Most of the year, a Pahrump roof's main enemies are sun and heat. In summer, the Southwest monsoon adds a different kind of stress: sudden thunderstorms that can bring strong winds and heavy rain in a short burst. A roof with loose shingles, cracked tiles, failing flashing or worn foam coating can go from "fine" to leaking in a single storm. This checklist helps you prepare before the season, stay safe during storms, and handle any damage afterward.
When is monsoon season?
The National Weather Service (NWS) defines the Southwest monsoon season as June 15 through September 30. In its climate summary for nearby Las Vegas, NWS Las Vegas notes that monsoon thunderstorms typically come in July and August, often developing over the mountains before moving into the valley. Storms can arrive quickly on an otherwise sunny afternoon.
What monsoon storms can do to a roof
NWS lists the main monsoon hazards as flash flooding, strong downburst winds, lightning, dust storms and extreme heat. For a roof, the most relevant are:
- Downburst winds. NWS notes that a Severe Thunderstorm Warning means winds of 60 mph or more are possible. Gusts like that can lift shingles, dislodge tiles, peel back edges and throw debris.
- Heavy rain. Intense rain finds every weak spot in flashing, valleys and penetrations, and can overwhelm clogged gutters or roof drains.
- Blowing dust and debris. Dust and debris can clog drains and scuppers, especially on flat or foam roofs.
Before the season: a May and early June roof check
The best time to find weak spots is before the first storm. You can do much of this from the ground with binoculars. Leave climbing on the roof to a professional.
- Look for missing, lifted or curled shingles, especially along edges and ridges where wind gets under them.
- Scan tile roofs for cracked, slipped or missing tiles. Tile itself sheds water, but the underlayment beneath it does the real waterproofing. See our tile roofs page.
- Check foam and flat roofs for worn coating, blisters, cracks and ponding areas. See flat and foam roofs.
- Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and evaporative cooler or HVAC stands.
- Clear gutters, downspouts, roof drains and scuppers so heavy rain has somewhere to go.
- Trim overhanging branches that could scrape the roof or break off in high winds.
- Secure loose items in the yard and on the roof, such as patio covers, solar mounting hardware, satellite dishes and cooler covers, so wind doesn't turn them into projectiles.
- Check the attic after a rain for water stains or daylight through the roof deck.
If anything looks questionable, a pre-season roof inspection costs far less time and stress than an emergency tarp in August.
During a storm: stay safe
NWS monsoon safety guidance focuses on protecting people, and that comes before protecting the roof:
- Stay indoors when thunder roars. NWS warns that lightning is a monsoon hazard.
- Never go on the roof during or right after a storm. Wet surfaces, wind and lightning make it dangerous.
- Don't drive through flooded roads or washes. NWS lists flash flooding as a primary monsoon danger.
- If water comes in, move belongings, put out buckets, and if a ceiling bulges with water, keep people away from it.
After the storm: check and document
Once the weather has cleared and it's safe outside, take stock:
- Walk the property from the ground. Look for shingles or tile pieces in the yard, lifted edges, damaged flashing, and bent gutters or vents.
- Check inside. Look at ceilings, walls near the roofline, the attic, and around skylights for new stains or drips.
- Photograph everything with dates: the roof, debris on the ground, and any interior water damage. Photos help with insurance claims and with getting accurate repair bids.
- Prevent further damage if you safely can, such as moving belongings and catching drips, and ask a roofer about temporary protection like tarping.
- Contact your insurer if the damage looks significant, and ask what documentation they need.
For more detail, see our wind and storm damage and roof repair pages.
Watch out for post-storm pitches
After a big storm, it's common for door-to-door crews to show up offering fast repairs. The Nevada State Contractors Board's consumer guide lists red flags worth remembering: you can't verify the contractor's name, address, phone or license; they demand cash or large payments up front; they ask you to pull the building permits; or they won't provide a detailed written contract. Look up any roofer on the NSCB license search, and confirm an active license with a roofing classification, before you sign anything.
Your monsoon roof calendar
- May to early June: ground-level roof check, clear drains and gutters, trim trees, secure loose items, schedule an inspection if needed
- June 15 to September 30: watch NWS forecasts and warnings; check the attic and ceilings after major storms
- After each significant storm: walk, photograph and document; call a roofer for anything suspicious
- October: a post-season look to catch anything that got missed before winter winds
Get connected with a local roofer
We're an independent referral service, not a roofing contractor. If your roof needs a pre-season check or storm repairs, we can connect you with a participating local roofer serving the Pahrump Valley. Call (775) 252-7885 or use the form on this page.
Sources
- National Weather Service, Monsoon Safety
- National Weather Service Las Vegas, Climate of Las Vegas
- Nevada State Contractors Board, Ready, Set, Hire! (red flags)
- Nevada State Contractors Board, License Search
Information current as of the sources' publication. Rules, fees and recommendations can change, so confirm details with the agency or a licensed professional.