Monsoon season in the Southwest comes with a higher risk for dust storms, wind, rain, and flooding.
Roughly 77% of Arizona’s population faces a risk of monsoon dust storms. Hundreds of monsoon floods have damaged homes and claimed lives since the 1970s.
While monsoons are inevitable, home weatherproofing can help you prepare and prevent major damage.
Read on to learn what you can do to protect your home from the dust and water that can come along with monsoon season.
1. Seal Doors and Windows
During heavy rain or a dust storm, water or dust can enter your home through cracks around your windows or doors. If you can see light around your doors or windows, water and debris can come in too.
Use caulk or weatherstripping tape to seal the space around your windows and doors. This will also keep your air-conditioned air inside.
2. Check Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can overflow and dump water next to your home’s foundation. That can lead to water leaks inside your home since sandy soil can’t absorb water very well.
Clean out your gutters and make sure your downspouts will direct water away from your house, but not into your neighbor’s yard.
3. Protect Your AC System
Dust and plant clippings can get stuck in your outdoor AC unit and keep it from working properly. Given the hot climate, it’s critical to protect your AC system.
Make sure to replace your air filter during monsoon season to filter out all the dust. You can also trim the plants around the unit.
If you’re concerned about flood damage, you can have a professional install the AC unit so it’s higher off the ground.
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4. Make Sure Your Roof’s in Good Shape
Cracked clay tiles or peeling shingles can lead to leaks. During heavy monsoon rains, even a minor roof leak can damage your attic or your ceiling.
If you think you have a leak, get it patched by a professional for the best results. Also, make sure to trim any large tree branches that hang over your roof.
5. Label Your Breaker Box
The power can go out during a wind storm so you’ll need to access the breaker box. Make sure you label everything so you know exactly what to turn back on.
But, if there’s flooding in your home, never mess with the breaker box. It’s extremely dangerous since there’s a risk for electrocution. Instead, call your utility company to turn off your service.
6. Check the Grading of Your Yard
If your yard slants downwards to your house, that could put you at greater risk for flood damage. You can install a retaining wall to protect your home.
You can plant flower beds within the retaining wall and install a drainpipe to send water away from your home. This will keep your home looking great and protect your foundation.
7. Secure Outdoor Furniture
If you get a weather alert about a windstorm or flooding, make sure to secure your outdoor furniture. It could get blown around your yard and damage your house or windows.
You can stack chairs and store them in the garage. If that’s not an option, make sure you anchor everything down.
Home Weatherproofing Is Critical in Monsoon Season
Monsoon season can be a stressful time, but these home weatherproofing tips will give you peace of mind. You can lessen the damage to your home with these simple tips.
For more advice on caring for your home, check out our articles on home improvement.
