5 Tips to Secure Your Home For Arizona Monsoon Season 2017

Phoenix, AZ has a reputation for triple digit heat from late May into October and sometimes even November. People joke that it’s not so bad because “it’s a dry heat.” If you just moved to the Valley of the Sun, you might not be prepared for the reality that between mid-June into September, the Phoenix area stays hot, yes, but that the humidity increases and heavy rain, winds and thunderstorms, otherwise known as monsoons, become the norm.

It’s August and here in Phoenix, AZ, the monsoon season is definitely upon us this year. But if you’re new to the Phoenix area or didn’t have time to prepare your home for the season, the good news is, it’s not too late to protect your home from the monsoons and dust storms for the rest of the season and beyond.

1. Entrances: You want to make sure the doors on your home, especially your security screen doors are free of gaps to protect your home from the rain, wind, dust and bugs, especially scorpions, that can otherwise get inside during monsoon season. Now is a good time to check what kind of security door you have, including if it’s flush mounted. You might also need to replace the weather strip on your screen door with one that’s an inset felt weather strip to ensure your door has a tight seal to keep bugs and debris out of your home.

2. Windows: Protect your windows from rain and wind by making sure there are no gaps that could allow water inside. It might be a good idea to replace window weather stripping as well. Some people like to use shutters to protect their windows during a storm. Just remember to close them before the storm hits, or strong winds might damage them. Window guards don’t keep water out, but they can be an effective barrier against larger tree branches that might get blown into your Phoenix home’s windows during a storm.

3. Roof: If you’ve noticed leaks in your ceiling after a monsoon, don’t delay. You’ll want to contact a roofing repair specialist to see what kind of roof damage is going on and then get it fixed before the next monsoon if possible. The longer you wait, the more costly the roof repair might be. Plus you’ll have interior water, including potential mold growth if you avoid fixing leaks anywhere in your home, including from the roof.

4. Drainage: Make sure your home has adequate drainage. Poor drainage can cause many problems including flooding that can lead to cracks in your house’s foundation. Wooden gates and doors can warp and later crack and any water that gets under your home or in the walls can cause issues with mold. Make sure your gutters are cleaned out and the downspout on your house is draining properly and away from your home.

5. Landscaping: Make sure your yard isn’t sloping toward your home. You might need a retaining wall to keep water from going into your home or flooding the patio and causing expensive damage to your foundation. Large trees provide shade, but you need to remove any branches that might break in a storm and damage your roof or another part of your home. Also, any dead trees close to your house should be removed before the next storm.

In many ways Monsoon season, especially the rain, can be a welcome relief from the intense heat we get from late Spring into early Fall. As long as you take measures to make sure your home is protected from moisture, dust, and bugs, the storms shouldn’t be stressful. And by following these tips you’ll be well on your way.

If during your monsoon preparations, you discover you need a new security screen door or are unsure if your existing door is adequate, give Steel Advantage a call.  Besides making and installing custom security doors, we also repair them, including doors made by our competitors, plus everything we do has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For more information about our security door services or other products, contact us today.