Wind Mitigation Inspections

Wind Mitigation Inspections – Protect Your Home and Save on Insurance

In Florida, where severe weather is a common concern, a Wind Mitigation Inspection is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your home from hurricane damage. At Intracoastal Home Services, we specialize in Wind Mitigation Inspections, helping homeowners reduce the risk of storm damage while potentially lowering their homeowners’ insurance premiums.

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A Wind Mitigation Inspection assesses your home’s ability to withstand the high winds from hurricanes or tropical storms. During this inspection, we evaluate the key features of your home that are designed to resist wind damage, including the roof, windows, doors, and overall structural integrity. Insurance companies often offer discounts for homes with enhanced wind-resistant features, making this inspection not only essential for safety but also for potential savings.

We perform our Wind Mitigation Inspections in compliance with Florida’s guidelines and adhere to the InterNACHI Standards of Practice to provide you with a detailed, accurate evaluation.

What We Inspect:

1. Roof Covering
   We examine your roof’s material, age, and condition to determine its resistance to wind damage. Specific materials, such as impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing, can greatly improve your home’s wind mitigation. We also assess the roof-to-wall attachment, checking for hurricane straps, clips, or other securements that improve the roof’s ability to stay in place during high winds.

2. Roof Shape and Design
   The shape and slope of your roof play a role in its ability to resist wind uplift. We check whether your roof has a gable, hip, or other design, as certain roof shapes offer better resistance to high winds.

3. Windows and Doors
   We inspect the types of windows and doors in your home, particularly the presence of impact-resistant glass, shutters, or other protective measures. Homes with hurricane-rated windows or storm shutters are better protected against flying debris during storms.

4. Garage Door
   Garage doors are often a weak point in homes during hurricanes. We check whether your garage door has been reinforced to withstand high winds. Older or non-reinforced doors are more likely to fail during a storm, leading to potential damage to the home.

5. Exterior Walls and Connections
   The structural integrity of your home’s exterior walls and the connections to the roof and foundation are critical. We assess whether your home’s walls and roof structure are designed to work together to resist high winds.

6. Water Resistance
   We evaluate any features that can reduce the chance of water intrusion during a storm, such as proper sealing around windows, doors, and the roof. Preventing water damage is essential to ensuring that your home remains structurally sound after high winds.

Why Do You Need a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

• Insurance Savings: Many Florida homeowners are eligible for significant insurance discounts by making improvements to their home’s wind resistance. A Wind Mitigation Inspection report provides the documentation needed to qualify for these discounts, saving you money on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

• Storm Preparedness: Florida’s hurricane season can bring devastating storms, and a Wind Mitigation Inspection helps you understand how well your home is prepared to handle extreme winds. Knowing your home’s weaknesses allows you to take proactive steps to improve safety.

• Peace of Mind: After a Wind Mitigation Inspection, you’ll have a clear picture of your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. Whether you're buying a new home or looking to make upgrades to your existing property, this inspection gives you valuable insight into the storm-readiness of your home.