Monsoon Season Home Prep — What to Check After a Storm
Arizona monsoon season doesn't mess around. One night of wind and rain can do more damage than most people realize. If you just rode out a big storm, here's what to check before the next one hits.
Fences and Gates
This is the first thing that goes. Wind catches a fence panel and it's over. Walk your entire property line and look for:
• Leaning or loose posts
• Broken or missing panels
• Gates that won't latch or swing properly
• Posts that are pulling out of the ground
A damaged fence isn't just ugly. It's a security issue. If you've got pets or kids, get it fixed before the next storm rolls through.
Your Roof Line and Fascia
You don't need to get on your roof. Just walk around your house and look up. Check for:
• Fascia boards that are pulling away or sagging
• Missing or lifted shingles
• Debris sitting on the roof
• Gutters that are bent, clogged, or hanging loose
Sun damage weakens fascia over time. Then one good monsoon gust finishes the job. Catching it early saves you from water damage later.
AC and Air Filters
Your AC just worked overtime through 115-degree heat and then got hit with a dust storm. That's a rough combo.
• Check your air filter. If it looks brown or clogged, replace it. A dirty filter makes your AC work harder and costs you more money.
• Listen for unusual sounds when it kicks on
• Make sure the outdoor unit is clear of debris, branches, and dirt
• If it's not cooling like it should, get it checked before it gets worse
In Arizona, your AC isn't optional. Take care of it.
Drainage and Landscaping
Monsoon rain comes fast and hard. If your yard doesn't drain properly, you'll know it.
• Look for standing water that hasn't drained after 24 hours
• Check your drip irrigation lines for damage or disconnection
• Look for erosion around your foundation
• Clear any debris from drainage paths and French drains
Trees and Branches
High winds snap branches and uproot trees. Even if a tree looks fine from the ground, check for:
• Hanging branches (widow makers — get those down ASAP)
• Cracks in the trunk
• Trees leaning more than they were before
• Branches resting on your roof, fence, or power lines
If a branch is near a power line, call your utility company. Don't touch it.
Stucco and Exterior Walls
Haboobs blast your exterior with sand and debris at high speed. After a big one:
• Look for new cracks in your stucco
• Check window seals and weatherstripping
• Look for gaps around doors and frames
• Check for water stains that could mean moisture got in
Small cracks now become big problems later if water gets behind the stucco.
The Bottom Line
Most of this takes 20 minutes to walk and check. The stuff you can't fix yourself, we can handle. Fences, gates, fascia, stucco repairs, storm cleanup, whatever you need.
Get an instant quote at ohanahelps.com, email quote@ohanahelps.com, or call/text (480) 542-5046.
All our handymen are background checked and local. You pick a real appointment time. You see your handyman's photo and info before they show up.
Use code MONSOON26 for 10% off through August.