Florida Statute 626.0629 requires insurance companies to offer Florida
homeowners “discounts, credits, or other rate differentials…” for construction
techniques that reduce damage and loss in windstorms. Florida home
insurance companies were required to submit filings by March 2003 that
provide for these wind mitigation discounts. The insurance company filings
began to take effect during 2003.
The purpose of a Wind Mitigation inspection is to identify and document
specific parts of the home and the manner it was constructed which would
harden the home when faced with hurricane force winds. The documentation
of the home inspection enables the homeowner to claim discounts or credits
for which the home already qualifies for.
The discount would be on the wind portion of the insurance premium,
however, they tend to be very substantial and they are annual discounts.
Another benefit of a Wind Storm Mitigation Inspection is that the home
inspection will identify any weak points which can be upgraded, making the
home more sturdy which may qualify the home for additional discounts.
What are we checking for?
Roof Covering: When was the roof installed and does it meet the 2001
Florida Building Code?
Roof Deck Attachments: What type of roof decking is on the home and
how is it attached? Was it stapled or are nails used? Is nails are used, what
are the lengths of the nails and how far apart?
Roof to wall Attachments: Is the roof truss system attached with toe
nailing, hurricane clips; single wrapped strapping or double wrap strapping?
Roof Geometry: Is the roof Hip, Gable, or Flat? A Hip
roof is shaped like a pyramid on all for sides of the home. Gable sections (in linear feet)
that are 10% or more of the perimeter classify the roof as gable. Flat roof areas
(2/12 pitch or less) that make up 10% or more of the roof square footage
classify the roof as Flat.
Gable End Bracing: If the roof is a Gable style, is the Gable end braches
to 2001 Florida Building Code standard? Any gable end that is more than 48
inches should be braced to qualify for this possible discount.
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?
Secondary Water Barrier: Does the home have a secondary water barrier
installed on the roof? Documentation from your roofer or pictures of the
installation is required to qualify for this possible discount.
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. All items that have been added or upgraded
for wind protection need to have documentation as to when they were
purchased and installed.