Understanding Florida Wind Mitigation Requirements for Home Insurance
Are you aware of the Florida Wind Mitigation Requirements and how they can impact your home insurance in Lake City and the surrounding area? It's important to know what these requirements entail and how you can ensure that your home meets the necessary criteria.
What is Wind Mitigation?
The Florida Wind Mitigation, also referred to as the Florida Uniform Wind Mitigation Report, consists of a standard form with 7 questions. Each question provides an opportunity for homeowners to receive discounts on their insurance premiums based on specific features of their property.
While there are no strict requirements or codes to meet, each question presents a potential discount for homeowners.
Maximizing Florida Wind Mitigation Requirements/Discounts
To make the most of these requirements and secure the available discounts, it's crucial to understand each question. Let's delve into each question and explore how you can maximize your discount.
Florida Building Code
The first question pertains to the Florida Building Code. If your home's permit application was filed after March 1st, 2002, you qualify for this discount. However, if your home was built before this date, you won't be eligible for the discount.
Roof Decking Attachment
The roof decking attachment refers to how your roof decking is connected to the trusses. Typically, a new roof automatically qualifies for the largest discount available. However, older roof styles may not meet the criteria, necessitating a roof replacement to secure a larger discount. Consulting a home inspector or utilizing additional resources can help you determine your roof deck attachment.
Roof to Wall Attachment
This question focuses on how your roof is connected to the exterior walls of your home. Discounts are available for various attachment methods, such as clips, single wraps, structural attachments, and double wraps. Clips are the most common attachment method that qualifies for a discount. If your home has "toenails," you won't be eligible for this discount and will need to retrofit your roof to meet the requirements. Older homes often have toenails, especially those built before 1980.
Roof Geometry
Your roof geometry cannot be altered without significant investments. To qualify for this discount, your home's roof must have more than 90% hip shape. Home inspectors measure the perimeter of all roof shapes to determine the percentages. A hip roof slopes straight down towards the eave, distinguishing it from roofs with peaks or flat surfaces.
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
All roof installations require a secondary water barrier, but not necessarily a resistant barrier. A secondary water resistance (SWR) is a peel-and-stick layer that adheres to your roof decking. It waterproofs the holes created by shingle nails. To determine if your roof has an SWR, consult a home inspector or your roofer. If you don't have an SWR, you'll need to replace your roof to qualify for this discount.
Opening Protection
This discount category often causes confusion. To receive the discount, all windows must have an impact-rated shutter or be impact-rated themselves. This includes window inserts in doors or garage doors, as well as sliding glass doors. It's important to note that the impact rating must be documented as "Large Missile Impact Rated." Any windows without proper documentation will not qualify for the discount.
In summary, wind mitigation requirements can be complex, and even some contractors may struggle to understand them fully. However, at High Mark Inspections, LLC, we have a comprehensive understanding of wind mitigation inspections and can assist you in saving money on your home insurance in the Lake City Area. If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call 386-361-8040
