WIND MITIGATION INSPECTIONS
WHAT IS A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION?
A wind mitigation inspection is an inspection that identifies all of the wind resistant features employed in the construction of a building (house, condo, apartment, commercial building, etc.). It is a 4 page detailed report that is given to your homeowner's insurance company. The insurance company then often gives you a discount on your homeowner's insurance premium. The inspection and the discount is good for up to five years. It can save the homeowner a significant amount of money.
WHY SHOULD I GET A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION?
Homeowners' Insurance rates can be reduced substantially with a Wind Mitigation Wind Inspection. A wind mitigation inspection verifies construction methods that create wind mitigation discounts based on those methods providing greater protection from wind hurricane damage. The inspection usually takes less than an hour and the savings is usually in the form of a check direct from your insurance company within 3-6 weeks.
DOES MY HOME QUALIFY FOR A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION?
The following structures qualify for Wind Mitigation Inspections:
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Single Family Homes
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Multi-Family Buildings
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Commercial Buildings
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Condominiums
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Townhomes
WHO CAN PERFORM A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION?
With the "My Safe Home" program discontinued by the State of Florida, wind mitigation inspections should only be conducted by Licensed Home Inspectors, Building Contractors or Architects Certified by the State of Florida. Buyer should beware of prices that are simply too cheap for a licensed professional to conduct. The "My Safe Home" program was terminated in August of 2008.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
All items that are checked with the Wind Mitigation Inspection that have been added or upgraded for wind protection and needs to have documentation as to when they were purchased and installed. The follow categories are checked:
Roof Covering: When was the roof installed and does it meet the 2001 Florida Building code?
Roof Deck Attachment: What type of roof decking is on the home and how is it attached? Is the roof decking stapled or are nails used? If nails are used, what are the lengths of the nails and how far apart are they?
Roof to Wall Attachment: Is the roof truss system attached with toe nailing, hurricane clips, single wrapped strapping or double wrap strapping?
Roof Geometry: Is the roof a Hip roof or an other type of design? A Hip roof is shaped like a pyramid on all four sides of the home. Any actual wall on the home can not be less than 50% Hip design to qualify for this rating.
Gable End Bracing: If the roof is a Gable style, is the Gable end braced to the 2001 Florida Building Code standard? Any gable end that is more than 48 inches should be braced to qualify for this possible discount.
Wall Construction Type: How is the home constructed? Is it a wood frame home, was the home built with masonry and if so is it steel reinforced? What percentage of each construction type was used?
Secondary Water Barrier: Does the home have a secondary water barrier installed on the roof? This is a newer item and if your roof was installed or upgrade prior to October of 2007, you more than likely will not have this covering. Documentation from your roofer or pictures of the installation are required to qualify for this possible discount.
Opening Protection: Is there wind borne debris protection installed on the home? If so, what is the rating associated with the protection devises? To qualify for this potential discount, 100% of all openings need to be covered with Hurricane rated protection.