Wind mitigation inspection

Wind Mitigation Inspection: Protecting Your South Florida Home & Savings
Living in beautiful South Florida means enjoying sunshine and coastal living, but it also means being prepared for hurricane season and tropical storms. High winds pose a significant threat to homes, and unfortunately, this reality often translates into high homeowner's insurance premiums.
A Wind Mitigation Inspection is a crucial step South Florida homeowners can take to assess their home's ability to withstand high winds and potentially significantly reduce their insurance costs. At GreenFoot Home Inspections, our certified inspectors are experts in identifying the wind-resistant features of your property, helping you gain peace of mind and potential financial benefits.

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1. What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A Wind Mitigation Inspection is a visual examination of your home's key protective features designed to withstand or minimize damage from high winds, such as those experienced during hurricanes or tropical storms. Performed by a qualified and certified inspector, this assessment focuses on specific building components and construction techniques that meet state-recognized standards for wind resistance. The findings of this inspection are recorded on a standardized state form (currently the OIR-B1-1802).
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2. Why is this Inspection Important for South Florida Homeowners?
For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions like South Florida, a Wind Mitigation Inspection is incredibly valuable for several key reasons:

• Significant Insurance Premium Reductions: This is often the primary driver for homeowners. Florida law requires insurance companies to offer discounts to policyholders who have implemented wind-resistant construction features. The Wind Mitigation Inspection form provides the documented evidence your insurer needs to apply these credits, potentially leading to substantial savings on your annual premium.
• Identifies Vulnerabilities: The inspection not only documents existing protective features but can also highlight areas where your home might be vulnerable to wind damage. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about potential upgrades that could improve safety and further increase wind resistance.
• Increased Safety & Peace of Mind: Knowing that your home incorporates features designed to protect against high winds offers significant peace of mind during stormy weather. A more wind-resistant home is less likely to suffer severe damage, protecting your family and property.
• State Standardized Form: The inspection results are documented on the official State of Florida Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), which is recognized by all Florida insurance companies.

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3. What Does Our Wind Mitigation Inspection Cover?
Our certified inspectors conduct a thorough visual examination of your home's wind-resistant characteristics, covering the following key areas:

• Roof Covering: Type of roof material (shingles, tile, metal, etc.) and its approximate age.
• Roof Deck Attachment: How the roof sheathing (plywood or OSB) is attached to the roof trusses or rafters (e.g., nail type, spacing, size). Proper attachment is crucial for preventing the roof from peeling off.
• Roof-to-Wall Attachment: How the roof structure is connected to the exterior walls. This is one of the most critical factors, with discounts given for secure connections like hurricane clips or straps over basic nailing.
• Roof Geometry: The shape of your roof. Hip roofs (sloping on all four sides) generally perform better in high winds than gable roofs (sloping on two sides) and often qualify for larger discounts.
• Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): Whether a protective layer (like a "peel and stick" adhesive membrane) is installed directly to the roof deck, providing a secondary barrier against water intrusion if the primary roof covering is damaged.
• Opening Protection: Assessment of protective coverings installed on windows, doors, and skylights. This includes looking for approved impact-resistant glazing, storm shutters (panels, roll-downs, accordions, etc.), or other code-approved systems designed to prevent windborne debris from entering and pressurizing the home.
• Wall Construction Type: Examining the type of exterior wall construction (e.g., concrete block, wood frame, etc.), which contributes to the overall structural integrity.

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4. Your Inspection Report
Following the inspection, you will receive the official State of Florida Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), completed and signed by our certified inspector.
This report will clearly document all the wind-resistant features identified in your home, along with supporting photographic evidence for each inspected category. The form is specifically designed for submission to your homeowner's insurance provider.
Simply provide this completed form to your insurance agent, who will use it to calculate and apply any eligible wind mitigation discounts to your policy premium.
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Invest in the safety of your home and potentially reduce your insurance costs. Schedule your professional Wind Mitigation Inspection with GreenFoot Home Inspections today! Contact us at (786) 301-5677 or inspectors@greenfoothomeinspections.com to book your appointment.