentation is invaluable for insurance claims.
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy. Know what's covered and what's not. Standard policies cover wind and rain damage but may exclude flood damage — which requires a separate policy.

Don't wait until the first storm to discover a problem. Arizona's verified home service professionals can help you prepare:

• Roofers in Phoenix
• Roofers in Scottsdale
• Tree trimming in Gilbert
• Landscapers in Phoenix
• HVAC service in Scottsdale
• Handymen in Gilbert
• Window cleaning in Phoenix
• Pest control in Scottsdale