Having been living in the sunshine state of Florida, you must have been suggested to get a wind mitigation report by your property insurance provider. Also known as windstorm inspections, it is one of several inspections you should get to prepare your home for the upcoming hurricane season.
What is Wind Mitigation?
A wind mitigation report seeks to provide information on the quality of a home to an insurance company regarding its stability during strong winds. Usually, home insurance companies offer discounts on their premium if you can submit a detailed wind mitigation report of your property.
A licensed inspector will perform a wind mitigation inspection by examining the interior and the exterior of a property, including landscaping, to check their resistance against strong winds. It helps determine if a potential storm can cause severe property damage. It usually involves inspecting your roof, rafters, truss, windows, and water resistance to determine if your building is up to code and can withstand stormy weather.
Benefits of Getting Wind Mitigation.
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Safety during major storms.
A detailed wind mitigation report grants you insight into how secure your property is when faced with major storms. It also helps you determine your weak spots and how to reinforce them. Implementing various upgrades on your home, according to your report, ensures that your home is safe and helps you prevent damage during major storms.
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Save on Your Insurance.
In states like Florida, it is mandated that home insurance providers provide price reductions for insuring a home that has been inspected by a qualified inspector and gets a good report or if the homeowner makes upgrades to their homes per the report. It is not uncommon to get upwards of a 40% discount on home insurance premiums with an outstanding wind mitigation report.
Wind Mitigation Checklist
A home inspector will check different aspects of your home during his inspection and base his wind mitigation report on the following:
- Roof covering and installation (Whether permitted for that locality or not).
- Roof-to-wall ties
- Roof deck attachment
- Doors and windows (if they can withstand winds up to >140 mph).
- Garage doors.
- Secondary water resistance.
- The shape of the roof.
- Extra landscaping features like pergolas.
Conclusion
Wind inspection might seem like an optional add-on, but it is vital in places that experience hurricane season. A home should be the safest place to be in during a storm, and it provides just that while granting a discount on home insurance premiums. Book a wind mitigation inspection immediately and safeguard your family and your property.
