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If you live in Florida, you know how important it is to protect your home from the extreme weather conditions that can arise, particularly during hurricane season. One of the best ways to ensure your home is ready to withstand high winds and potentially severe storm damage is through wind mitigation.

Surprisingly, many homeowners are unaware that they could be saving a significant amount of money on their insurance premiums simply by having a wind mitigation inspection. If you’ve never heard of a wind mitigation report, you might be paying too much for your homeowners insurance. Let's dive into what wind mitigation is, how it can benefit you, and how to go about getting an inspection for your home.

A wind mitigation inspection determines how well your roof can withstand strong winds or hurricanes. A favorable report can lead to a discount of up to 45% on your homeowner's policy, provided your home has the necessary features to withstand high winds. Many new homes already have these features, but your insurance provider won’t apply the discount unless you provide a wind mitigation report.

To get this report, you need to schedule a wind mitigation inspection with a certified inspector. They will check for features and add-ons that can minimize storm damage. Some of the key features they look for include:

• Age of the roof
• Roof shape
• Roof decking attachment
• Roof-to-wall attachment
• Resistance of openings such as doors and windows

A typical wind mitigation inspection report includes several sections:

Building Code

This section verifies if your home complies with state building laws. Homes built after 2001 generally meet these standards. If your home qualifies, option ‘A’ will be checked.

Roof Covering

This section indicates when your roof was installed and if it meets the building codes updated in 2001. If your home qualifies, options ‘A’ or ‘B’ will be checked.

Roof Deck Attachment

This section assesses how your roof decking is attached to the underlying structure. It details whether the decking is nailed or stapled, and if nailed, the length and spacing of the nails.

Roof-to-Wall Attachment

This part of the report examines how the roof is attached to the walls, such as using nails or hurricane clips.

Roof Geometry

This section describes the shape of your roof, indicating whether it is a hip or flat roof. Hip roofs, which have sides that slope downwards, are preferred by insurers and typically qualify for a discount.

Secondary Water Resistance

This section checks if your roof has a secondary water barrier, also known as a Sealed Roof Deck, which protects your home from water intrusion if the roof is damaged in a hurricane. Homes built before 2008 might not have this feature.

Opening Protection

This part of the report identifies the presence of shutters and other wind protection devices for doors and windows, and whether they are hurricane-rated. Insurers generally require that all openings have hurricane-rated protection to qualify for a discount.

If your home lacks some wind mitigation features, you can make improvements to ensure it passes the inspection. While installing these features can be costly, they often pay for themselves through reduced insurance premiums and increased safety during storms. For instance, People’s Trust Insurance Company recommends:

• Water Barriers: Sealing your roof deck to prevent water intrusion.
• Roof-to-Foundation Reinforcement: Strengthening your home's walls, roof, and foundation to resist strong winds.
• Window and Door Protection: Installing shatterproof windows, hurricane-rated doors, and storm shutters to prevent damage from wind and debris.

If you've made renovations after your initial wind mitigation inspection, schedule a new inspection to ensure your report reflects your home's current condition. This updated report can help you secure the discounts you deserve.

Although hiring an inspector might seem expensive, the potential annual savings on your insurance premiums make it a worthwhile investment.