Wind Mitigation Inspection

A Wind Mitigation Inspection is an inspection performed by a certified and/or licensed individual who reviews the structure’s wind resistance which may be experienced during extreme weather. This inspection is applicable to single family homes, Multi-family dwellings and even condominium projects and may lead to discounts for the wind coverage portion of the home owner’s policy. The inspection covers a number of different aspects of the home or structure.

THE OIR 1802 form requires the following areas to be inspected;

1. Roof Geometry: Insurance carriers have determined that the shape of the roof is a factor in mitigating the damage caused by severe winds. These shapes are generally, Hip , Gable , and flat and combinations thereof. Depending on the shape of your roof you may qualify you for a discount.
   
   
2. Roof Covering: The age of the materials used to cover the roof is a factor in their ability to resist wind damage during severe weather. Also, the building codes applied to the roof covering has been developing over recent years to better protect the structure. A roof covering that was permitted and put on or after 3/1/2002 will qualify for a discount.
   
   
3. Roof Deck Attachment: The manner in which the roof decking has been attached to the structure has also advanced during recent years and will be a determining factor in the ability of the roof as a whole to withstand severe winds. The inspector will seek to verify the manner in which this was accomplished including verifying nail sizes, spacing and roof deck dimensions.
   
   
4. Roof to Wall Attachment: A specific review of the attachment of the roof deck to the trusses / rafters supporting the roof deck. This typically involves verifying the integrity of the Clips, straps or wraps and which building code they meet.
   
   
5. Secondary Water Resistance: Another factor being inspected is any barrier placed under the shingles to resist the intrusion of water into the structure.
   
   
6. Opening Protection: The wind mitigation inspector is also required to inspect and rate the level of protection provided over all openings to the structure to include but not limited to; doors, garage doors, skylights and glazed openings. Recent upgrades made to these areas will often provide discounts for the homeowner depending on their wind resistance attributes. It is often helpful to have any documentation for recent upgrades handy for the inspector at the time of the inspection.
   
   
7. Florida Building Code: The Florida Building code has been modified over recent years to provide builders with guidelines for constructing homes that are better able to withstand damaging winds. All homes built after 3/1/2002 are required to meet these enhanced building codes. Homes that have been updated to the most recent building codes can expect the greatest benefit from possible discounts.