Is it necessary to have a wind mitigation inspection in Florida

Getting a wind mitigation inspection in Florida is the quickest and easiest way to receive substantial discounts on your home insurance premiums. Ensuring that your home can withstand hurricane and storm winds is vital, especially in places like Florida.

 

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A typical wind mitigation inspection is also known as a windstorm inspection. It is usually conducted by a certified inspector who examines and assesses the wind resistance of your home. These inspections can cover anything from door and window coverings to the attachment between your roof and your walls.

 

Why is it Necessary to Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection in Florida?

Getting a homeowner’s insurance for your property can lead to significant premiums. However, with a wind mitigation inspection, you can substantially reduce the cost of your insurance premiums. Insurance providers hold a wind mitigation inspection report very highly because it can determine whether your home can withstand hurricane winds without incurring severe damage. Typically, the safer and more resistant to strong winds your home is, the lower your insurance premiums will be.

 

Although the inspector may look for minute details and fixtures, they make a vast difference when strong hurricane winds blow against the property. Besides reducing your insurance premiums, performing a wind mitigation inspection allows you to understand what mitigation features your property lacks, and you can plan upgrades and modifications accordingly. Investing in wind mitigation features allows you to keep your home protected while reducing your insurance premium.

 

Furthermore, if your home is along the coast of Florida, you can save up to a $1,000 when it comes to insurance premiums. Florida law states that insurance providers must provide substantial discounts if the homeowners can produce an ideal wind mitigation report. Since the average cost of a wind mitigation inspection in Florida is about $100, the savings you can make on your insurance premium can more than offset this cost.

 

Since a wind mitigation report is valid for five years from the date of issue, you just have to get an inspection once every five years to save money on your insurance premium every year for the next five years, even if you decide to switch your insurance provider.

 

What is in a Wind Mitigation Inspection Form?

A standard wind mitigation inspection form consists of seven criteria that can help determine the ability of your home to withstand strong winds.

 

Building Code – This criteria typically seeks to understand whether your home was constructed before or after 2001 to ensure it is up to code with the Florida Building Code of 2001.

 

Roof Covering – This question is for understanding the materials used on your roof and if it has been recently replaced. Doing so allows the inspector to determine whether the Florida building codes approved the roof coverings during installation.

 

Roof – Deck Attachment – This part of the form aims to determine how well your roof deck is secured to the truss and the strength of the attachment, if any. Typically, an inspector will examine the length of the nails used to attach the roof to the truss. Longer and tighter-spaced nails are the usual preference.

 

Roof – to – wall Attachment – This is used as an indicator of how well your roof is attached to the exterior walls of your home. Double wraps are considered the most robust attachment, while toenails are the weakest type.

 

Roof Geometry – The shape of your roof plays a vital role in determining how well your home can withstand strong winds. Hip roofs are preferred as they slope down on all sides, helping them stay firm even under strong hurricane winds; which garners them a more significant discount on an insurance premium.

 

Secondary Water Resistance – This part of the inspection helps determine whether your home has a protective layer under the roof that provides secondary water resistance to your home or not.

 

Opening Protection – The final aspect of the inspection is done to ensure that your doors and windows are shatterproof and whether they have hurricane-rated doors or storm shutters to protect your home during strong winds.

 

There is a clear case for committing to a wind mitigation inspection in Florida for all homeowners, as the cost of an inspection can be easily offset by the savings on your insurance premium. Furthermore, it also helps add safety so you can rest assured even in the face of hurricane winds.