The Importance of Wind Mitigation Inspections
Florida’s hurricane season is here, so between now and the end of November, let’s batten down the hatches. Anyone living in Florida knows the damage and devastation that a hurricane can cause, and the news reminds us of the impact that these weather events can have on families and communities. Water can enter your property through vents and poorly sealed windows, and strong winds can detach a roof. Even a small amount of water leakage can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home.
So, when the severe weather hits, will your home withstand the battering winds? As well as following our tips on how to protect your home this hurricane season, it’s important to also consider booking a wind mitigation inspection with an experienced home inspector, like we have at Matter Home Inspections.
What does a wind mitigation inspection look at?
A wind mitigation inspection is common in coastal areas in the South-eastern region of the US, like Florida, especially during hurricane season. The inspection is a visual examination of the home to determine the appropriateness of the home’s construction in the event of strong winds and looks at construction features that have been shown to reduce losses in hurricanes.
A wind mitigation inspection is an inspection carried out by a certified inspector. The inspection looks at construction features such as hip roof, concrete block construction, gable end bracing, shutters and opening protectors, the presence of roof to wall attachments such as clips, or hurricane straps, and the presence of secondary water resistance barriers.
Each report covers 7 key areas:
- Building code
- Roof
- Roof-deck
- Roof-to-wall attachment
- Roof geometry
- Secondary water resistance
- Opening protection
Safety
The features that are inspected during the wind mitigation inspection can make the difference between your home being demolished by strong winds or your home weathering the storm. The safety of your family is everything, so investing in a wind mitigation inspection is investing in the safety of your family
Savings
Although a wind mitigation inspection is not essential to get insurance, it can result in substantial savings. Savings are big in Florida because the state requires that insurance companies offer discounts for protecting your home against wind damage. These discounts are called wind mitigation credits.
The safer and stronger your home is determined to be, the lower your premium will drop.
Storm ready
After the inspection, you’ll receive a full report, and the inspector will offer some suggestions on what steps you can take to improve the wind resistance of your home. This could lead to even more savings and increase the value of your home. Next, submit the inspection to the insurance company, watch your premium go down, and relax in the knowledge that you’re keeping your family safe.
Your home should be your safe haven this hurricane season. Call us to talk about how we can help you bolster your home’s defense against hurricanes.
