If you own a home in Florida and especially, the Tampa and Clearwater areas, it is critical to ensure your house has wind mitigation built into its construction. On average, 41% of hurricanes hit Florida. That said, it is important to know what areas of your home are designed to protect you and your family during a storm and how to strengthen them. A Wind Mitigation Inspection service from Solid Rock Inspections Group can help you understand your home's current state and what you can do to improve it.
What To Expect During A Wind Mitigation Service
It is important to know what parts of your home lend themselves to protection against wind storms. If your home already has mitigation features built into it, you may be eligible for discounts on your insurance. Not to mention, these protections keep your family safe during the event of a hurricane. During a wind protection inspection, your home inspection professional will take a close look at your roof to determine what features, if any, already exist to mitigate a strong wind storm. A home owner over 18 years old will need to be present in order to give one of our inspectors access to your home's roof and attic areas.
In addition to wind mitigation services, we offer a complete line of home inspection services including, mold inspections, 4 point inspections for insurance, roof certifications, pool inspections, inspections for wood destroying organisms and more.
How Does A Wind Mitigation Inspection Help?
Gives Homeowners Peace Of Mind
The most important benefit of getting a wind inspection performed is knowing what to do to keep your home safe in the event of a natural disaster. An inspection will tell you where your home is already doing a good job protecting your family and where it may need some improvement. Of course, the best time to get a wind inspection done is months before the storm season starts. That said, since hurricane season starts on June 1st, you might consider a wind storm inspection now. This will give you time to adjust or upgrade anything in your home.
You May Be Eligible For Insurance Discounts
A lot of residents in Florida will get a wind inspection done in order to get wind credits on their insurance. Wind credits are special insurance discounts you can get depending on your home's wind resistant features. Florida law requires insurance providers to discount your policy when your home passes inspection. However, the more wind proof your home is, the better the discount you will receive. When strengthen for wind mitigation, certain features of your home can help reduce the cost of your insurance policy. These include the following:
- A new roof
- Hurricane clips
- High rated doors, shutters and impact windows
- Deep nails placed closely together
- Upgraded materials
- Enhanced water resistance
Unfortunately, there isn't really a standard for how much you will actually receive in discounts from the insurance company. Every company and every policy is different, which, in addition to the age of your home, also affects what kind of discount you will get.
What Do Inspectors Look For During A Windstorm Inspection?
Our home inspectors look for the structural qualities of a home that may be susceptible during a storm. In addition, they cross check what they find with requirements set by the Florida Building Code. Some of the items we are on the lookout for include the following:
- Secondary water resistance that prevents leaks in the roof
- Types of roof covering used, such as shingles, tile, wood or metal
- Roof decks should be installed using long nails and close spacing
- Window and door ratings
- Homes built to South Florida Building Codes as of 1994
- New constructed homes built to Florida Building Code after March 1, 2001
This list of features is similar to the list of features required by most insurance companies. Additionally, our inspectors will spend a considerable amount of time inspecting your home's roof. Your roof is the first line of defense in a wind storm. It protects against rain, hail, wind and any flying objects that may not be locked down during a hurricane. We check the condition of your shingles. Curling or cracked shingles can pose a major threat during a storm. In addition, we will check the slope and shape of your roof to determine how much wind resistance it provides. Sky lights, chimneys and air vents are also areas where water can seep in. So, we will be sure to take a detailed look at those areas, as well.
Choose Solid Rock Inspections Group When You Need A Wind Mitigation Inspection
Wind mitigation is a critical aspect of any home on or near the coast of Florida. Whether you already own a home, are buying a home or even if your new home is under construction, it is essential to understand how the building will perform during a major storm. An inspection can not only keep you safer, it can help reduce insurance costs as well. Call Solid Rock Inspections Group for your next wind mitigation inspection at (727) 386-8627 or contact us on our website here. We look forward to serving you and protecting your home.