Wind Mitigation Inspections and How They Prevent Homeowners From Damaging Their Homes
Wind mitigation is a process in which homeowners can receive substantial credits for outfitting their homes with windstorm mitigation features that withstand or are designed to reduce the strength of windstorms.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers financial incentives to homeowners who install wind mitigation features in their homes. These features include impact-resistant windows, storm shutters, and roofing materials resistant to high winds.
Wind Mitigation Inspections are required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for any property in a designated wind zone.
Inspections are necessary because they help identify potential safety hazards and prepare you for storm season. They also help you understand the risks of living in an area prone to extreme weather and what precautions should be taken. Wind Mitigation Inspectors have many tools at their disposal to help them determine if there is a problem with your home’s foundation, roofing, or siding.
What Is A Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is needed to determine which credits apply to a home. A wind mitigation inspection is a home inspection that provides the homeowner with information about how to reduce the risk of high wind damage. It is done by a professional home inspector and can be completed in one day.
A wind mitigation inspector is a certified inspector who looks for key features and add-ons that reduce the amount of high-speed wind damage to your home. A certified inspector will look for key features and add-ons that reduce the amount of damage.
What Type of Property Needs a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is required for a property before the insurance company will issue any coverage. The inspection will determine if the property has any vulnerable areas susceptible to wind damage. The properties that qualify for wind mitigation are in high wind zone areas.
A private inspector can perform a wind mitigation inspection. The type of property will dictate which kind of inspector should be used. If you are unsure if your property is in a wind zone, you can use FEMA’s map to find out.
Why Do Florida Homeowners Need Wind Mitigation?
Florida is a state with a high risk of wind damage, so most homeowners in Florida need wind mitigation. The probability of getting wind damage is higher in Florida than in other states because the state is hit by an average of 120 hurricanes per year.
Wind mitigation can help to reduce the cost of your insurance premiums by lowering your risk for hurricane-related damages. If you are interested in learning more about how to get wind mitigation for your home, contact professionals for an accurate wind mitigation price!
Wind Mitigation Techniques
Water Barrier
Water barriers are necessary to prevent water from getting into your home. When you seal your roof deck, or the layer in between the primary structure and the insulating layer of your roof, to prevent water, you can avoid leaks. Sealing your roof deck is essential because it is a significant source of water intrusion. If you leak into this area, it can lead to mold growth and severe structural damage. If you live in an area with massive winds, sealing your roof deck will help prevent water from getting into your home.
Anchoring
Anchoring reinforces your home’s walls to the roof and foundation to establish a continuous load path. The load path is the constant line that runs from a building’s roof to its foundation. The load path is essential because it provides a continuous channel for the wind to travel through, which helps reduce damage from strong winds. If there are any interruptions in this channel, such as gaps between walls and floors or loose connections at corners, the wind will have an easier time finding its way inside your home.
Window And Door Coverings
Windows and door coverings are a must for any building in an area prone to high winds. These can help protect windows and other openings from strong wind and flying debris.
Different types of window and door coverings can shield the building’s openings from harsh weather conditions. They are designed in various ways to protect against wind, rain, snow, sun, and other elements.
The following options are available to help protect windows and other openings from the impact of strong wind and flying debris:
- a) Window shutters
- b) Window film
- c) Storm panels
- d) Storm shutters
- e) Window guards
Shatterproof windows and storm shutters are popular for coastal homes because they protect them from high winds and flying debris. Hurricane-rated doors are recommended, especially for garages.
The hurricane season is in full swing, and it’s not too late to prepare your home for the next storm by contacting wind mitigation experts for a wind mitigation price quote for your home. As a Floridian, you know that hurricanes can be devastating. But the aftermath is not just about repairing your home. You need to prepare for the next storm and ensure you are ready when it hits.
