Homeowners insurance in Florida is among the highest in the nation. We not only pay for the normal perils associated with homeowner’s insurance but must pay a separate amount for hurricane coverage.

We use the wind mitigation inspection to determine how well your home will endure in the event of a hurricane. It looks at different construction practices and how they relate to the ability of the structure to tolerate the effects of a hurricane

Wind Mitigation reports benefit the homeowner by informing you of the methods used during the construction of your house. If these superior methods were already used in the construction of your home, it will reduce your homeowner’s policy premium. The reduction in premium can be up to 60% of the total of the wind portion of your homeowner’s policy. If it does not, I can advise you on what improvements you can make to reduce the effects of the hurricane wind damage to your home and your possessions while increasing your personal safety for you and your family.

The focus of the report is on the roof and how it is constructed. The Roof of your home is the most important part in preventing water and all its destructive powers from entering your home. After hurricane Andrew in 1992 the Florida construction industry learned that many homes were totally destroyed because the shingles simply blew off the roof, the wood the shingles were attached to blew off, or the whole roof structure blew off leaving the house exposed to the elements, causing even greater damage . The industry learned that by altering a few building methods they could greatly strengthen and improve a homes ability to withstand a hurricane.

Some of these improved building methods can be done to existing homes allowing them a greater chance of withstanding a hurricane.

During the wind mitigation inspection, I will look for and report on the following.

When the home was built.

 If the home was built in 2002 or later the Florida building code that was in effect allowed for homes to be built better to withstand the destructive forces of strong winds such as those produced by hurricanes.

The type of roof covering you have, and when it was installed.

Newer guidelines require more and better attachment to hold on better in a hurricane. Roofing installed after 2002 was required to be installed better to withstand the destructive forces of strong winds such as those produced by hurricanes

What type of sheathing you have on your roof and how it is attached.  

This determines how well the plywood will remain on the roof during a hurricane. If you have had your roof replaced, the roofing contractor usually re-nails the sheathing on your roof to the current standard, as part of the roofing process, thus making your house better able to withstand the high winds.

How the roof (trusses or rafters) are attached to the exterior walls.

The shape of the roof

Certain roof shapes are fundamentally stronger than other types.

If there is any secondary water resistance present

A supplemental means to protect the dwelling from water intrusion in the event of roof covering loss.

The opening protection

Hurricane shutters, impact resistant windows or plywood to protect your windows and doors from windborne debris.

Consult with your insurance agent to see if you would benefit from having a wind mitigation inspection done, usually the savings well outweighs the cost of the inspection and is good for 5 years.

Keep in mind that a wind mitigation inspection is not a substitute for a complete home inspection