What is a Windstorm Inspection ?

The homeowners of South Florida can save money on their home owners insurance by having a windstorm inspection. The savings can be up to 45% of the yearly premium and may also be retroactive. This can amount to thousands of dollars in savings. The windstorm discount has been available for years, unfortunately too many homeowners are still unaware of it. The amount of the discount is determined by your roof and/or your window protection. First call your insurance agent and find out if having a Windstorm Inspection will save you money. Then contact us, Florida Master Home Inspectors, Inc., and order a Windstorm Inspection. We are qualified to fill out the Mitigation Verification Affidavits that your insurance agent needs to submit to get you a discount. We are licensed and certified and have performed thousands of Inspections, helping South Florida's homeowners save money for years.

The following items are building features that reduce wind damage
for which many insurance companies offer wind premium discounts.
To learn more about each of these categories, click on the
highlighted portion of the text.

1. Roof coverings, such as shingles that meet the FBC
Requirements.

                2. Roof decks that have been installed with large nails and close
spacing.

              3. Hurricane clips/straps that hold the roof structure to the walls.

                4. Protection of Openings such as windows and glass doors with
impact resistant glazing or other protection systems.

                       5. Secondary Water Resistance that prevents the roof from leaking if
the roof covering is blown off in a windstorm.

               6. Roof Design, Hip roofs seem to divert the stronger winds and
therefore sustain less damage.

                7. Garage Doors require reinforcement . Shutters have little value
when the garage door is not protected.

                 
 

What is a Four Point Inspection ?
After Hurricane Andrew, Insurance companies in Florida have been trying to encourage home owners to make their homes safer and reduce claims. Many insurance companies and the JUA (Joint Underwriting Association) now request 4 point inspections, which often include, but not limited to:

What is the insurance company looking for in these reports?
In a four point report we are certifying the components, that the four systems are in generally good working condition and fulfilling their intended function, and the life expectancy. If the home is an older home the insurance companies want to see that the systems have been updated. In a windstorm affidavit we are certifying the wind velocity and missile impact level the house will withstand.

Are there special forms ?
Florida Master Home Inspectors, Inc. has the necessary forms that comply with the insurance companies requirements.

Who can perform this type of inspection ?
A home inspector (full NACHI member and or a licensed electrician) can perform the four point inspection. A building inspector, architect or engineer is usually required for the windstorm mitigation affidavit.

I am buying a home. Can I use this as a less expensive pre-purchase inspection?
No. This type of inspection is not intended for use as a pre-purchase comprehensive inspection. As it is geared for your insurance needs, it will not contain the type of information you may need to make an informed decision before purchase.