What is Wind Mitigation Inspection and Why is It Required in Florida?

In the sunshine state of Florida, having homeowners insurance is vital. However, according to the insurance provider, most homeowners can only get insurance on their homes after undergoing specific inspections. Wind mitigation inspection in Florida is one of these crucial inspections that insurance providers rely on before insuring properties.

Although there are numerous such inspections, this blog will primarily focus on wind mitigation inspection, what it is and how it can benefit you.

What is Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida?

A home insurance provider in the state of Florida determines whether your home can be insured on not via a wind mitigation inspection, during which a professional inspects the wind-mitigating materials and factors of your home. This form of inspection is mandatory before a home insurance company can provide coverage. A good inspection report usually also results in massive discounts on the policy.

The inspection helps determine whether your home can withstand extreme winds due to a storm or a hurricane.

What Aspects of a Home are Inspected?

A typical wind mitigation inspection comes in a standard form which is made up of seven questions. Each of these questions seeks to inquire what wind mitigating materials the home has.

Here are the seven questions in brief detail:

The age of the house

This question aims to determine whether the permit for the home was applied after March 1st, 2002. Doing so is essential as Florida Building Code was updated to the latest standards on March 1st, 2002. Any homes with permits before the date are not deemed up to code.

The age of the roofing system

Similar to the age of the house, this question also aims to determine whether the permit for the roof was given before or after March 1st, 2002. Since the updated Florida Building Code was implemented on that date, the wind resistance standards of roofs were also updated.

Roof to wall attachment system

The point of attachment between your exterior walls and your roofline plays a vital role in determining the wind resistivity of your home. Typically, most homes use a piece of hardware, often known as a clip, which is nailed to the exterior wall, and the other half is nailed to the truss system of a home. This piece of hardware must be used to clip the exterior walls and the truss at every point where they meet. However, older homes have trusses directly nailed down to the exterior walls, making it unsafe in cases of strong winds.

Nail size and pattern on your roof decking

This question helps insurance companies determine what size nails are being used to hold down your home’s plywood against the truss system of your home. If your nails are at least 2.5 inches and spaced every 6 (six) inches, your policy can receive the highest available discount, known as ‘8d’. Typically, your home is eligible for this discount if your roof decking was installed after 2007.

Roof geometry

The overall shape of your roof also plays a vital role in your home’s ability to withstand strong winds. Roof shapes and geometry that help release wind pressure instead of creating more resistance or drag is better for the lifespan of your home and your wind mitigation inspection findings.

Opening protection

The rarest form of discount is the ‘A3’ discount, which is incredibly difficult to be eligible for. For your home to be qualified, every window opening must be covered with an impact-rated shutter that is structurally attached to the house. Similarly, every door and garage door must also be covered by an impact-rated shutter to receive a discount known as ‘A1’.

Secondary water resistance

The secondary water resistance of a home is determined by the type of underlayment a roof has. This can be mostly seen between plywood connections or roof penetrations in your attic. Your home qualifies for a discount if it uses a “peel and stick” or self-adhering underlayment, which is common in newer roofing systems.

Benefits of a Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida.

Saves Repair Bills

Instead of generating massive repair bills because of damage due to high-speed winds, getting a wind mitigation inspection allows you to get ahead of the issue. In doing so, you can protect your home at considerably lower prices compared to when those issues can become significant.

Lower Insurance Premiums

Doing well on your wind mitigation inspection in Florida allows you to save a significant amount on your insurance policy. Since the report is sent to your insurance provider, they will modify the premiums according to the findings of your report.

Formulate a Repair Plan

The findings of your wind mitigation inspection allow you to curate a plan of action to help bring your home up to code. By hiring an inspector, you can determine what upgrades you will require to improve the structural stability of your home in the face of hurricane and storm winds.

Increase Safety and Comfort

By hiring a home inspectors FL to inspect your home for wind mitigation, you can rest assured that you and your family are well protected against strong stormy winds. A typical wind mitigation inspection report comprises details of the strength and structural integrity of your property. Even if your home scores poorly, you can take measures to help improve your scores and bring your home up to code, improving your safety indoors during strong winds.

Be at Good Terms With Your Insurance Provider

There are numerous dishonest claims made on homeowners insurance every day. Most insurance companies are actively fighting these claims, and according to new legislation, insurance providers can drop their clients based on the condition of their roof or findings of a wind mitigation inspection. You can keep your policies intact by performing an inspection regularly and keeping up with the latest housing codes.

The Bottom Line

Although some homeowners chalk it up as an added expense, getting a wind mitigation inspection in Florida is not only mandatory but also necessary. It can help save you large sums of money in the long run, either via discounts on your insurance premium or by planning repairs beforehand. The most significant benefit of a wind mitigation inspection is that it helps keep your home and your loved ones safe during the hurricane season.