Homeownership is an exciting and big step in your life. With all the excitement comes a lot of responsibility for protecting your home.
If you’re a Florida resident or ever lived in a hurricane zone, you know how traumatizing these major storms can be on homes. That’s why it’s important to have a wind mitigation inspection done on your home.
But what is a wind mitigation inspection and do you really need one? Keep reading to find out!
WHAT IS A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION?
A wind mitigation inspection is essential for understanding how your home may hold up against damage from high winds. By identifying potential weak points and taking steps to secure them, you can ultimately reduce the risk of costly and dangerous damage to your home in the event of a hurricane or other major storm.
While this type of inspection may seem like an unnecessary expense, it can actually save you money in the long run by helping to prevent expensive repairs or replacements. So if you’re a Florida resident, it’s essential to understand what a wind mitigation inspection is and whether your home needs one.
What Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Include?
The seven indicators of wind resistance on the Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection Form are:
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Roof decking attachment
- Secondary water resistance
- Gable end bracing
- Block wall construction
- Roof shape,
- Opening protections
Your home inspector will review each indicator and note any features that make your home more resistant to high winds. For example, if your home has a hip roof (rather than a gable roof), it will be more resistant to wind damage.
The same is true for homes with hurricane straps or shutters - these features help to protect your home in the event of severe weather. By assessing these seven indicators, the wind mitigation inspection form provides a comprehensive overview of your home’s ability to withstand strong winds.
What is the Difference Between a Wind Mitigation and 4-Point Inspection?
Wind mitigation and 4-point inspections both play important roles in the world of homeowners insurance. A wind mitigation inspection gives homeowners insurance discounts based on specific building attributes that make the home more resistant to wind damage.
Meanwhile, a 4-point inspection is used to help homeowners get insurance by reporting on the condition of the home’s HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems. While both types of inspections are essential, as you can see, they serve different purposes.
SHOULD I GET A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION?
If you live in an area prone to high winds, like Florida, you may wonder if you should get a wind mitigation inspection. As you’ve now learned, a wind mitigation inspection is an assessment of your home’s ability to withstand high winds.
The home inspector will look for features that can help to protect your homes, such as hurricane shutters, reinforced garage doors, and affected-resistant roofing. While there is no guarantee that a wind mitigation inspection will prevent damage to your home, it can give you peace of mind knowing that you have taken steps to reduce the risk.
How Long Are Wind Mitigation Inspections Good For?
In Florida, these inspections are valid for up to five years. This means that the data collected during the inspection will be honored by insurance companies for that period. For this reason, it’s important to have the inspection conducted by a qualified professional who can provide an accurate assessment.
Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection Worth It?
In most cases, the savings you’ll receive on your insurance premiums offset the cost of the inspection. In addition, many insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have been inspected and found to comply with wind mitigation standards.
Given the relatively low cost and time commitment, a wind mitigation inspection is well worth it for any homeowner who wants to save money on their insurance premiums and make their home safer during hurricanes.
We hope you found this post informative and helpful. Remember, if you live in an area that is prone to high winds, it’s important to mitigate the damage a storm could cause. A wind mitigation inspection can identify potential weak points in your home and help you secure them before a major storm hits. Stay safe out there!
And if you need help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a homeowners insurance quote online now.
