Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection also refered to as a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection is a wind insurance inspection that can give the home owner a discount in their Home owners Wind Insurance Policy. These Discounts can be substantial. The discounts from a wind mitigation inspection were first offered through the My Florida Safe Home program developed by the State of Florida to give home owners some relief in their insurance premiums. The State of Florida has mandated that certain items that give a home better wind protection should qualify for an insurance discount. A wind mitigation inspection must be performed by a Certified Wind Mitigation Inspector.

There are 8 different categories looked at on a Wind Mitigation inspection. Each of these categories is independent of each other and can qualify for discounts on their own merit. A home owner can not be penalized if one category is not to the most current building code, but can get a discount if others are. The current industry standard used is the 2001 Florida Building Code. This building code went into effect on March 1, 2002 and affects any new construction or upgrades performed that had a building permit issued after March 1, 2002.

1. Roof Covering: When was the roof installed and does it conform with the 2001 Florida Building Code?
2. Roof Deck Attachment: What type of roof decking is on the home and how is it attached? Is the roof decking stapled or are nails used? If nails are used, what are the lengths of the nails and how far apart are they?
3. Roof to Wall Attachment: Is the roof truss system attached with toe nailing, hurricane clips, single wrapped strapping or double wrap strapping?
4. Roof Geometry: Is the roof a Hip roof or an other type of design? A Hip roof is shaped like a pyramid on all four sides of the home. Any actual wall on the home can not be less than 50% Hip design to qualify for this rating.
5. Gable End Bracing: If the roof is a Gable style, is the Gable end braced to the 2001 Florida Building Code standard? Any gable end that is more than 48 inches should be braced to qualify for this possible discount.
6. Wall Construction Type: How is the home constructed? Is it a wood frame home, was the home built with masonry and if so is it steel reinforced? What percentage of each construction type was used?
7. Secondary Water Barrier: Does the home have a secondary water barrier installed on the roof? This is a newer item and if your roof was installed or upgrade prior to October of 2007, you more than likely will not have this covering. Documentation from your roofer or pictures of the installation are required to qualify for this possible discount.
8. Opening Protection: Is there wind borne debris protection installed on the home? If so, what is the rating associated with the protection devises? To qualify for this potential discount, 100% of all openings need to be covered with Hurricane rated protection.

The wind mitigation inspection proccess is fairly simple and uninvasive. A look at the roof, a quick tour of your attic, a reveiw of any documentation on your roof or storm protection, some pictures, then we go over the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form together and you are on with your day.