⛔ Know Your Roof: Materials and Their Weak Points
Every roof has a first failure point. Knowing yours means you’re already ahead of the next storm.
Clay and concrete tile hold up well in heat, but wind is a different story. Damage often starts at the ridge — a cap shifts slightly, then the next gust lifts a tile just enough to expose the layer underneath. After that, it doesn’t take much.
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs are common on flat homes across Arizona. Seamless, insulating, and cost-effective — until the topcoat wears thin. If the surface feels spongy underfoot or shows faded patches, it’s already vulnerable. Stormwater pools in those low spots and works its way in, often unnoticed until there’s staining inside.
Shingle roofs lose their edge fastest in dry climates. The granules wear down. Corners curl. Wind gets a grip where the shingle once sat flush, and one lifted row quickly turns into several.
If your home uses more than one roofing material — tile in front, foam in back, for example — focus on the transition lines. That’s where water tends to find its way first.
Catch the early signs, and you’re buying time. Miss them, and the next monsoon could turn a small repair into a full replacement.
⛔ What Kind of Storm Are You Up Against?
Not all storms threaten your roof the same way. Some test the structure. Others test the surface. The risk depends on what hits and how hard.
High winds are common in monsoon systems. They push under loose edges and create pressure points. This is when shingles lift, tiles crack, or foam systems separate at their weakest seams. Wind rarely removes a roof in one go — it starts with one weak corner.
Heavy rain looks harmless at first, especially on tile or foam. But water finds level. It pools on low-slope roofs, seeps around unsealed vents, and exposes bad flashing work in minutes. Most leaks that appear during a storm were already in the making.
Hail isn’t common, but when it strikes, it hits fast. It breaks tiles clean, leaves pockmarks in foam, and knocks granules off shingles. Impact damage often goes unnoticed until deterioration spreads beneath the surface.
Different storms do different damage. The better you know what you're up against, the better you can prepare for it.
⛔ Quick-Scan Checklist: Before the Storm Hits
You don’t need a ladder and an afternoon to get ahead of a storm. Sometimes, five minutes and a sharp eye are enough to spot trouble before it starts.
Start with the obvious:
✓ Are any tiles or shingles missing, cracked, or shifted?
✓ Are gutters blocked or pulling away from the fascia?
✓ Is flashing clean and tight around chimneys, vents, and skylights?
Then look lower:
✓ Are tree branches brushing the roofline?
✓ Are patio covers, satellite dishes, or solar brackets secure?
✓ Is anything lightweight left outside that could go airborne?
Last, trust your instincts.
If something looks off — a slight sag, a shiny patch where there shouldn’t be — don’t ignore it. Small things are rarely small once the storm hits.
⛔ Tree Trimming, Yard Prep, and Commonly Missed Hazards
Storm damage doesn’t always come from above. Sometimes, it starts in your yard.
Overhanging branches are the most obvious risk. Even small limbs can crack tiles or clog valleys with debris. If a tree leans or splits under pressure, it won't just damage your roof — it could take out the structure beneath it.
Then there are the less obvious threats. Patio umbrellas. Loose gutter screens. Old satellite dishes. A forgotten ladder leaned against the wall. High winds turn anything unsecured into a projectile.
Solar panels and rooftop HVAC units should also be checked. Not because they’ll blow off, but because stormwater loves to find weak seals where they’re mounted.
Good prep isn’t about overhauling your yard. It’s about removing anything a 30 mph gust might grab, and checking what’s bolted down is holding.
⛔ Reinforce, Seal, and Strengthen: Smart Fixes to Make Now
Small upgrades now beat emergency repairs later.
Start with flashing. If it’s loose, rusted, or lifting, replace it. Flashing is one of the most common leak points during a storm, and one of the cheapest to fix.
Seal penetrations like vents, skylights, and pipe boots. Caulking wears fast under the desert sun. A quick reseal can hold through months of weather.
If you have a foam roof, check the surface for cracks, dents, or faded areas. A recoat before storm season is faster and cheaper than repairing water damage after.
For shingle roofs, look for curled edges or exposed nail heads. Any spot where water can enter is worth addressing before it’s forced open.
Good roofs don’t just hold up during storms. They’re built — or maintained — to resist the slow failures that storms are waiting to finish.
⛔ What to Check After the Storm Passes
Once the weather clears, it’s tempting to move on — especially if you don’t see obvious damage. But the most expensive roof problems usually start small and stay hidden until it’s too late.
Start from the ground. Look for fallen tiles, scattered shingle granules near the downspouts, or anything unusual in the yard that might’ve come from above.
Inside, check ceilings for new stains, bubbling paint, or musty smells — even small signs of moisture can point to a leak already in motion.
If you can access the attic, inspect the underside of the roof decking. Dark streaks, soft spots, or damp insulation are all red flags.
Walk the perimeter of the house and look at the roofline from different angles. Are any tiles misaligned? Are foam sections pooling water? Did a vent cap shift out of place?
If you spot anything — or if you’re unsure — call in a professional inspection. Fast action can mean the difference between a spot repair and structural work.
⛔ Insurance and Documentation Tips That Actually Help
Storm damage claims are only as strong as your paperwork.
Before the season starts, take photos of your roof from all angles — and keep them dated and stored digitally. That “before” snapshot could make a huge difference in getting coverage approved.
After a storm, photograph any visible damage immediately. Include wide shots, close-ups, and context (like debris nearby or downed tree limbs).
Save any maintenance records, inspections, or small repairs — even if they’re years old. They help prove you’ve maintained the roof, which most insurance companies require.
Work with a roofer who understands how insurance adjusters evaluate damage. A professional assessment can document the issue in the language insurers trust — and help you avoid delays or lowball offers.
Your roof doesn’t have to collapse to qualify for a claim. You just need proof that the damage is real — and that it started with the storm.
⛔ Don’t Wait for a Forecast: Build a Storm Prep Habit
Storm prep doesn’t begin when the sky turns. It starts with routine.
In the Southwest, timing matters. We recommend scheduling a roof check in late spring, ahead of monsoon season, and again in early fall to catch any damage from summer heat or passing storms.
Annual inspections help prevent slow, hidden wear, especially on foam and tile systems that take the brunt of dry conditions and sudden downpours.
They also give you breathing room to make repairs without rush or risk.
Roofing care works best as a habit, not a reaction. When maintenance is part of your home routine, storms become less of a threat — and more of a test you're already ready to pass.
⛔ How Real Roofing Helps Homeowners Storm-Proof Their Roofs
We’ve worked on thousands of roofs across Arizona, Utah, and Southern California, and we know how local weather impacts every material, slope, and seal.
Whether it’s tile, SPF, shingles, or a hybrid system, we look for the weaknesses storms love to expose — and strengthen them before they become a problem.
We offer seasonal inspections, targeted storm-readiness repairs, and clear, honest advice on what your roof actually needs. No guesswork, no pressure.
If there’s damage, we’ll show you exactly where and explain what to do next. If everything looks solid, we’ll tell you that too.
We’re not here to sell work that isn’t needed. We’re here to keep your roof ready and your home protected through every season.
⛔ Stay Ahead, Stay Protected
Storm damage rarely starts with one dramatic moment. It starts with a missed crack, a lifted edge, a seal that wore out quietly over time.
The roof over your head doesn’t need a full replacement to cost you — small, preventable issues can turn into expensive problems if they’re left unchecked.
At Real Roofing, we help you catch those issues before storms do.
Whether you need a seasonal inspection, a quick repair, or a second opinion after high winds, our team’s ready to make sure your roof is prepared and your home is protected.
Book a storm-readiness check with Real Roofing today — and stay one step ahead of what’s coming next.
