Why Do I Need A Wind Mitigation Inspection?

In 2005 the Florida legislature passed a law requiring all residential property insurance companies to offer a range of premium discounts to customers who live in homes of certain construction types and/or apply loss mitigation devices (such as shutters) to their homes.

Typically, when the insurance company gives you a quote, it assumes that your home is in the highest risk category and charges you the maximum premium on your wind policy.  Hiring a qualified inspector  to perform the wind mitigation inspection will document how your home was constructed, and what building features are likely to reduce the damage from wind. 

What Building Features Are More Likely To Reduce Your Insurance Premium?

 The following items are building features that may reduce wind damage and therefore many insurance companies will offer premium discounts:

1. Roof coverings such as shingles that meet the FBC Requirements.

2. Roof decks that have been installed with large nails and close spacing.

3. Hurricane clips/straps that hold the roof structure to the walls.

4. Protection of openings such as windows and glass doors with impact resistant glazing or other approved protection systems.

5. Secondary water resistance that prevents the roof from leaking if the roof covering is blown off in a windstorm.

6. Roof design such as  Hip roofs seems to divert the stronger winds and therefore sustain less damage.

7. Garage doors which are approved doors and reinforcements. Shutters have little value when the garage door is not protected.

8. Newly Constructed Homes built to the Florida Building Code since March 1, 2002

9.  Homes built to the South Florida Building Code in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties after 1994.

How Can I Tell If I Have An Approved Opening Protection Product In My Home?

After Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida in 1992, Miami- Dade, Broward, and unincorporated Palm Beach counties passed stricter building codes that required new homes to be built with opening protection (impact-resistant windows and doors, or impact-resistant coverings such as shutters, for windows and doors).  These codes also included standards for how opening protection products would be tested and approved for use.  

Today, the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is the best way to be sure the products you buy pass the strictest tests in the country for windborne debris, pressure, and water.  

All opening protection products that have received the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) are also approved by the Florida Building Code.  However, not all Florida Building Code opening protection products are NOA approved.  For example, a shutter that allows for the possibility of glass breakage during a hurricane might be approved by the Florida Building Code but would not be approved by the stricter standards of the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA).

Who Should I Hire To Take Advantage Of The Insurance Discounts?

At EZ Building Inspectors we have the professional credentials needed to perform your Wind mitigation inspection thoroughly, accurately and at a reasonable price.

 

How Much Does A Wind Mitigation Inspection Cost?
Most homes start at $150.00 per inspection. A reduced rate of $100.00 will be charged only at the time of ordering a full home inspection.