Wind Mitigation Report
A Wind Mitigation Report is a specialized inspection document used by Florida homeowners to assess and document their home's ability to withstand high winds from hurricanes and tropical storms. The report, formally known as the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), is critical because Florida law requires insurance companies to offer discounts for homes that have specific wind-resistant features.
The inspection focuses on key structural components that minimize wind damage, uplift, and water intrusion.
🔑 Key Features Evaluated in the Report
A licensed professional (like a certified home inspector, engineer, or contractor) examines and photographs seven main structural features of the home:
Building Code: The inspector checks the year your home was built, as properties constructed after stricter building codes (especially the 2001 or 2002 Florida Building Codes) are often assumed to have more wind-resistant features and qualify for automatic discounts.
Roof Covering: The age and type of the roof material (shingles, metal, tile, etc.) are documented. Newer roofs and those with high wind-resistance ratings often qualify for better discounts.
Roof Deck Attachment: This is how the roof decking (plywood or OSB sheathing) is secured to the rafters/trusses. Discounts are given for stronger connections, such as larger nails (e.g., 8d nails) used at closer spacing (e.g., 6 inches apart).
Roof-to-Wall Connection: This is the most crucial part, assessing how securely the roof frame is anchored to the exterior walls. Stronger connections transfer wind uplift forces safely to the ground. The inspector documents the presence of:
Toenails (Weakest)
Clips or Straps (Better)
Double Wraps (Best)
Roof Geometry (Shape): The roof shape affects how wind interacts with the home.
Hip Roofs (slopes on all four sides) perform best and receive the largest discounts.
Gable Roofs (two sloping sides and two flat end walls) are generally less wind-resistant.
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): This is a protective barrier installed under the main roof covering (like a membrane or sealed seams). This layer is designed to prevent water intrusion if the primary roof covering is blown off during a storm.
Opening Protection: This documents the presence and rating of protection for all openings that contain glass, including windows, glass doors, and skylights. Protection can include:
Impact-Rated (hurricane-resistant) windows and doors.
Approved shutters or panels (fabric, metal, or wood).
💰 The Benefit: Insurance Savings
The primary reason for getting a Wind Mitigation Report is financial savings. Insurance companies are required to offer significant premium discounts (often ranging from 10% to 45% or more) on the windstorm portion of your homeowner's insurance policy if your home has documented, qualifying wind-resistant features.
The report is typically valid for five years, at which point a new inspection is required to maintain the discounts.
A Wind Mitigation Report is a specialized inspection document used by Florida homeowners to assess and document their home's ability to withstand high winds from hurricanes and tropical storms. The report, formally known as the Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802), is critical because Florida law requires insurance companies to offer discounts for homes that have specific wind-resistant features.
The inspection focuses on key structural components that minimize wind damage, uplift, and water intrusion.
🔑 Key Features Evaluated in the Report
A licensed professional (like a certified home inspector, engineer, or contractor) examines and photographs seven main structural features of the home:
Building Code: The inspector checks the year your home was built, as properties constructed after stricter building codes (especially the 2001 or 2002 Florida Building Codes) are often assumed to have more wind-resistant features and qualify for automatic discounts.
Roof Covering: The age and type of the roof material (shingles, metal, tile, etc.) are documented. Newer roofs and those with high wind-resistance ratings often qualify for better discounts.
Roof Deck Attachment: This is how the roof decking (plywood or OSB sheathing) is secured to the rafters/trusses. Discounts are given for stronger connections, such as larger nails (e.g., 8d nails) used at closer spacing (e.g., 6 inches apart).
Roof-to-Wall Connection: This is the most crucial part, assessing how securely the roof frame is anchored to the exterior walls. Stronger connections transfer wind uplift forces safely to the ground. The inspector documents the presence of:
Toenails (Weakest)
Clips or Straps (Better)
Double Wraps (Best)
Roof Geometry (Shape): The roof shape affects how wind interacts with the home.
Hip Roofs (slopes on all four sides) perform best and receive the largest discounts.
Gable Roofs (two sloping sides and two flat end walls) are generally less wind-resistant.
Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): This is a protective barrier installed under the main roof covering (like a membrane or sealed seams). This layer is designed to prevent water intrusion if the primary roof covering is blown off during a storm.
Opening Protection: This documents the presence and rating of protection for all openings that contain glass, including windows, glass doors, and skylights. Protection can include:
Impact-Rated (hurricane-resistant) windows and doors.
Approved shutters or panels (fabric, metal, or wood).
💰 The Benefit: Insurance Savings
The primary reason for getting a Wind Mitigation Report is financial savings. Insurance companies are required to offer significant premium discounts (often ranging from 10% to 45% or more) on the windstorm portion of your homeowner's insurance policy if your home has documented, qualifying wind-resistant features.
The report is typically valid for five years, at which point a new inspection is required to maintain the discounts.