Wind Mitigation Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection in Florida is a specialized type of home inspection aimed at assessing the structural integrity and resilience of a property against wind damage, particularly from hurricanes and high winds. The purpose of a wind mitigation inspection is to identify features of the home that can help reduce the risk of damage during severe wind events. These inspections are often required by insurance companies as part of the insurance underwriting process and may result in discounts on homeowners' insurance premiums if certain wind mitigation features are present and properly maintained.

During a wind mitigation inspection, a certified inspector evaluates various aspects of the home's construction and features that can affect its resistance to wind damage.  A Wind Mitigation is NOT a pass or fail inspection.  It is a discount incentive inspection where there is an insurance discount for each of the 6 items listed below that meet the State's standard.

The areas of focus during a wind mitigation inspection include:

1. Roof Covering: The inspector assesses the type, age, and condition of the roof covering materials, as well as the method of installation and any reinforcements.

2. Roof Deck Attachment: The attachment method of the roof deck to the roof framing is evaluated to determine its strength and resistance to uplift forces.

3. Roof-to-Wall Connections: The connections between the roof structure and the walls of the home are inspected to ensure they are properly secured and reinforced to resist wind uplift.

4. Roof Geometry: The shape and design of the roof, including the slope and presence of hip or gable ends, can impact its ability to withstand wind forces

5. Secondary Water Resistance: The presence of a secondary water barrier, such as a self-adhering underlayment, can help prevent water intrusion in case of roof covering damage.

6. Opening Protection: The inspector examines the types of windows, doors, and other openings in the home to assess their resistance to wind-driven debris. This also includes garage doors which are evaluated to determine if they are impact-resistant or have reinforcement mechanisms to withstand high winds.