In Florida, we have specific insurance inspections that may or may not be required for homeowners insurance or might provide you discounts. The wind mitigation inspection is one of those insurance inspections.
There are other wind mitigation inspections in different states, however, they can vary. For the sake of this blog post, we are only focusing on wind mitigation inspections in Florida.
Let’s take a look at the wind mitigation inspection.
Wind Mitigation Inspection Defined
Wind Mitigation Inspections are a Florida state standard form that tells home insurance underwriters what type of wind mitigating materials your home is constructed with.
The state requires this inspection so insurance companies do not withhold discounts on home insurance policies for homeowners with newer houses or specific updates to their homes.
Check Out Our Video Where We Explain More On Wind Mitigation
What Questions Does The Wind Mitigation Form Ask?
As mentioned above, the wind mitigation inspection is a standard form. The form is made up of seven questions and each question asks what type of wind mitigating material the home has.
Here are the questions the form asks:
- The age of the home. – This is to determine if the home permitting was applied for after March 1st, 2002, as Florida Building Code was updated at that time.
- The age of the roof. – This is to determine if the roof was permitted after March 1st, 2002. Newer roofs have higher wind standards.
- Roof decking nail size and pattern. – This is to determine the size of the nail used to hold your home’s plywood down against the truss system. The highest available discount is an 8d (2.5 inches) nail spaced every 6 inches. Typically, if your roof is installed after 2007, you will receive this discount.
- Roof to Wall Attachment. – This is where your exterior wall meets your roofline. On average, homes have a piece of hardware, known as a clip, that is nailed to your exterior wall and is also nailed to your truss system. Every truss that meets the exterior wall should be clipped. Some older homes just have the trusses nailed down to the walls.
- Roof Geometry. – How your roof is shaped overall. It is better for a home overall if wind pressures can easily be released over the roof system rather than creating more drag/resistance.
- Secondary Water Resistance. – What type of underlayment does your roof have? This can be seen between plywood connections or roof penetrations in the attic. If it is a “peel and stick” or self-adhering underlayment, this qualifies for a discount. Most newer roofs have an SWR.
- Opening Protection. – This is the rarest discount that is received and is the most difficult. Every glazed (window) opening must be covered by an impact-rated shutter that is structurally attached to the home (or be an impact-rated window) to receive a discount named “A3”. Every glazed and solid opening (doors and garage doors) must be covered by an impact-rated shutter (or be impact-rated themselves) to receive the discount known as “A1”.
To learn more about these questions and the discounts available to you, please look at wind mitigation requirements.
You may also look at how to save more money on insurance with wind mitigation.
How Home Inspectors Complete Wind Mitigation Inspections
Home inspectors are generally the main person filling out the wind mitigation form. However, general contractors and roofers are qualified to fill out the form as well.
This is the process for a wind mitigation inspection:
Walking the Perimeter
The inspector will walk the perimeter of the property to take pictures of all four sides of the home. Additionally, the inspector will take pictures of all your home’s openings.
This is to check for the roof geometry and for opening protection, such as , shutters or impact rated windows/doors.
Inspecting The Attic
The inspector will need to get into the attic to look for other wind mitigation features.
The inspector will look for the roof to wall connection, secondary water barrier type, and the roof decking nailing size/pattern.
Finishing The Form
Lastly, the inspector will need to check with the homeowner or city/county permitting website for any shutter documentation and permitting.
To illustrate, the roof will need to have a verified permit application date after March 1st, 2002 in order to qualify for that discount.
Additionally, any shutters will need documentation that they are in fact, impact rated. Some shutters will have stamps on the shutters themselves that proves this documentation.
How Long Does The Wind Mitigation Inspection Take?
The wind mitigation inspection typically takes about 30 minutes, not including the type needed to write the report.
Most home inspectors can deliver your wind mitigation report the same day.
Sample Wind Mitigation Inspection Report
We have a sample wind mitigation inspection report if you would like to view.
Sample Wind Mitigation 09-12-2019
How Much Does The Wind Mitigation Inspection Cost?
The wind mitigation inspection is generally around $100-$200, but can be less or more expensive depending on the home inspection company.
Free Wind Mitigation Inspections
Many roofers in the State of Florida, will pay a home inspection company to complete a wind mitigation inspection for you if you get a new roof with them.
The reasoning behind this is so you receive the new roof discount on the wind mitigation and so the roofer has an added value to their services.
Conclusion
The Wind Mitigation Inspection takes a look at certain building materials to see how well they will mitigate wind during a high wind event like a hurricane.
There are different wind mitigation inspections for other states, however, for Florida, the wind mitigation is 7 questions and each question is an available discount for your home owner’s insurance.
If you have not had a wind mitigation inspection done, you should call your insurance agent to see if you would qualify for discounts.
If you have further questions relating to wind mitigation inspections, be sure to comment below!
