What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is an evaluation of your home’s features that may help it withstand high winds. A qualified inspector examines various parts of the home and documents features designed to help protect against wind damage.
Depending on your location and the inspection requirements in your area, the inspection may document features such as:
- The roof covering and design
- How the roof is attached to the rest of the home
- The connection between the roof and walls
- Windows, doors, and garage doors
- Protection against water intrusion
- Building code features
After the inspection, you receive a report detailing the wind-resistant features identified at your home. You can provide this report to your insurance agent to determine whether you qualify for any available homeowners insurance discounts.
Why Get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection can give you a better understanding of how your home may perform during a severe wind event. It can also identify features that may help limit the potential for wind-related damage.
For many homeowners, the possibility of saving money on homeowners insurance is another reason to schedule an inspection. Depending on your location, insurance company and home’s features, you may qualify for a discount or credit based on the results of your inspection.
Tower Hill offers a variety of premium discounts for covered properties with documented windstorm mitigation features. The discounts available may depend on the specific features present at your property and the documentation provided.
Insurance discounts vary, so an inspection does not guarantee that your premium will decrease. Talk with your insurance agent to learn how a wind mitigation inspection could affect your policy.
What Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Look At?
The specific features evaluated during a wind mitigation inspection can vary based on local requirements. However, the inspection generally focuses on parts of the home that can influence its ability to resist high winds.
Roof Features
The roof is an important part of your home’s wind resistance. An inspector may document the type of roofing material, its age and other characteristics that could affect its performance during high winds. The design of your roof may also be considered. Certain roof shapes can be better suited to withstand wind forces than others.
Roof Connections
A wind mitigation inspection may also examine how different parts of your roof are connected. The inspector may look at how the roof deck is attached to the home’s structural framework and how the roof connects to the walls. These connections help transfer wind forces through the structure of the home.
Windows, Doors and Garage Doors
Openings in your home can be vulnerable during a hurricane or severe windstorm. Windows, exterior doors and garage doors may be evaluated to determine what type of protection they provide against high winds and flying debris. The inspection report may document features such as impact-resistant products, shutters or other forms of opening protection.
Water-Resistant Features
A damaged roof can allow water to enter your home during a severe storm. Some homes have additional features designed to provide protection beneath the primary roof covering. A wind mitigation inspection may document whether your home has a sealed or reinforced roof deck or another form of secondary water resistance.
Building Features and Construction Standards
The age and construction of your home may also be relevant to a wind mitigation inspection. The inspector may evaluate features related to applicable building codes and construction standards. If you have made improvements to your home, keep documentation such as building permits and records of completed work. This information may help verify when certain upgrades were made.
Can a Wind Mitigation Inspection Lower Your Insurance Premium?
A wind mitigation inspection may help you qualify for a homeowners insurance discount if your home has qualifying wind-resistant features.
The amount of any potential savings depends on factors such as:
- Your home’s wind-resistant features
- Your location
- Your insurance company
- The discounts available in your area
- Your policy and coverage
The best way to find out whether you qualify for a discount is to speak with your insurance agent and provide them with your completed wind mitigation inspection report.
How to Prepare for a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Before your inspection, gather documentation related to improvements that may affect your home’s wind resistance.
This may include records related to:
- Roof replacements
- Building permits
- Impact-resistant windows and doors
- Storm shutters
- Other structural improvements
You should also make sure the inspector can access areas that may be needed during the inspection, including your attic if applicable.
Protect Your Home and Potentially Save on Insurance
A wind mitigation inspection can help you understand the features that may help protect your home from high winds. It may also help you identify improvements that could make your home more resilient and potentially qualify you for a homeowners insurance discount.
If you are considering a wind mitigation inspection, talk with your insurance agent to learn more about the process and how the results could affect your homeowners insurance coverage.
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