Homeowners in Florida are aware of the high costs of property insurance, including hurricane, wind, and flood insurance. These types of insurance are necessary because strong winds and heavy rains are a threat to homes near the coast. Wind mitigation inspection reports are required by insurance companies on all homes that have a building permit applied for prior to March 1, 2002. Even on newer homes submitting a wind mitigation inspection report to your insurance company can reduce the amount you pay on insurance for your home.
How Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Work?
The person conducting the inspection must be a licensed home inspector, general contractor, building or residential contractor, professional engineer or architect, or building inspector.
This inspector uses the form created by The State of Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). This form has several checkpoints concerning the condition of the property.
- Determine if the building code used to construct the property was the 2001 building code that came into effect on March 1, 2002.
- Note the type of roofing materials used on the home.
- Inspect the type of roof deck attachment. The decking is the material to which shingles are nailed. The inspector checks the material, the types of fasteners used, and the distance between the fasteners.
- Examine roof-to-wall attachments. The inspector will note the type of the weakest attachment.
- Record the basic shape of the roof. Different styles of roofs will better withstand a storm. Sturdy options include hip roofs with four sides or hexagonal-shaped roofs.
- Determine if there is a material between the shingles, concrete tiles, or metal roofing and the roof decking for secondary water resistance.
- Look for impact-resistant coverings on doors, windows, and skylights.
As a homeowner, you can benefit from the information in your wind mitigation inspection. You’ll better understand the types of storm protections your home has. You’ll be able to make an informed decision on ways to upgrade your property to help it withstand high winds and to reduce the cost of your homeowners insurance.
Golden Rule Home Inspections provides inspection services, including wind mitigation inspections, in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. Contact us to schedule an appointment.