A wind mitigation inspection is a visual examination of the condition of your roof and the techniques used during its construction. It analyzes the ability of your home to resist wind-related damage, including damage from hurricanes, storms, and high winds. During a wind mitigation inspection, a certified inspector checks your homes wind-resistant features, such as door/window coverings, the way your roof is attached to your home, and how your roof is sealed to prevent water from entering. The inspection looks at seven key areas of your roof to determine its ability to withstand strong winds and water intrusion. These areas include:
- Roof covering
- Roof deck attachment
- Roof-to-wall connection
- Roof shape
- Secondary water resistance
- Opening protection
- Garage doors
Legally, wind mitigation inspections can only be performed by a licensed general contractor, building contractor, architect, engineer, building inspector, or home inspector. Certified home inspectors are typically used for most wind mitigation inspections. The inspection usually takes around an hour to complete, and the cost typically ranges from $75 to $150, depending on where you live. The wind mitigation report will examine the seven areas mentioned above and provide recommendations for improvements that can be made to your home to increase its wind resistance. Wind mitigation inspections can result in substantial savings on homeowners insurance, as they can determine whether your home has features that drastically decrease severe property loss from hurricane wind.