Wind Mitigation Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection (Also known as an OIR-1802) is an insurance inspection that can give the home owner a discount in their Home Owner Wind Insurance.  Depending on the insurance company, these discounts can be from just a couple of dollars a year to many hundreds of dollars.  These discounts were first offered through the My Safe Florida Home program developed by the State of Florida to give home owners some relief in their insurance premiums.  The State of Florida has mandated that certain items that give a home better wind protection should qualify for an insurance discount.

There are 8 different categories looked at on a Wind Mitigation inspection.  Each of these categories is independent of each other and can qualify for discounts on their own merit.  A home owner can not be penalized if one category is not to the most current building code, but can get a discount if others are.  The current industry standard used is the 2001 Florida Building Code.  This building code went into effect on March 1, 2002 and affects any new construction or upgrades performed that had a building permitted issued after March 1, 2002.  Most home built in early 2002 had permits issued in late 2001 and do not necessarily qualify for these discounts automatically.  Just because your home does not meet the 2001 Florida Building code, it does not mean that there is a problem with the construction.  Building codes change all the time and since 2001 have changed again.

All items that are checked with the Wind Mitigation Inspection that have been added or upgraded for wind protection and needs to have documentation as to when they were purchased and installed.  The follow categories are checked:

1. Roof Covering:  When was the roof installed and does it meet the 2001 Florida Building code?
2. Roof Deck Attachment:  What type of roof decking is on the home and how is it attached?  Is the roof decking stapled or are nails used?  If nails are used, what are the lengths of the nails and how far apart are they?
3. Roof to Wall Attachment:  Is the roof truss system attached with toe nailing, hurricane clips, single wrapped strapping or double wrap strapping?
4. Roof Geometry:  Is the roof a Hip roof or an other type of design?  A Hip roof is shaped like a pyramid on all four sides of the home.  Any actual wall on the home can not be less than 50% Hip design to qualify for this rating.
5. Gable End Bracing:  If the roof is a Gable style, is the Gable end braced to the 2001 Florida Building Code standard?  Any gable end that is more than 48 inches should be braced to qualify for this possible discount.
6. Wall Construction Type:  How is the home constructed?  Is it a wood frame home, was the home built with masonry and if so is it steel reinforced?  What percentage of each construction type was used?
7. Secondary Water Barrier:  Does the home have a secondary water barrier installed on the roof?  This is a newer item and if your roof was installed or upgrade prior to October of 2007, you more than likely will not have this covering.  Documentation from your roofer or pictures of the installation are required to qualify for this possible discount.
8. Opening Protection:  Is there wind borne debris protection installed on the home?  If so, what is the rating associated with the protection devises?  To qualify for this potential discount, 100% of all openings need to be covered with Hurricane rated protection. 

Contact Thomson Home Inspections, Inc. to schedule your Wind Mitigation Inspection today and start to get the insurance discounts that you deserve tomorrow!