An important aspect of home ownership is making sure that everything is protected. Whether it’s your possessions or the property itself, making sure you are covered by insurance is a very important matter to get right. 

While there are many details to focus on when it comes to insurance coverage, one area that can be overlooked is wind mitigation.

This relates to wind resistant features of any home, and how well that will enable the property to withstand the effects of a storm. For homes or properties located in areas that are more prone to wind damage, having the right elements in place can be the difference between an acceptable insurance premium versus an outrageously expensive one.

One of the best ways to go about lowering your monthly premiums is to have an Orlando wind mitigation inspection.

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection All About?

In short, a wind mitigation inspection is where a licensed inspector checks and identifies factors that determine the overall wind resistance level of a property.

Both the exterior and the interior will be subjected to checks, and even the landscaping will come into play during the inspection. At the end of the day, the report will help homeowners understand just how well prepared the property is when it comes face to face with a potentially damaging storm. 

There are many areas to consider when it comes to wind mitigation, and it is not always just about hurricane-related upgrades and protection. 

To help you prepare for a wind mitigation inspection, here are all the important elements to look out for:

Roof Condition

The first line of defense, so to speak, is your roof. Knowing the conditions of your roofing, such as how long has it been installed, the wind-resistance rating of the material used, and more can give you a better idea if an upgrade is needed.

Roof Shape

When it comes to wind mitigation, the height, pitch, and even contour of the roof are important elements to note. Depending on where you are staying, a hip or gabled roof will be more suitable due to the wind patterns. 

Roof Deck Structure

The material used for the roof deck matters, and if the deck is attached to the roof structure with nails or staples. Even how far apart the nails are can be taken into consideration. 

Roof Wall Connection

You also have to note how your roof trusses and rafters are attached structurally to the building itself. Double wraps are always going to be better than singles, while hurricane clips are going to be a plus point during the inspection. 

Wall Construction

Moving on from the roof, we need to talk about the walls. How walls are framed, the materials used, and whether or not there is reinforcement in the form of steel or concrete all play a part in the final report. 

Additional Protections

There are other ways to protect yourself against the wind. Having closing shutters, impact-resistant glass, hurricane rated doors, windows, and more can contribute to a better overall wind-mitigation score. 

During The Inspection

Be ready with all the documents relating to your home, whether it’s related to your roof, doors, or shutters. The inspector will need to reference these documents and you might even want to go the extra mile and have photocopies ready.

Also make sure that areas like your attic are clutter-free so the inspector has full and easy access. Take note that the inspector will take photographs so you’d want to ensure that your home is generally free of clutter as these photographs will go to the insurance underwriter and you want to present a good and well maintained image of your home.

Conclusion

Of course, this is not the full list of what inspectors will look at. However, getting these factors right and sorted out can make a world of a difference. Whether you are looking to lower your insurance premiums, or just making sure that you are well-protected when it comes to a storm, it most certainly does not hurt to get a wind mitigation inspection done.