Wind mitigation refers to building features and improvements that help a home better withstand high winds from hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms. These measures can significantly reduce potential damage and often qualify homeowners for insurance discounts.
Common Wind Mitigation Features:
Roof-to-Wall Connections: Hurricane straps or clips that secure the roof structure to the walls, preventing the roof from lifting off during high winds.
Roof Covering: Impact-resistant shingles, metal roofing, or other wind-rated materials that can withstand high wind speeds and flying debris.
Roof Deck Attachment: Proper fastening of roof decking to rafters or trusses using ring-shank nails or screws.
Roof Geometry: Hip roofs perform better in high winds than gable roofs due to their aerodynamic shape.
Opening Protection: Hurricane shutters, impact-resistant windows, and reinforced garage doors that protect against wind-driven debris.
Secondary Water Resistance: A sealed roof deck that prevents water intrusion if the primary roof covering is damaged.
Insurance Benefits: Many states, particularly Florida and other coastal areas, require insurers to offer discounts for verified wind mitigation features. A wind mitigation inspection can document these features and result in substantial premium savings. Discounts can range from 5% to over 50% depending on the features present and the insurer's guidelines.
Homeowners in high-wind areas should consider a professional wind mitigation inspection to identify existing features and potential improvements that could both increase safety and reduce insurance costs.
Risk Factors
Wind Mitigation
Property improvements and construction techniques designed to reduce damage from high winds, often resulting in insurance premium discounts.
Related Terms
Hurricane Deductible
A separate deductible that applies to hurricane-related damage, typically higher than standard deductibles.
Mitigation Credit
Premium discounts or deductible reductions offered for property improvements that reduce risk.
Wind and Hail Deductible
A separate, often higher deductible that applies specifically to damage caused by wind and hail storms.
High-Risk Property
Properties that insurance companies consider more likely to experience losses due to location, condition, or other risk factors.
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