Introduction
Your home is your sanctuary, a place where you should feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, natural disasters like hurricanes can pose a serious threat to your property and safety. That’s where wind mitigation inspections come in. By identifying potential areas of vulnerability, these inspections can help you take proactive steps to protect your home from high winds and other weather-related hazards. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the process of conducting wind mitigation inspections, including what to expect during the inspection itself and the steps you can take to ensure your home is as safe and secure as possible. Whether you live in a hurricane-prone area or simply want to be prepared for any eventuality, this guide will provide you with the information you need to maximize your home’s safety and security.
Why conduct a wind mitigation inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is a thorough assessment of your home’s ability to withstand high winds. This inspection can help identify areas of vulnerability and provide you with valuable information on how to make your home safer and more secure. Wind mitigation inspections are particularly important if you live in a hurricane-prone area, but they can also be useful in other parts of the country where high winds are a concern.
During a wind mitigation inspection, a trained professional will assess your home’s roof, walls, doors, windows, and other features to determine their ability to withstand high winds. The inspector will look for features that can help your home resist wind damage, such as hurricane shutters, reinforced windows and doors, and roofing materials designed to withstand high winds. They will also look for areas of weakness, such as loose roof tiles, poorly secured windows, and weak roof trusses.
Wind mitigation inspection checklist
To give you a better idea of what a wind mitigation inspection involves, here is a checklist of some of the items that will be assessed during the inspection:
Roof
- Roof age and condition
- Type of roof covering and its condition
- Roof deck attachment
- Roof-to-wall attachment
- Roof shape and pitch
Walls
- Type of exterior wall construction
- Wall-to-floor connection
- Wall-to-roof connection
- Window and door protection
Doors and windows
- Type and age of doors and windows
- Protection from wind-borne debris
Garage doors
- Garage door type and age
- Garage door track and fasteners
- Garage door bracing
Other features
- Secondary water resistance
- ICF (insulated concrete forms) or masonry construction
Common wind-resistant features of a home
During a wind mitigation inspection, the inspector will be looking for specific features that can help your home resist wind damage. Here are some common wind-resistant features of a home:
Hurricane shutters
Hurricane shutters are an effective way to protect your windows from wind-borne debris during a storm. There are several types of hurricane shutters available, including roll-down shutters, accordion shutters, and panel shutters.
Reinforced windows and doors
Reinforced windows and doors are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. They are made of impact-resistant glass and are securely anchored to the frame.
Roofing materials
Roofing materials designed to withstand high winds include metal roofs, shingle roofs with a high wind rating, and tile roofs with a high wind rating.
Roofing attachments
Roofing attachments, such as hurricane straps or clips, help secure the roof to the walls of the home. These attachments can help keep the roof from being lifted off the home during high winds.
How to prepare for a wind mitigation inspection
To prepare for a wind mitigation inspection, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your home is ready for the inspection:
Clean up
Make sure that the inspector has easy access to all areas of the home that need to be inspected. Clear away any clutter or debris that might impede the inspection.
Provide documentation
Provide the inspector with any documentation you have on your home’s construction, such as building permits and inspection reports.
Be present
You should plan to be present during the inspection so that you can ask questions and get a better understanding of any issues the inspector identifies.
DIY wind mitigation tips for homeowners
There are several things you can do as a homeowner to make your home more wind-resistant:
Install hurricane shutters
As mentioned earlier, hurricane shutters are an effective way to protect your windows from wind-borne debris. You can install hurricane shutters yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Reinforce doors and windows
If you don’t have reinforced doors and windows, consider installing them. You can also reinforce existing windows and doors with impact-resistant film.
Secure loose items
Go around your property and secure any loose items, such as outdoor furniture, grills, and planters. These items can become dangerous projectiles during a storm.
Hiring a professional for a wind mitigation inspection
While there are some things you can do yourself to make your home more wind-resistant, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional for a wind mitigation inspection. A professional inspector will have the expertise and equipment needed to thoroughly assess your home’s wind resistance and identify any areas of vulnerability.
When hiring a professional inspector, be sure to look for someone who is licensed and insured. You can also ask for references and check online reviews to ensure that you are hiring a reputable inspector.
Understanding wind mitigation inspection reports
After the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a wind mitigation inspection report. This report will detail the inspector’s findings and recommendations for improving your home’s wind resistance.
The report will also include a wind mitigation verification form, which you can submit to your insurance company to receive discounts on your windstorm insurance premiums.
Wind mitigation insurance discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts on windstorm insurance premiums for homes that have undergone a wind mitigation inspection. These discounts can be significant, ranging from 10% to 45% off your annual premium.
To qualify for these discounts, you will need to submit the wind mitigation verification form to your insurance company. The discounts will be applied to your next policy renewal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conducting a wind mitigation inspection is an important step in maximizing your home’s safety and security. By identifying potential areas of vulnerability, you can take proactive steps to protect your home from high winds and other weather-related hazards. Whether you live in a hurricane-prone area or simply want to be prepared for any eventuality, a wind mitigation inspection can provide you with valuable information on how to make your home safer and more secure.
