Wind Mitigation Inspection
A Few Facts About Windstorms and Wind Insurance
Wind mitigation is the implementation of certain building techniques in order to limit damage caused by intense wind.
- In 2006, Citizens Insurance, one of the largest property insurers In Florida, requested a 45% rate increase for wind insurance. Other insurers took similar actions.
- In Florida, the portion of a homeowner's premium covering wind damage can be up to 70% of the total, depending on location.
Incentives for Wind Mitigation
- Florida passed a law requiring insurance companies to offer their customers discounts and credits for existing building features and home improvements that reduce damage and loss from wind. In order to qualify for this discount, homes must undergo a certified home wind inspection. However, many Floridians do not know of this law.
- Those with windstorm insurance can avoid a costly deductible. Deductibles for homes in hurricane-prone areas can exceed $20,000, meaning that mild to moderate wind damage might not be covered by insurance at all. If proper wind mitigation techniques have been used, these expenses can be avoided altogether.
- Wind mitigation helps protect the home from damage. Even if a home is insured, it is always costly when a house is damaged, both for the homeowner and the insurer. Repairs can take months, especially during material shortages that follow massive destruction to entire communities, as was the case after Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana.
- Lenders in Florida require homeowners to carry windstorm insurance in order to be approved for a mortgage. Insurers may not provide windstorm insurance to homes that are vulnerable to wind damage.
Wind mitigation factors
BUILDING CODE
ROOF DECK ATTACHMENT
BUILDING CODE
Age of building construction. Post 9-1-94 in Broward & Dade and post 3-1-2002 in the rest of state qualifies for discount
ROOF COVERING
ROOF DECK ATTACHMENT
BUILDING CODE
We will research and determine when the roof was installed and does if it meets building codes. In Florida, the code standard was updated in 1994 & 2002
ROOF DECK ATTACHMENT
ROOF DECK ATTACHMENT
ROOF TO WALL ATTACHMENT
We will determine what type of roof decking is used and how it’s attached to the underlying structure, like if it’s nailed or stapled down. If nails are used, nail length and spacing between each will also be noted.
ROOF TO WALL ATTACHMENT
SECONDARY WATER RESISTANCE
ROOF TO WALL ATTACHMENT
The roof attachments become the focus here: are trusses attached with nails or hurricane clips? Are the wraps single or double? The more secure your roof, the better impact on your wallet!
ROOF GEOMETRY
SECONDARY WATER RESISTANCE
SECONDARY WATER RESISTANCE
Is your roof hip or not? Nope, we don’t care how cool it is, just how it’s shaped - a hip roof resembles that of a pyramid, and is a definite qualifier for a discount.
SECONDARY WATER RESISTANCE
SECONDARY WATER RESISTANCE
SECONDARY WATER RESISTANCE
The homeowner must show documentation from the roofing contractor or the roofing
permit with installation instructions, or clear photographs of its installation to receive
credit for SWR. Installation instructions must indicate the product is installed directly to
the sheathing and to the entire roof.
OPENING PROTECTION
OPENING PROTECTION
OPENING PROTECTION
Here, we are looking for shutters and installed-protection devices from wind-born debris for doors and windows. We will also be checking the rating of the devices, if you have them (as in- are they hurricane-rated?). 100% of all openings need to be covered with Hurricane rated protection to qualify for this discount.
4 POINT INSPECTION
Does Florida homeowners insurance require 4 point inspections?
When you own or purchase an older home, rental property, or condo in Florida, you will likely need for a 4 point inspection before purchasing a homeowners policy.
Most insurance companies will require a 4 point inspection when a home is older than 20 years. You can get an insurance quote without an inspection. However, you will need inspection before actually purchasing the policy. We discuss below what an inspection looks at and what will cause a home to not "pass" a four point inspection.
Each FL insurance company has slightly different guidelines on when a 4 point inspection is required, so check with your Independent Insurance Agent. A newer home does not need this inspection. You do not need this for a renters insurance policy.
What is a 4 point inspection in Florida?
A Sunshine State Residential Inspections 4 point inspection looks at the 4 major systems (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC) in an older home. An insurance company wants to know that an older home has been well maintained, and the major systems are in good working condition. This is not a safety inspection. They are done by a licensed inspector or building contractor.
Here is what a Sunshine State Residential Inspection 4 point inspection looks at:
ROOF
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Type of Roof Covering (shingles, tile, rolled). The age and condition of the roof. Are there missing shingles or leaks?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The type of the wiring in the home (copper, aluminium, knob and tube). The brand of the electrical panel. The condition of the homes electrical system
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
Is there central heat and air in the home? The age and condition of the system. Are there signs of leaking?
PLUMBING SYSTEM
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
Type of supply and drain lines found in the home (copper, CPVC, galvanized, lead, polybutelene, etc. Is there evidence of current leaks? The age of the hot water heater.