A wind mitigation inspection is completed by a licensed contractor. On a standard homeowners insurance policy, a home may qualify for a hurricane/wind premium discount. A wind mitigation inspection would be required for homes built prior to 2002, since that is when building codes changed.
Homes built in 2002 or after were required to meet roofing regulations by building code, and therefore automatically receive wind mitigation credits. This inspection typically costs between $85 and $150 and the premium discount applied by the insurance company will remain for the life of the home policy.
Wind resistive construction features that are considered when a property is being inspected for wind mitigation credits include:
– Secure roof shingles and roof coverings that meet the Florida Building Code requirements
– Roof decking secured with larger nails or screws closer together
– Hurricane clips/straps that secure the roof to the supporting walls
– Window protection (i.e. shutters, impact resistant glazing, etc.)
– Additional water resistant barriers to prevent leakage in the event that the top layer of roofing is damaged
– Roof geometry or shape of roof
This information may be helpful when questioning whether or not a wind mitigation inspections should be done:
2002 or newer: No wind mitigation needed, credits automatically apply
1990-2001: Very likely to receive credits, especially if roof has been replaced since 2002
1980-1989: Likely to receive credits, especially if roof has been replaced since 2002
1970-1979: Not likely to receive credits, but possible if roof has been replaced since 2002
Older than 1970: Unlikely to receive credits
Flat roof (any age): Unlikely to receive credits
