The Complete Monsoon Season Roof Prep Checklist 

Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to protecting your home from monsoon storm damage. 

Each step includes what to look for, why it matters, and how Dwell Restoration can help. 

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

Your roof may look fine from the ground, but hidden issues like cracked tiles, lifted shingles, or aging underlayment can turn into leaks under monsoon stress. 

A professional roof inspection from Dwell Restoration includes: 

• Examining roof valleys, flashings, vents, and underlayment. 
• Checking ridge caps, tiles, and sealant integrity. 
• Inspecting attic spaces for early moisture signs. 
• Identifying any weak points before they become emergencies. 

 Pro Tip: Schedule your inspection in May or early June — before contractors get booked during storm season.

Clear Gutters, Scuppers, and Downspouts 

When gutters and scuppers are clogged, rainwater has nowhere to go — it pools, overflows, and can back up under roof tiles. 

Before monsoon season, make sure to: 

• emove leaves, twigs, and dust buildup. 
• Check for rust, loose hangers, and leaks. 
• Flush downspouts with a garden hose to ensure proper drainage. 
• Confirm that water flows away from the home’s foundation. 

If you have a flat or tile roof, ensure weep holes and eave closures are open to let trapped water escape. Dwell Restoration often finds clogged drainage systems as the main cause of leaks after a storm. 

Replace Broken or Slipped Roof Tiles 

A single broken tile can allow UV and water to destroy the underlayment beneath it — the waterproof layer that keeps your home dry. 

• Look for cracked, missing, or shifted tiles. 
• Pay attention to valleys and ridges where wind and water pressure are strongest. 
• Replace or re-seat tiles promptly. 

Dwell Restoration offers quick tile repair services and can often reuse your existing tiles to maintain your roof’s appearance. 

Check Flashings and Sealants

Flashings — the metal pieces around roof penetrations and edges — are critical for waterproofing. Over time, they rust, loosen, or lose their sealant. 

Inspect: 

• Around vents, skylights, chimneys, and roof-to-wall intersections. 
• The valley metal and pipe boots for cracks or corrosion. 
• Sealant lines for dry, brittle, or missing caulk. 

Dwell Restoration can reseal or replace failing flashings before they become monsoon leak points. 

Trim Trees and Remove Overhanging Branches

Falling branches are among the top causes of monsoon roof damage. High winds turn even small limbs into roof-puncturing hazards. 

• Trim trees at least 6–10 feet away from the roof. 
• Remove dead branches or unstable limbs. 
• Clear away palm fronds that could snap off during gusts. 

Not only does this prevent direct impact, but it also keeps your roof cleaner, reducing clogged gutters and debris buildup. 

Inspect Attic Ventilation and Insulation 

Good ventilation keeps roof temperatures lower and reduces stress on materials. During monsoon season, it also helps moisture evaporate quickly after storms. 

Dwell Restoration’s inspectors check: 

• That intake and exhaust vents are clear. 
• Insulation is dry and properly installed. 
• No mold or mildew is forming from prior leaks. 

Balanced ventilation improves comfort, reduces cooling costs, and extends your roof’s life. 

Reinforce Roof Underlayment and Flashings if Needed 

If your tile roof is 15+ years old, your underlayment — the waterproof membrane beneath tiles — could be nearing the end of its life. 

Cracked or brittle underlayment won’t survive heavy monsoon rains. Dwell Restoration offers: 

• Underlayment inspection and testing 
• Partial or full lift-and-relay services 
• Upgraded high-temp synthetic underlayment for longer durability 

This investment pays off by preventing leaks that cause hidden structural damage later. 

Secure Loose Fixtures and Check Solar Mounts

Loose satellite dishes, antennae, or solar mounts can tear through roofing materials during high winds. 

• Tighten hardware and flashing seals. 
• Check the integrity of the mount sealant. 
• Have solar or roofing professionals inspect attachments annually. 

Dwell Restoration can reseal and reinforce mounting points to prevent wind damage or leaks. 

Inspect Skylights and Roof Windows

Skylights are beautiful but vulnerable. Their flashing, seals, and glass edges can fail under monsoon pressure. 

Before the season starts: 

• Check for cracks in the lens or seals. 
• Ensure flashing is snug and watertight. 
• Look for condensation or water stains below the skylight. 

If needed, Dwell Restoration can reseal or replace skylight flashings to ensure full waterproofing. 

Test Your Sump Pumps and Drainage Systems

Homes with flat roofs or basement-level drainage should ensure pumps and drains are working. 

• Test pumps before the first storm. 
• Remove any debris or sludge from drain covers. 
• Direct discharge lines away from the foundation. 

Proper drainage keeps rainwater from backing up onto your roof deck or seeping into walls.