Wind mitigation inspections are essential for maintaining your home’s structural integrity. They’re designed to help property owners understand their risk and vulnerability to high winds, such as hurricanes or tropical storms. By identifying any weaknesses or deficiencies that wind events could exacerbate, these inspections can help protect homes from severe damage and even total loss. If you’re a property owner in Florida, your insurer will likely require a wind mitigation inspection to maintain coverage. Here’s what you need to know:
What Goes into a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
When certified professionals conduct this type of inspection, they look at several key factors that could affect the home’s performance in high winds. Some of these include:
– Roof shape and age
– Roof deck attachment
– Window and door protection
– Exterior walls (such as wall bracing)
– Type of foundation
– Garage door strength and attachment
– Soffit coverings
The inspection will typically also include a review of the home’s insurance history, allowing the inspector to check for any windstorm claim payments that have been made in the past. Additionally, you may be asked to provide images of any damage due to wind events and any received insurance adjuster’s reports.
What are the Benefits of a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
The most obvious benefit of a wind mitigation inspection is that it can help reduce the cost of your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Typically, the more secure and “wind-resistant” a home is, the lower your rates will be. Additionally, if any weaknesses or deficiencies are identified during the inspection, you may be able to make repairs and upgrades to reduce your risk in future wind events.
An inspection can also help you understand what coverages your insurance policy includes and any exclusions or limitations to coverage. It’s important to understand what your insurer covers and doesn’t cover to ensure you have the right protection for your home.
Where Can I Get an Inspection?
To ensure accuracy and reliability, wind mitigation inspections must be conducted by a professional home inspector with the right qualifications. In Florida, inspectors must be certified to perform this inspection.
When Should I get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
An inspection should be done every four years — or more often if you make significant changes to your home. Additionally, if you’re applying for a new insurance policy, it may be required for coverage.
Wind mitigation inspections can help protect your home and reduce your insurance costs. By understanding what goes into an inspection, you can make sure you get the protection you need.
J.E.T. Home Inspections provides wind mitigation inspections to customers in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Miami-Dade, Martin, and Broward counties. Contact us to schedule our services.