Windstorm mitigation refers to the process of strengthening a home against wind damage, particularly damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms, and documenting those protective features through an official inspection so your insurance company can apply any applicable premium discounts. Wind mitigation focuses on the structural and nonstructural features of a home that help prevent or reduce damage from high winds associated with severe storms.

In order to qualify, a licensed inspector will need to complete an inspection of the home and complete the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection form (OIR-B1-1802).

Wind mitigation forms are generally valid for up to five years from the date of inspection. However, this validity depends on the home’s characteristics remaining unchanged. If you replace your roof, modify the structure, or make other exterior changes that affect wind-resistant features, a new inspection may be required to maintain or potentially increase your discounts.

Residential building with red terracotta tiled roof, a palm tree on the left, and a street lamp under a blue sky with clouds.

High quality roof coverings, such as asphalt/fiberglass shingles, concrete or clay tiles, metal roofing, and others offer better protection from damage caused by wind, hail and debris, and may help to prevent leaks.

The roof deck attachment connects the trusses and the roof deck. Spacing the nails in compliance with the current Florida Building Code, and using specific sized nails helps to mitigate damage.

Clips, single straps/wraps and double straps/wraps connect the roof trusses to the walls of the house. These help to prevent the wind’s ability to pull up on your roof and provide more protection of your home from high winds.

Hip roofs are shaped like a pyramid, with downward slopes on all four sides. Hip roofs have been determined to be the most wind-resistant shape because the design makes it more difficult for wind to lift the roof.

Openings, including but not limited to windows, doors, sliding glass doors, skylights, and garage doors, can be a source of vulnerability during heavy winds. Installing impact-resistant windows and/or hurricane shutters may help prevent glass breakage during heavy windstorms.

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