Florida wind mitigation credits can truly save money on home
insurance premiums. In fact, inspections are essential for properties located
in coastal and seaside areas. While the Sunshine State is synonymous with
immaculate weather and countless nautical activities, it is also home to some
of most fierce tropical storms and hurricanes. No truer is this then when it
comes to the summer and fall seasons. From torrential downpours and hail to
heavy thunder and lighting, Florida weather is simply unpredictable at best.
With timely home inspections, however, owners can reap the benefits of true and
significant savings.
Saving Money on
Homeowners Insurance
Florida wind mitigation is designed to assess the readiness
of commercial and residential properties. This, of course, relates to their
preparedness in tackling windstorm damages and losses. Since wind velocity
changes at a moment’s notice, it is simply impossible to determine how much
irreparable harm and damage it can cause. To effectively secure, protect, and defend
your properties from soaring wind, wind mitigation inspections are vital. While
not required by mortgage lenders or insurance firms, wind mitigation can save
homeowners money. Even though Florida wind mitigation is optional in nature, it
is also recommended by a number of industry experts and insurance agents.
The Process
Wind mitigation encompasses four important steps. As part of
the intricate and detailed process, comprehensive inspections are utilized and
implemented to secure timely and effective results. This includes the
respective property’s electrical system, along with plumbing, HVAC, and
especially roofing. The latter is exceptionally susceptible to wind damage due
to its exterior positioning. From shingles and rafters to drainage pipes, wind
damage can seriously impact the value and even foundation of any home. This is
why inspections play a key role in determining wind protection for homes and
businesses. Furthermore, owners do receive substantial savings and discounts on
their insurance policies. These credits can even be used for purchasing
anti-wind deflectors and other components designed to safeguard properties.
The Rundown
While Florida wind mitigation inspections have been around
for years, they really came to light a few years ago. This, of course, was due to the busy and
active hurricane seasons, which saw Charley, Ivan, Katrina, and Rita, wreak
havoc over several Gulf States. Hit especially hard were Florida and Louisiana,
along with Texas and Mississippi. As a result of these devastating and life
changing storms, countless insurance companies went bankrupt due to
overwhelming claims and reparation costs. Several insurance firms and agencies
also left the Gulf Coast area, which rendered countless homeowners simply
helpless and without any hopes of rebuilding. Even with sporadic help from FEMA
and other federal agencies, something had to be done—and fast!
The Solution
As a way to counter the lasting effects of hurricanes and
natural disasters, several agencies and insurance firms worked together to
introduce new concepts for residential and commercial property protection. This
included wind mitigation inspections, which would safeguard properties in
susceptible and targeted areas. As a benefit for homeowners, dramatic decreases
in insurance premiums would be granted for those that secured wind mitigation
services. Today, these inspections continue to soar and expand across Florida
and several states. More insurance companies are also insuring homes that have
undergone stringent wind testing and protocols.
Florida First
Florida is a forerunner in wind mitigation credits and
inspections. In fact, it was the Orange State that first mandated insurance
firms to offer reduced insurance premiums for homeowners back in 2006. This, of
course, was after fully certified and qualified experts inspected a myriad of
residential and commercial properties. Today, Florida continues to lead the
nation in the volume of wind mitigation tests, inspections, and solutions. With
Louisiana and other states not far behind, most inspectors have intricate
knowledge of home and business designs. Many also have extensive industry
experience in architecture, engineering, and contract work.
The Savings
As mentioned earlier, homeowners can save a bundle on
insurance premiums and costs. Since all properties differ, however, savings
depends on the features each home or business has. Inspectors not only check
the interiors of brick and mortar structures; they also check the interiors as
well. This helps them effectively pinpoint any susceptible areas that need
immediate addressing. After evaluating, analyzing, and assessing wind
mitigation characteristics, a detailed report of all findings will be presented
to the owners and their respective insurance companies. These reports, of
course, will include timely recommendations for improvements, along with tips
and suggestions on repairs. This vital information helps make properties truly
formidable against wind damages, while helping them sustain the wrath of Mother
Nature.
After state inspection reports are filed and sent to your
insurance agency, you can possibly save up to 30% on insurance costs and
payments. This comes out to a few hundred dollars and well over $1,000.00 per
year on insurance premiums.
The Inspection
Florida wing mitigation entails several crucial aspects. In
fact, the process is time-consuming, however, designed to help fortify homes
against the damages of wind and other weather elements. In a nutshell, the
inspection process consists of the following:
- Roof coverings – Roof coverings are checked to see if they meet building and housing codes. The inspector must also know when the roof and its components were installed. This helps determine if they meet the codes standards, which were set in place back in 2001.
- Roof attachments – Inspectors will check to see which type of roof decking is being utilized. They will also check to see how they are attached to the overall structure. For example: if they are nailed down as opposed to stapled, all nails and components will be charted and noted.
- Roof and Wall attachments – Inspectors must determine how secure your roof is. This includes single or double wraps, along with how the trusses are attached.
- Roof Design – Roof designs play a pivotal role in how much savings you can secure. Typically, pyramid shaped styles usually qualify for extensive discounts. This is not to say, however, that other roof shapes and styles do not qualify—it simply depends on the features and components in question.
- Gable End Bracings – For gable style roofs, inspectors will check to see if they meet the Florida Housing Code standards. This includes all current measurements, along with which areas need re-fortification and reinforcement.
- Wall Construction – Florida wind mitigation experts also review the materials utilized in and out of your home. This includes framings, along with reinforced areas and outer fascia. This helps them determine if your home has steel reinforced blocks, which are better than conventional and traditional plywood and plastic siding.
- Water Barriers – Water barriers are relatively new for traditional and contemporary rooftops. If your roof was installed before 2008, chances are you simply do not have this type of barrier. Photos will be taken to see if these barriers exist, which also help secure timely discounts.
- Openings – Inspectors check shutters and other devices to see how well they stand up to airborne agents and wind based debris. This includes doors, windows, weatherproofing, and other components. They also check the ratings for these devices, along with which ones require immediate hurricane protection to qualify for discounts.
Florida Wind
Mitigation
While Florida wind mitigation is not mandatory, these steps
are vital in ensuring high cost-savings per year. According to industry
experts, wind mitigation can prevent irreparable harm and damage during the
hurricane and storm season. Since Florida is nestled within a tropical
environment, storms and torrential downpours can happen at any time. Without
sufficient and adequate protection, properties will simply not be able to
sustain damages from windstorms and other acts of nature. If you choose not to
secure wind mitigation, you may incur extensive out of pocket expenses for home
and business structure repairs. Why take a chance on devaluation your property
when wind mitigation experts are merely a phone call or e-mail away? If you
truly value your Florida home or business, now is the perfect time to have to
have expert home inspections done at cost-affordable rates.
Owner Testimonials
If you are unsure about wind mitigation services, simply
check the Web. The Internet features countless testimonials from home and
business owners that have undergone timely and effective inspections. Not only
have these inspections safeguarded their properties, they have also brought to
light all the recent developments and changes in Florida building and housing
codes. Furthermore, property owners have been able to implement cutting edge
and innovative protection techniques that have increased the overall values of
their properties. The best part in all of this, of course, is the number of
insurance premiums discounts and rebates owners have been able to secure.
Whether for traditional or contemporary units, wind mitigation goes a long way
in protecting the interiors and exteriors of any residential or commercial
structure.
For more information on Florida wind mitigation checks,
simply contact your local experts. You can also speak to your home insurance
agency, as well as the local residential association for more tips and
suggestions. This will help you make a worthwhile and informed choice about the
future of your property.
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