Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection

Whiting Roofing offers Florida-certified wind mitigation inspections. Contact us today if you need an inspection.

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection evaluates a home’s roof and structure to determine its ability to withstand strong winds and storms. Inspectors evaluate hurricane straps, roofing material, and other wind-resistant features. These inspections can help homeowners qualify for insurance discounts by proving their home meets safety standards.

Who Needs a Wind Mitigation Report?

Anyone with a home in Florida might need a wind mitigation report to check how well it stands up to hurricanes. It’s especially valuable for older homes, new buyers, those refinancing, or sellers looking to improve marketability. Although the most common reason a homeowner will get one is for the opportunity to save money on their insurance. Below are the main reasons to get a wind mitigation report:

Homeowners in hurricane zones that need lower premiums.
Owners of older homes needing critical structural upgrades.
New buyers checking their property for safety standards.
Individuals refinancing or selling to maximize property value.

Benefits of a Wind Mitigation Inspection and Report

Getting a wind mitigation inspection can save you money and ensure safety. It does this by helping lower insurance costs and protecting your home from storms. It identifies structural reinforcements that make your home safer and more durable in high winds.

What Is Inspected During the Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection looks at key features of your roof to determine how well it can withstand strong winds and storms. Inspectors focus on areas that impact wind resistance, water protection, and structural strength. Each component plays a role in keeping your home secure during extreme weather. Below, we’ll break down the most important elements of your roof that inspectors evaluate and why they matter.

Roof Shape

The shape of your roof plays a big role in how well it can handle strong winds. Hip roofs (which slope on all sides) are more wind-resistant than gable roofs (which have two sloping sides and flat vertical ends). Hip roofs help reduce wind pressure buildup, making them less likely to be damaged in storms.

Attachment Methods

Inspectors check how your roof deck is attached to the structure. They look at the type of nails or fasteners used and how far apart they are spaced. Stronger nails (like ring-shank nails) and closer spacing make the roof more resistant to high winds. Poor attachment can lead to the roof deck lifting or separating during a storm.

Underlayment

The underlayment is the protective layer between your roof deck and the shingles or tiles. Inspectors check whether waterproof materials, like self-adhering membranes or synthetic underlayment, are used. A high-quality underlayment helps prevent water leaks if the outer roofing layer gets damaged.

Hurricane Straps (or Clips)

These metal connectors help secure the roof trusses to the walls of the home. Inspectors check if the straps meet modern wind-resistant standards by ensuring they have at least three nails per strap. More nails create a stronger connection, preventing the roof from lifting off in high winds.

Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)

SWR is an extra layer of waterproofing that helps keep water out if the main roof covering is damaged. Inspectors look for self-adhering underlayment or special roofing materials that create an extra barrier against leaks. This protection is especially useful during hurricanes, when heavy rain and flying debris can damage roofing materials.

FAQ

Can you fail a wind mitigation inspection in Florida?

You can’t fail a wind mitigation inspection, but if your home lacks wind-resistant features, you may not qualify for insurance discounts.

Is a 4-point inspection the same as wind mitigation?

No, a 4-point inspection and a wind mitigation inspection are different. A 4-point inspection checks the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems to assess insurance risks. A wind mitigation inspection focuses on wind-resistant features like the roof, doors, windows, and structural reinforcements to determine insurance discounts.

Can Anyone Perform a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

No, a wind mitigation inspection must be performed by a licensed professional in Florida. Qualified inspectors include licensed general contractors, home inspectors, engineers, and architects. Always verify credentials before scheduling an inspection.

Understanding Wind Mitigation Credits

Wind mitigation credits are insurance discounts given to homeowners whose properties have features that reduce wind damage risk. These credits can lower your insurance premiums by proving your home has storm-resistant upgrades like impact-resistant windows, hurricane straps, and reinforced roofing. A wind mitigation inspection identifies these features and helps determine how much you can save on insurance.

How Long Do the Credits Last?

Wind mitigation credits typically last five years before a new inspection is required. However, if you make upgrades or improvements to your home’s wind-resistant features, you may be able to update your credits sooner and qualify for additional insurance savings. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm how long your credits will apply.

Why Choose Us for Your Wind Mitigation Inspection?

When it comes to wind mitigation inspections, choosing the right team makes all the difference. With over 75 years of combined experience, our licensed and insured roofers have the expertise to properly assess your home’s wind-resistant features. We take pride in providing accurate, thorough inspections that help homeowners maximize their insurance savings and storm protection.

Whiting Roofing: Licensed, Insured, and Backed by the BBB

Our commitment to quality and customer service has earned us an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. From Fort Lauderdale to Jacksonville, we serve homeowners across Florida with trusted, professional roofing services. With offices in Palm City (Martin County) and Mims (Brevard County), we provide repair, replacement, and maintenance roofing services. Schedule your wind mitigation inspection today!