Author: Bill Daniel

It’s essential to have wind mitigation built into your home when living in Florida. With an average of one extremely damaging hurricane occurring here every two years, you need to know what parts of your home are designed to protect you and your investments. A wind mitigation inspection can help you understand your house’s current state and where you can improve it in the future.

What Is Involved in a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

It’s important to understand what parts of your home specialize in wind mitigation because you may be eligible for an insurance discount (and it keeps you and your family safer during natural disasters). During a wind mitigation inspection, the contractors will examine your home’s roof structure and determine what building features reduce wind damage. A homeowner over 18 must be present to allow the inspector access to your property and attic.

In addition to wind inspections, we offer home inspections, 4-point inspections, new construction inspections, water intrusion inspections, investor walkthroughs, advanced pool inspections, 11th-month warranty inspections, and commercial inspections.

Benefits of Wind Mitigation

Peace of Mind

The most crucial benefit of wind inspections is the ability to keep your home safe during natural disasters or even rough summer storms. The examination will show you where your home is strong in wind protection and where it needs some TLC. The best time to get a windstorm mitigation inspection is several months before the rainy season. This gives you enough time to adjust and upgrade.

Insurance Discounts

Most Floridians get mitigation inspections due to “wind mitigation credits,” special discounts insurance companies offer homeowners for their property’s wind-resistant features. Legally, your insurance provider has to provide you with a discount for a successful inspection (your home scoring a passing grade), and the more windproof your home is, the better the discount. These home features can score you discount credits:

• A new roof
• Long nails placed closely together
• Secondary water resistance
• Upgraded materials
• Highly rated doors, windows, and shutters

There isn’t a standard for how much you’ll receive back from your insurance company. Factors like your premium, insurance provider, and the age of your home can affect the credit. For example, insurance company X may offer you a 6% discount for long nails, but insurance company Y may only offer you 3%.

What Inspectors Look For

Our inspectors look at the structural qualities of your property while considering the Florida Building Code (FBC). Some of the items we look for are:

• Ratings on window and door openings
• Coverings (shingles, tiles, etc.)
• Roof decks that were installed with large nails and close spacings
• Secondary water resistance that prevents roof leakage
• Newly constructed homes built to the FBC since March 1, 2001
• Homes built to the South Florida Building Code after 1994

This list is similar to the list of home features insurance companies look for. Our inspectors will spend time considering your home’s roof, as it’s the first line of defense against rain, hail, wind, and flying debris. We’ll check for cracked or loose shingles, the shape and slope of your roof, and the state of the roof deck. If you have windows, chimneys, air vents, or upper doors on the roof, we’ll check for areas where water can get in.

Who Can Offer Windstorm Mitigation Inspections?

Windstorm mitigation inspections can only be performed by a licensed general contractor, home inspector, engineer, building contractor, or architect. Our inspector can perform the inspection and sign a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form for insurance purposes, but only if they complete training approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (which they have!). This training includes hurricane mitigation techniques and a proficiency exam.

How Long Do Wind Inspections Take?

On average, most mitigation inspections take just under an hour. The contractor will need access to the outside of the roof, the inside attic, and possibly documentation on when the home was built. They may need to take pictures, but this is only to verify the final report.

How Much Do Mitigation Inspections Cost?

Right now, our wind mitigation inspection cost is $95 when you only purchase the wind inspection. That price will drop to $65 if you bundle it with our full home inspection. Already had a full inspection done? Not a problem. We also offer a $95 wind mitigation & 4-point inspection combo. It’s a great deal, especially considering that most wind inspections cost over $100 or charge you by the hour.

Are Residential and Commercial Wind Inspections Different?

Residential and commercial wind inspections are mostly the same. For both cases, we send in an inspector to check the state and durability of the building’s roof. Both mitigation reports are good for five years, ensuring you get the insurance discounts you deserve.

The difference is that commercial inspections will take longer than residential, depending on the size of your building. A retail business with roughly the same square footage as a house will still take around an hour. Larger businesses and warehouses will take longer to ensure our contractor has time to perform the inspection properly.

Can You Improve Your Home’s Wind Mitigation?

You can improve wind mitigation on your house and surrounding land. Upgrading your roof is the first level of defense when protecting your home, while landscaping can be a helpful windbreak if you live in the right area.

Improving Your Roof

If you’re planning on getting a replacement roof, consider choosing durable materials that withstand stronger weather. For Florida, you’ll want something able to resist 110-mph winds and meets class F standards. This applies to roof coverings (shingles, tile, etc) and the roof deck. Once the roof deck is in place, install a secondary water barrier. This is one of the items we look for during our inspection.

If your roof is already built and you don’t plan on doing a major remodel anytime soon, consider roof-to-wall attachments. These attachments protect your roof from wind uplift. Select a double metal connector wrap with three or more nails on each side. Finally, purchase hurricane-grade coverings over windows and doors. Not only do the covers prevent physical damage to the windows, but they also help to prevent internal pressurization caused by broken windows and open doors.

Fortifying Your Yard

Believe it or not, there are ways you can improve your property’s wind mitigation using natural sources. Studies have shown that trees grown in groups often survive more hurricanes and high winds while protecting your home from flying debris. It’s common to worry about trees falling on your house or vehicles, but they don’t need to be located directly next to your home to give you the same protective benefits.

For Floridians further from the coast, you may want to look into densely growing shrubs with low crowns. They block more air than you think and can bend in the extreme wind instead of snap. These shrubs are best placed on the edges of the property along the north and northwest for summer storms and the south and southeast for hurricanes. Vegetation makes good windbreakers as long as they aren’t close enough to damage your home if they fall.

Do You Need a Windstorm Mitigation Inspection?

A wind inspection isn’t legally required if your home was built after 2002. Most insurance companies assume houses built after 2002 were built to meet roofing regulations and building codes, so they automatically receive credits. Not all insurance companies follow this rule, and you can call your insurance provider to ask.

Homes built before 2002 should be inspected if you want the insurance credit. Roofing building codes previous to 2002 did not require the same level of durability. In addition, homes more than 20 years old may have suffered damages that a mitigation inspection can bring to light.

What Other Inspections Should Your Home Have?

There are several inspections other than wind mitigation that can benefit your home. A few of the inspections we offer include full and comprehensive home inspections, 4-point inspections, and new construction inspections.

Complete Home Inspections & 4-Point Inspections

Buying a home can be daunting, but a state-licensed home inspector can make everything less stressful. Home inspections are a non-invasive visual examination of a potential home and are designed to identify defects or issues with the house. A complete home inspection includes the 4-point inspection (roof, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing).

We look at items such as the:

• Roof
• Exterior
• Basement, foundation, crawlspace & structure
• HVAC
• Fireplace
• Attic, insulation, & ventilation
• Doors, windows & interior
• Site grading and drainage
• Driveways, patios, porches & vegetation

New Construction Inspections

New construction inspections are designed to find potential flaws in recently completed buildings. Our inspectors will be on the project site as the building is being built, allowing us to catch problems before they can be finalized.

Wind mitigation inspections are essential in any coastal property. Whether it’s your family’s dream home, a rental property, or a building still in construction, it’s vital to know the structure’s ability to withstand high winds. Not only does it keep you safer, but it can qualify you for insurance credits. Call Hound Dog Home Inspections today for all of your home inspection needs. Our professionals are at your service.

Excess moisture in a home can lead to a range of problems, all of which require expensive repairs. Some of the telltale signs might include discoloration of the surfaces, water on window sills or around doors, and a moldy or musty smell. However, moisture intrusion isn’t always easy to spot, so getting a periodic water intrusion inspection is a good idea, especially if the property is old or if there is a history of damage.

A professional inspector has the tools and expertise to detect moisture that is hidden, so the problem can be solved before it causes any damage to the home’s structures. What’s more, the professional will be able to tell you how to fix the issue, and they will recommend good contractors in your area if extensive changes need to be made.

How Do I Check My House for Moisture? 

If you’re worried that there is moisture intrusion in your home or you’re looking to buy a new property, the easiest way to find out more is to hire a professional inspector. They will have moisture meters and other tools, which are specifically designed to detect moisture that might not be evident to the naked eye. It’s important to note that not all inspectors are experts at measuring water intrusion.

Always select a company that lists moisture intrusion inspections as one of their specialties, since they will be equipped with the right tools and knowledge. An expert will not only examine your walls, but they will also check the window frames, door frames, roof system, and decks. They might also be able to recommend a contractor who can make your home watertight so the problem doesn’t spiral out of control.

When to Get a Water Intrusion Inspection 

Water damage can be extremely hard and expensive to fix, especially if it has been building for a while. In addition to damaged structures, there might be a buildup of mold and other harmful substances. To prevent such problems in your home, it’s better to get an inspection as soon as you notice any changes to your structures.

What’s more, people who are looking to sell or buy a home might need to have their property inspected to determine whether repairs are necessary. If the house or apartment is very old, water intrusion is more likely, so getting an inspection on a regular basis could be a good way of reducing your overall maintenance costs and keeping the property in good shape.

You Suspect a Problem 

There are some telltale signs of water intrusion. If you notice any changes to your home, which can’t be explained by normal wear and tear, don’t hesitate to call your water intrusion inspectors. They can evaluate the situation and let you know whether you need to take any action. Some of the most common symptoms include discoloration on your walls or ceiling, moisture around the inside of your window sills or door frames, and swelling window sills.

Homes with water intrusion might also have a moldy or musty odor. If you smell something unusual, try to follow the scent to see where it originated. Knowing the approximate location of the problem helps your inspectors to perform their tasks more quickly. Homes with cracks in the exterior walls or very old windows are particularly at risk of moisture intrusion.

You Are Looking to Sell Your Home 

People who are selling their property might wonder whether getting an inspection is necessary or whether they should leave this to the buyer. In most cases, doing your own inspection is beneficial because it gives you more insight into the condition of your property. For example, the buyer might want you to reduce the price of the house, but if you know that there is no problem with water intrusion and that the home is in good shape, you can stand your ground.

Having all the information can also help you to decide what to do with your home. If there is a minor problem, it might be worth stopping the water intrusion and fixing any damage. This could increase the value of your home. However, if there is already major damage, you might decide that repairing the property would be too challenging. In this case, you can choose to accept a slightly lower price for your home because the buyer will have to sort out the intrusion.

You Are Looking to Buy a Home 

Most home sellers try to make their property look as good as possible. But beautifully displayed furniture, newly painted walls, and clean floors can be deceptive, and it’s often hard to tell whether a property is in good condition. If you don’t get a comprehensive inspection, you might run into structural issues, which could take thousands of dollars to fix.

In addition to your general home inspection, consider getting a water intrusion inspection done before you purchase the home. That way, you’ll know for sure whether there are any issues with excess moisture, and you can estimate the cost of the necessary repairs. This makes it easier for you to determine whether the home is a good purchase or not.

Your House Is Very Old 

Water damage is a growing problem in aging homes because structures start to corrode and disintegrate over time. If your property is more than fifty years old, getting a periodic moisture inspection could be a good idea. Your inspectors can walk through your building and check that there are no leaking pipes or disintegrated materials around your doors and windows.

It’s also important to consider the role of appliances in water intrusion. Many floods in people’s homes are caused by worn-out hoses in washing machines or other poorly maintained appliances. Always get your washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, and freezer inspected if you think there could be a problem, and replace them once they are no longer fully functional.

What Are the Consequences of Water Intrusion? 

Most types of water intrusion can be fixed, but unless you catch the problem early, you might have to spend thousands of dollars. The sooner you ask your inspectors to evaluate your property, the better for the home, your budget, and your health. Intrusions that are left too long can lead to dangerous situations, and they can cause mold, which impacts the health of the residents.

In addition to identifying moisture intrusion, your inspectors will also be able to determine what kind of water is entering your home and where it is coming from. This is helpful information because you might have to disinfect the property if the water is unclean or contaminated.

The Scope of the Problem 

Not every water intrusion is equally damaging. A small crack or leak in your roof, which hasn’t yet penetrated all the layers and has therefore not damaged the interior structures of your home, might only cost a few hundred dollars to fix. In contrast, a roof that has been damaged for a while might suddenly break during a heavy storm, in which case you might have to renovate an entire room in your home.

Homeowners sometimes have to pay a four or even five-figure amount to get this kind of issue fixed, and depending on the size and layout of the property, they might have to move out. If you want to prevent serious damage, don’t let water intrusion get out of control. Call your inspectors as soon as you notice the first symptoms of an issue, and ask them how you can get the problem fixed.

The Type of Water that Has Intruded the Home 

Another factor to consider is what kind of moisture has intruded your home. If you have a leak on your roof or in one of your walls, it’s likely that the water came from rain or moisture in the air. This makes cleaning it up and repairing the structures much simpler. However, some leaks allow dirty water, for example from your toilet or from your laundry, to seep into your home.

Even worse, people occasionally experience leaks related to the sewage disposal system. When dirty water intrudes a property, it can’t simply be cleared away and painted over. Instead, the area needs to be decontaminated because there could be harmful bacteria and viruses. This will prolong the process and cost more.

Mold 

People who live in a home that contains mold and dampness are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, and problems with their immune systems. If water intrusion isn’t detected and removed as soon as possible, mold can form, and it is very difficult to get rid of. You might have to hire professionals, who will access and remove the mold safely.

Water intrusion can have serious consequences if it is not addressed early on. Your home might have to be renovated, your appliances might have to be replaced, and if the damage is severe, you might even have to move out while your property is being worked on. Call us now at Hound Dog Home Inspections to book your water intrusion inspection. We can help you figure out whether there’s an issue and if so, how to fix it.