One of the first things your inspector will want to determine is that your roof is up to code. If it was installed after 2001 you are probably fine here, as that is when the code was most recently updated.
2. Roof Deck Attachment
Your inspector will want to know what kind of roof decking is used and how it’s attached. Is it nailed down or stapled? How long are the nails are and how far apart are they spaced?
3. Roof Wall Attachment
Now it’s time to find out how well your roof is secured to the walls. Ideally the trusses will be double wrapped, but a single wrap or hurricane clips will result in savings as well. Your roof wall attachment is the second largest area of potential savings next to the roof geometry.
4. Roof Geometry
The ideal roof shape to mitigate against wind damage is a hip roof. Essentially a pyramid shaped roof where the sides all gently slope downwards to the walls. If your roof is shaped like this you will definitely see some big savings.
5. Gable Roof Bracing
If you have a gable style roof, then there are certain standards that it must adhere to. You won’t see the same level of savings with a gable roof as you would a hip style roof, but if it’s well constructed and up to code you could still save some money.
6. Wall Construction Features
Your inspector will need to determine the materials used in your wall. The sturdier your walls the more you’ll save. A steel reinforced concrete wall will yield more savings than a traditional brick construction for example.
7. Secondary Water Barriers
This is really not something you’d ever see in a roof installed prior to 2008, but if your roof was constructed anytime after that it may have a secondary barrier against water which will result in some wind mitigation credits.
8. Well-protected Openings
Does the home have hurricane shutters or hurricane rated door reinforcements? If so you will almost certainly see some savings. Just to reiterate, the installed protection devices must be hurricane rated and every opening must have protection in order to qualify for this wind mitigation credit.
So, what can we glean from this? Various features of the roof make up over half the list, so it’s clear that your roof is a key element in the mitigation of wind damage.
There isn’t a ton of low hanging fruit as far as something you can quickly and easily fix up to get some extra wind mitigation credits, but if the home was recently constructed there are likely savings to be had without any work on your part.
Super Inspection Pros has been performing wind mitigation inspections in Central Florida for years, so we know exactly what features to look for to get you the most in savings. Please contact us today to set up an appointment or to learn more about how we can save you money with a wind mitigation inspection.
