Wind Mitigation

Up to 70% of home insurance premiums in Florida can be attributed to wind-damage risk according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. A wind mitigation inspection is needed to determine which credits apply to a home. During a wind mitigation inspection, the structure is checked for overall stability and to find structural improvements that will help prevent high wind damage to the property – windows and doors that are not impact rated, or protected by shutters for hurricane force winds, unsecured roofs, loose roof tiles, loose and broken gutters. Hurricane force winds cause roofs to collapse, windows to break, and doors to be blown off their hinges. Blair’s Property Inspections will check the roof, windows, doors, and the property’s overall structure so you can make the improvements that will protect the structure. Wind mitigation inspections save lives and are essential in finding homes and buildings that will be severely damaged by wind. Blair’s will check for dangerous structural issues that do not meet Florida’s building codes. A wind mitigation inspection brings you peace of mind and long-term savings on your homeowner’s insurance premiums. Wind mitigation is requested by insurance providers in all hurricane zones.

Wind Mitigation Saves You Money - Credits are applied to your insurance policy by your insurance provider based on the number of credits your home receives for each of these construction criteria. Insurance premium credits can save thousands of dollars.

Home Age - Due to increased hurricane activity, homes in Florida built after 2002 are built to a higher standard. More stringent building code requirements protect homes from high winds. If your home was built after 2002 you’ll receive an insurance premium credit.

Roofing Coverage - Insurance premium credits are applied based on the age of your roof. Blair’s inspector will check to see that your roof is not older than 2002 to ensure you qualify to receive this discount.

Roof Dock Attachment - The size of roof nails and their spacing impacts how your roof stands up to extreme winds. Blair’s inspector will document the nail size and spacing. If size 8d nails spaced 6 inches on center were used to build your roof, you will receive an insurance credit.

Roof to Wall Attachment - Having strong roof-to-wall attachments provides some of the greatest Wind Mitigation credits with your insurance provider. Double wraps are considered the strongest, followed by single straps and clips.  Toenails provide the least amount of protection and you won’t receive a credit with those.

Roof Geometry - Roofs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. To qualify for a Wind Mitigation discount, the roof shape must be at least 90 percent hipped. Gabled or flat roofs can’t account for more than 10 percent of the total perimeter measurement. 

Secondary Water Resistance - Underneath roof shingles is a secondary barrier that resists water and protects your home by keeping water out.  Depending on the barrier type, you can earn additional insurance premium savings.

Opening Protection - To qualify for a Wind Mitigation discount, every opening to your home must be hurricane rated.  This includes all windows, exterior doors, and garage doors. This protection helps to keep you safe and save you insurance premium dollars!