WIND MITIGATION

Wind Mitigation Inspection

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection is an examination of a home’s existing safety features that make it more secure and less likely to be damaged during storms. During a wind mitigation inspection, the home inspector examines the house to determine its ability to (or lack of ability) to withstand heavy winds. Wind mitigation inspections are something every homeowner should have done.

Why Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

Strong winds and heavy rains can enter your home through many ways. Water entering through gaps, vents, or poorly sealed windows and doors is not the only thing that can damage your home. Strong winds can also lead to your roof detaching from the home.
Wind mitigation inspections are a written report of what characteristics your home has and what can be done to limit the amount of damage it receives. You can use this inspection to prioritize home improvement projects, such as installing new windows and doors or having the roof replaced.
Hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th but even one storm could carry enough wind to damage your home. If your home is hit and you have not done a wind mitigation inspection for years, you could be dealing with a lot of property damage that could have been avoided, if only you knew what to repair.
Wind Mitigation — Brewing Storm on Village in Jacksonville, FL

Insurance Discounts

For home insurance companies, there is measurably less risk involved in insuring homes that have taken more precautions, so they offer HEFTY discounts for those who can report their wind mitigation. 
Florida law states that property insurance companies MUST give discounts on homeowner’s premiums when they have received a certified wind mitigation inspection report and your discount will be based on the risk rating your home receives during the inspection. If you have recently replaced your roof, the new roof is up to the most recent code and will most likely qualify for additional credits.
Savings can be up to 88% off your hurricane and wind premium, far outweighing the cost of the inspection, providing an immediate payback and accumulating return on investment.
To receive these discounts, your wind mitigation inspection report must be less than 5 years old, even if your home’s characteristics have not changed. Check with your insurance agent if you are unsure of whether your mitigation report is about to expire.
The great news is that your premium will NEVER go up because of an inspection, it can only go down. There is no risk in getting a wind mitigation inspection: you either get a HEFTY insurance discount or you have valuable knowledge for protecting your home against the next hurricane.

Wind Mitigation Checklist

So what happens during a wind mitigation inspection?
Your professional home inspector will check different areas of the home during the walk-through, such as:
  • Roof covering and installation (Florida-approved or permitted installation)
  • Roof-to-wall ties
  • Roof deck attachment to Florida building codes
  • Windows and doors (required protection in wind-borne debris regions)
  • Garage doors (WBDR protection and pressure eligible for discount)
  • Secondary water resistance 
  • Documented dwelling conditions, such as style of roof design.
This checklist ensures that your home has been thoroughly checked at all the known points that water or wind can enter your home.
Roof Inspections — View of House when Raining in Jacksonville, FL

Conclusion

Even though a wind mitigation inspection is optional, there is NO reason not to get one. 

When it comes to dealing with storms, your home should be one of the safest locations for you and your family. Living in Florida means that you never know when the next big thunderstorm or hurricane will hit. We’ve all seen-through pictures, videos, or our owe eyes-homes torn apart after a major storm.

Take the appropriate steps to protect your home and SAVE MONEY along the way.

If you are interested in saving money on your home insurance policy contact us at 904-673-3430 to set up your inspection today.   

What Do We Look For?

Roof Covering
Roof-Deck Attachment
Roof-To-Connection
Secondary Water Resistance
Roof Geometry
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