Monsoon Cleanup, Fall Tune Ups: Tucson Homeowner Playbook

Trish Beals
Sep 21
2 min read

Updated: Oct 16

As the monsoon tapers and cool nights return, now is the sweet spot to find and fix storm‑related problems—and prep your home for winter.

First pass: find storm damage you might have missed

Roof edges & flashings: Wind uplift often starts at rakes and eaves. Look for slipped or cracked tiles, lifted shingles, or exposed underlayment.
Flat roofs: Clear scuppers and drains; mark any ponding that lasts >48 hours. Blisters, alligatoring, and parapet cracks need repair before cooler temps.
Attic & eaves: After any heavy cell, scan for staining, damp insulation, or rusted fasteners—then re‑check after 48 hours of dry weather.
Site drainage: Re‑establish positive slope, extend downspouts, and add splash blocks to keep water off the slab.
Gates & fences: Saturated soil can rack posts—repair now while wood is drying.

HVAC and electrical: desert‑specific tune‑ups

HVAC: Replace filters, clear condensate traps, and check line‑set insulation that cooked all summer. If you saw water at a closet air handler, get the pan switch tested.
Ducts: Look for disconnected or crushed flex in attics; seal boots to ceiling drywall to reduce dust and pests.
Surge & grounding: Lightning season is not over. Confirm whole‑home surge protection and proper bonding at gas/water piping.

Water, pests, and the building envelope

Sealants & stucco: UV kills caulk. Re‑seal window/door perimeters and utility penetrations—especially on south and west exposures.
Termites: After wet months, watch for shelter tubes along stem walls and at garage jambs. Keep soil and mulch several inches below stucco.
Gutters & screens: Clean debris, repair bent screens, and add leaf guards if trees overhang the roof.

Prioritize with a quick, pragmatic plan

Use a three‑tier approach to stay on budget:

Tier 1: Active leaks, electrical hazards, structural movement.
Tier 2: Envelope repairs (roof, stucco, sealants) that prevent bigger damage.
Tier 3: Efficiency upgrades (weatherstripping, duct sealing, smart thermostats).

How a professional inspection helps

We document post‑storm issues with photos and clear recommendations, so you can decide what to fix now versus monitor. If you’re under a builder warranty or planning to sell this fall, an objective report can save time and frustration.