Most of the year, Albuquerque roofs deal with sun and dry wind. Then monsoon season arrives, and a roof that sat dry for months suddenly has to move a lot of water very quickly, sometimes with hail and strong gusts. Small problems that didn't matter in the dry months show up as leaks. A little preparation in late spring prevents most of them.

1. Flat Roofs: Drains, Scuppers and Canales

  • Clear leaves, dust and debris from every scupper, canale and roof drain.
  • Look for low spots where water sat after the last rain. Dried mud rings are the tell.
  • Check the membrane or coating around each drain for cracks, blisters and open seams.
  • Make sure canales pitch outward and aren't rusted through or pulling away from the parapet.

More detail: flat roof drainage problems and residential flat roof maintenance.

2. Flashing and Penetrations

  • Pipe boots: look for cracked or split rubber around plumbing vents.
  • Roof-to-wall joints: check stucco just above and below where the roof meets a wall for cracks.
  • Chimneys, skylights and parapet caps: look for loose metal or dried-out sealant.

Flashing is the most common leak source we trace. See flashing repair.

3. The Swamp Cooler

  • Check the pan and float so it can't overflow onto the roof.
  • Look at the stand and the curb flashing under the cooler for rust and gaps.
  • Make sure the bleed-off line drains off the roof, not onto it.

See our swamp cooler roof leak guide.

4. Shingles and Tile

  • From the ground or with binoculars, look for missing, lifted or cracked shingles and slipped or broken tiles.
  • Check valleys for debris buildup, which dams water in a heavy downpour.
  • Look for heavy granule loss in the gutters. See granules in gutters.

5. Gutters and Downspouts

  • Clear gutters and downspouts after spring winds.
  • Make sure downspouts discharge away from the foundation and stucco.
  • Check that gutters are secure. Monsoon rain is heavy, and a loose gutter can pull away under the weight. See gutter sizing for monsoon season.

6. Document the Roof Before Storms

Take dated photos of each roof slope, the gutters, vents and any existing wear. If hail hits later in the season, before-and-after photos make it much easier to show your insurer what the storm actually did. Keep your policy's deductible and roof coverage terms handy too. Our ACV vs. RCV guide explains why that matters.

Stay safe: most of this checklist can be done from the ground, a ladder at the gutters, or the attic. Flat roofs are easier to walk, but edges and parapets are still a fall risk. If a check requires climbing onto a pitched roof, have a roofer do it.

Want It Done For You?

A pre-monsoon Free Roof Report covers every item above, with photos, and gives you a documented baseline before storm season. Commercial property owners can ask about maintenance programs.