Wind Mitigation Inspections are a type of inspection performed by home inspectors. During these inspections, home inspectors are looking for construction features that have been proven to reduce looses during a hurricane. This includes things like impact windows or hurricane shutters.
Homes with wind resistant features can qualify for substantial insurance discounts. In this blog post, we will discuss what construction features can help you qualify for these discounts and how much you can expect to save with a wind mitigation inspection.
Wind Resistant Construction Features
Newer Roof
One of the items that home inspectors look for during a wind mitigation inspection is the age of the roof. As a roof ages, the shingles become brittle which makes them more susceptible to wind damage. A newer roof is better able to sustain strong winds and, as a result, can help you qualify for insurance discounts.
Roof Deck Nailing
Another item that home inspectors look for during a wind mitigation inspection is the roof deck nailing. Roof deck nailing refers to the nails used to attach the roof deck (typically OSB or plywood) to the trusses. Roof deck nails can vary in their size and spacing. Bigger nails with shorter spaces between the nails create the strongest attachments and receive the biggest discounts.
Roof to Wall Attachments
During a wind mitigation inspection, home inspectors also evaluate the roof to wall attachments. This refers to how the roof is attached to the walls of the home. Clips, single wraps, and double wraps are metal connectors that provide additional wind resistance and can help you qualify for insurance discounts. Discounts vary depending on the type of connector used. Double wraps provide the greatest amount of wind resistance and result in the biggest discounts.
Roof Geometry
Roof shape plays a big role in how winds interact with the roof structure. In general, gable roofs experience the strongest wind forces due to the large surface area of the gable ends. Hip roofs experience the least amount of wind forces since winds are easily diverted off the planes or sides of the roof. In Florida, having a hip roof can help you qualify for insurance discounts.
Secondary Water Resistance
A Secondary Water Resistance Barrier, or SWR, is a self-adhering polymer that is applied to the roof sheathing as a supplemental means to protect the dwelling from water intrusion. Regular underlayment does not qualify as an SWR. During a wind mitigation inspection, home inspectors document whether or not a house was an SWR. Homes with SWRs can qualify for insurance discounts.
Opening Protection
Windows and doors that have adequate wind protection can qualify for insurance discounts. Opening protection includes things like impact windows and hurricane shutters. In order to qualify for an insurance discount, all the openings in the home must be properly protected.
Calculating Discounts
Insurance discounts are calculated by the insurance company, not the inspector. Home Inspectors simply document which wind resistant features are present in the home. This information is then submitted to the insurance company who calculates the total discounts. Calculate your estimated savings using the Florida Wind Insurance Savings Calculator.
To schedule a wind mitigation inspection, call us at 813-261-0002 or visit our website to get an inspection quote.