Wind Mitigation

Why Am I Getting a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

To put it simply… to SAVE MONEY. You are getting a Wind Mitigation Inspection in an attempt to reduce the premiums for the insurance on your home.

In recent years the insurance companies have re-evaluated how they approach the process of determining the premiums they charge for your insurance. Basically they look at your homes location and assume the worst case scenario regarding the structural features of your home that protect it from being damaged by high winds. Thus resulting in high premiums. But you have the right to have a Wind Mitigation Inspection to determine if the structural features of your home will decrease the assumed risk of the insurance company. For each mitigation feature that makes your home stronger the insurance company must reduce your premium by certain percentages. It is OUR JOB to find and document those Wind Mitigation Features FOR YOU.

Some of the Features We are Looking to Identify

Note: Not all of these attributes are required to save you money regarding a wind mitigation inspection. Even one positive feature can result in significant savings. Generally speaking, most people save hundreds of dollars on their policy premiums.

The Age and Building Code of Roof Covering Installation

We look at the type, age and permitting for your roof covering. An examination is done of available permits and material documentation. Proper permitting and recency of the installation will help reduce your costs.

The Type and Size Fasteners Used to Attach Roof Decking

While in the attic we look to find samples of the nails or staples used to attach the roof decking to the trusses. We then document their size and how far apart they are spaced.

Roof to Wall Attachment

One feature we look at is how the roof is attached to the walls.There are several types of hardware and methods typically used. The stronger the method, the better for you.

Roof Geometry

The shape of the roof has an affect on how well it stands up to high winds.Flat roofs don’t create a lot of uplift. Gable roofs can be a week point if not properly braced. Hip roofs provide a shape with no gables that many find more visually pleasing

Secondary Water Resistance

If you look between the decking in this photo you can see the shiny sticky side of a “Peel and Stick” Secondary Water Resistance (SWR). The insurance conpanies give tremendous discounts for the SWR feature. It is well worth the investment.

Opening Protection

Storm panels or shutters are a great thing to have on your home. This feature helps to protect against wind-borne debris breaking through windows, skylights, and doors. It is not as much the rain but the internal pressure created by a broken window that causes the greatest damage.