HOW IT WORKS

  1. Building code:

    The first question on all Florida mitigation inspections forms asks whether your home was built in compliance with the Florida Building Code 2001 or later or South Florida Building Code 94.

  2. Roof covering:

    This question asks about the type of roof coverings your home has – asphalt / fiberglass shingle; concrete or clay tile; metal; built up; membrane; or other. If your roof has been replaced recently, provide the permit you had for the construction; it will help the inspector assess your roof. The inspector will also determine whether your roof coverings are approved by Florida building codes at the time of installation.

  3. Roof-deck attachment:

    This part will determine how well your roof deck is secured to the truss/rafter and the strength of the attachment. The inspector will even look at the length of the nails that attach the roof sheathing to the roof truss / rafter – the longer the nails (8d are the longest) and the closer they are together (6 inches is preferred), the better.

  4. Roof-to-wall attachment:

    This indicates how well your roof is attached to the walls of your home. There are eight types of connections: (A) toenails, (B) clips, (C) single wraps, (D) double wraps, (E) anchor bolt, (F) other, (G) unknown, and (H) no attic access. Double wraps are considered the strongest type of connection; toenails are considered the weakest.

  5. Roof geometry:

    This is the shape of your roof and it has a big impact on how well your home withstands strong winds. The Inspector will distinguish between three roof shapes: hip roof, flat roof, and other. Hip roofs slope down on all sides and help resist clashes with hurricane winds. For that reason, they tend to get a bigger premium discount.

  6. Secondary water resistance:

    This part of the inspection determines if your home has a protective layer under the primary layer of the roof (like the shingles). Think of it as that light rain jacket you wear even though you have an umbrella. The inspection form will note whether your roof has SWR or not.

  7. Opening protection:

    The final part of the wind mitigation inspection form considers “glazed openings” ( openings with windows or glass) and “non-glazed openings” ( entry doors and garage doors) and how impact resistant they are. For instance, we will check for shatterproof windows, bracing on the garage door, hurricane-rated doors, and storm shutters. Without these measures, flying debris can compromise your home’s pressure barrier.