Monsoon season arrives in Phoenix in July. Here is what every homeowner should do in May and June to make sure gutters are ready for the first big storm.
Phoenix monsoon season officially begins June 15 and runs through September 30, but the intense storm bursts that cause the most gutter-related damage typically arrive in July and August. By then, dust storms and spring debris have already packed gutters full of material that will turn into an instant dam the moment a half-inch falls in twenty minutes.
What Happens to Unprepared Gutters in Monsoon
A clogged Phoenix gutter in monsoon does one of two things. It overflows immediately, sending water down the exterior wall to pool at the foundation. Or it holds water for hours after the storm, which adds enormous weight to the hanger system and often causes sections to pull away from the fascia — especially on older homes where the hangers were not installed for the weight of a water-filled gutter.
Either outcome costs you money. Overflows that reach the foundation create hydrostatic pressure against the slab edge. Gutters that pull away from fascia usually take the fascia paint and sometimes the wood itself with them.
The Pre-Monsoon Checklist
**1. Clean your gutters in May or early June.** Before the temperature hits 115 and before the first dust storm of the season, get gutters fully cleared of winter and spring debris. In Phoenix that means mesquite pods, palo verde blooms, palm frond tips, and the season's first layer of dust and fine sediment.
**2. Flush downspouts with a garden hose.** If water does not flow freely through the downspout, there is a clog at the elbow or underground extension. A clogged downspout is the most common cause of monsoon overflow even when the gutter itself is clean.
**3. Check hanger spacing.** Walk the roofline from the ground with binoculars if you cannot safely access the roof. Gutters should run level with a slight slope toward the downspout — typically a quarter inch of drop per ten feet. If you see sections sagging or pulling away from the fascia, those hangers need repair before the first storm loads them with water.
**4. Check end caps and joints.** On sectional gutters, press on end caps to feel whether the sealant is still holding. If the cap moves or you can see light between the cap and the gutter, that joint will leak in the next storm.
**5. Consider gutter guards before monsoon.** If you are cleaning your gutters manually twice a year, pre-monsoon is the ideal time to install micro-mesh guards that will dramatically reduce that work going forward.
What to Do After a Monsoon Storm
Walk the exterior of your home after any significant storm and look for water staining on exterior walls below the roofline. That is the most reliable sign of overflow. Also check where downspouts discharge — pooling within a foot of the foundation is a warning sign that needs addressing.
If you see anything concerning, call us before the next storm hits. Monsoon season has a way of delivering its worst events in rapid succession.