Wind mitigation

As a homeowner in Florida, it's important to understand the purpose of the "wind letter" or "wind mitigation form" provided by your insurance agent. Officially known as the "Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form," this document serves to verify the hurricane-resistant structural features of your home. By doing so, you may be eligible to receive insurance discounts on the windstorm portion of your homeowner's policy.

It's worth noting that you cannot conduct this inspection on your own. Instead, it must be carried out by a Florida-licensed contractor, home inspector, architect, or engineer. They will thoroughly examine your home and take photos of any wind-resistant features found during the inspection.

During the inspection, the professional will review various aspects of your home's construction. This includes the roof covering, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall attachment, roof geometry, secondary water resistance, and opening protection. To meet the standards set by the 2001 Florida Building Code, your roof should be structurally sound and securely attached to the trusses or rafters. The roof deck (typically made of plywood) must also be properly attached to the trusses or rafters. Additionally, the trusses or rafters must be securely attached to the wall. A hip roof (one sloped inward on all sides) is ideal for hurricane resistance. While not typically installed in residential construction, secondary water resistance can earn you a discount. Lastly, the inspector will check whether hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors have been installed.

If you'd like to learn more about pricing for inspections or have any other questions, please don't hesitate to visit our contact us page or click on the icon to the right.