A mitigation inspection, also referred to as a wind mitigation inspection and Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection form, is to determine the appropriateness of a particular structure's construction in the event of strong winds (hurricanes, tropical storms and other windstorm-related claims).

Florida was one of the first states to mandate that insurance companies offer some reduction in the insurance costs if a wind mitigation inspection is completed by a qualified inspector. A qualified inspector would be a licensed general contractor, building contractor, architect, engineer, building inspector or a home inspector.

All of the following types of structures could potentially qualify for wind mitigation inspections:

• Single Family homes

• Multi-family buildings

• Condominiums

• Townhomes

• Commercial Buildings

Wind mitigation discounts are applied towards the windstorm portion of your total insurance premium. The number of wind-resistive construction features present on your home, condo, or townhome (the more wind resistive features you have), the higher the total discount will be for your property. These discounts apply to both existing construction (condos and homes built prior to 2002) and new construction built to the new statewide Florida building code (FBC).

Inspectors will collect the following information on 7 key categories during their inspections:

• Building Code: The age of the home to determine what building code was in place at the time of construction

• Roof Covering: Inspectors want to know when the roof was installed and if it meets the Florida building code standard that was updated in 2001. A final roof permit is necessary.

• Roof Deck Attachment: Inspectors will determine what type of roof decking is used and how it’s attached to the underlying structure.

• Roof to Wall Attachment: Are the trusses attached with nails or hurricane clips? Are the wraps double or single?

• Roof Geometry: The shape of your roof based on percentages.

• Secondary Water Resistance: The barrier that prevents the roof from leaking if the shingles are blown off.

• Opening Protection: Inspectors are looking for shutters and installed-protection devices from wind-born debris for doors and windows. They also check the rating of the devices and 100% of ALL openings need to be covered with Hurricane-rated protection to qualify for this discount.

Lastly, all inspections must have color photos showing each feature listed on the Wind Mitigation inspection.

If you have any questions as to whether a wind mitigation inspection would benefit you, please feel free to contact us!