Elements Of A Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection Checklist
The value of a strong roof is truly evident when a Florida hurricane comes through town. In areas along the Florida coast, hurricane wind speeds can become very intense. In fact, they can blow off the roof of many homes. Florida is obviously one of the states most affected by hurricanes, so it is important to be prepared. That includes learning about a wind mitigation inspection checklist. Not only can it protect your home and family, it can save you a lot of money on your insurance.
Getting your home ready for hurricane season is easy. First, schedule a wind mitigation inspection to see where your house stands against a hurricane force winds. Although, many homeowners already know what a wind mitigation report is, many don’t know what is covered by the inspection.
What Is A Wind Mitigation Report?
In short, a wind mitigation report determines how well a home’s interior, exterior and landscape areas can withstand high winds. A licensed and InterNACHI certified wind mitigation inspector visually will assess certain areas of the house to determine its ability to resist storm winds.
A wind mitigation inspection checklist is designed to reveal whether key areas of a house can withstand hurricane winds or be damaged by them. An inspector will take photos to demonstrate proof of storm resistance. Although many believe a wind mitigation inspection checklist os about how hurricane proof a house is, it is more than that. A wind mitigation takes into account roof slope, truss, roof materials used and water resistance of the home. This also helps determine whether a home is up to building code or not.
What Are The Elements Of A Wind Mitigation Inspection Checklist?
Condition Of The Roof
When a storm hits, the first line of defense is a home’s roof covering. The roof covering includes items such as shingles and material of the roof. A good inspector will ensure the roof is up to code. They check the year the roof was last added as well as check the wind resistance ratings of the materials used.
Roof Deck
The roof deck usually consists of a piece of plywood which is attached to the roof’s structural elements by a series of nails or staples. A qualified home inspector will often be checking for the length of nails used in this construction process, as well as the spacing of each nail. This can make a significant difference on how well a roof is attached.
Roof Wall Attachment
How a roof truss is attached to the wall rafters is important information to insurance companies when determining the storm worthiness of a home’s roof. Hurricanes are known for ripping the roof off homes and whether a truss is attached using hurricane clips versus single or double wraps can make a big difference.
Roof Shape
Roof shapes play a vital role in determining wind resistance. A roof’s slope effects wind flow. For example, a hip roof will score differently than a gable roof.
Wall Construction
The walls of a home can be just as important as the roof when checking against a wind mitigation inspection checklist. Your home inspection company will be checking to see if walls are reinforced with steel or concrete. Using reinforced materials can greatly benefit a wind mitigation score.
Protection Of Openings
The type of building materials used for windows and doors can have an impact on your home’s wind mitigation. Ensuring you have hurricane shutters installed, as well as hurricane rated window and doors can great improve your overall rating.
Additional Water Barrier
During a storm, your shingles are the first line of defense. However, a storm with strong winds and rain can still allow moisture in. Adding an underlayerment and/or waterproof covering over the roof deck can help provide extra protection and weather resistance.
Specific Upgrades For Wind Mitigation
Your home inspector may suggest a few other wind mitigation upgrades to add further wind and water resistance. Upgrades such as new weather stripping or roof repairs can help. Incorporating these into your wind mitigation inspection checklist can not only provide added insurance benefits, but also keep you and your family safe during a storm.
Call Solid Rock Inspections Group For A Wind Mitigation Inspection Today
Keep in mind that a wind mitigation report is valid for up to three years. That means any discounts awarded a homeowner for wind mitigation efforts ate guaranteed for three years after the inspection. Furthermore, the expense of an inspection is ultimately paid back through insurance discounts. Call the wind mitigation inspection experts at Solid Rock Inspections Group today at (727) 386-8627 or contact us on our website here. We look forward to serving you and your family.