The Importance Of Wind Mitigation In Central Florida

Florida may be known as The Sunshine State, but it could also just as easily be dubbed The Hurricane State – and there are numerous tropical storms, tornados, and smaller scale wind storms throughout the year that can also do damage to your home if it’s under-protected.

Wind mitigation is the process of making changes and upgrades to your dwelling place, other structures, and lot that will prevent or minimize wind damage.

Wind is one of the three major forces that commonly cause property damage in Florida (the other two being water and fire), and you can save substantially on your homeowner’s insurance if you can prove that your home is less likely to be damaged by high winds.

Why Invest In Wind Mitigation For Your Florida Home?
The fact is that, in Florida, some 15% to 70% of your home insurance premium is based on the relative risk of wind damage. Thus, it isn’t really surprising that having your home looked at by a professional wind mitigation inspector can save you big on monthly premiums.

You would be surprised at how much damage even winds below hurricane level (25 to 100 mph) can do – and hurricane winds, of course, pose an even greater risk. Adding safety features, adjusting construction where practical, trimming back overhanging tree limbs, and removing deadwood and debris from your property can all reduce wind damage risk.

But there’s another reason to invest in wind mitigation – for safety’s sake. Your family could be at risk in a major wind storm. And that means inestimably more than even preventing property damage and saving on insurance premiums.

Wind Mitigation In Action
The first step toward mitigating wind damage to your home is getting a wind mitigation inspection. But the next step is listening to the report and implementing any recommended changes.

Installing hurricane shutters and hurricane straps (on the roof) will help fend off airborne debris during a hurricane. Shatter-resistant windows and hurricane rated doors (and garage doors) are also recommended.

The home’s overall structure can be made more wind resistant by reinforcing the connection between walls and roof and by “anchoring” your home more firmly to its foundation. The overall effect is to create a roof-to-foundation load path that prevents the wind from lifting your home apart piece by piece.

In connection with wind protection, you should also ensure you have proper water barriers on your home. Sealing the roof decking, for example, helps prevent water damage due to leaks caused by torn off shingles and other forms of wind damage.

What To Expect In A Wind Mitigation Inspection
A “wind inspection” will consist of two major parts: inspecting your home’s exterior and its attic. The inspector will work around your home and throughout your attic in an orderly, thorough manner, checking all relevant features and details.

Proof of your roofing’s age and material type will have to be had. The roof’s shape, the strength of roof to wall connections, and the way the roof deck is attached to the house will all be looked at.

All windows, doors, skylights, and other openings will be investigated and rated for wind resistance.

Inside the attic, you will need to have “hurricane straps” reinforcing the roof-wall connection points to achieve “hurricane rated” status. Hurricane straps must be on every roof truss, have sufficient nails, and not be rusted.

To learn more about how to protect your home from wind damage, or to get a free wind mitigation inspection quote, contact Super Inspection Pros in Central Florida today!

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